TORONTO, Ont. – The Ontario Trucking Association’s theme for this year’s convention, titled “Expanding our horizons,” is fitting, given that senior executives and managers of Canada’s trucking industry can look forward to an international focus.

The two-day convention, to be held November 17-18, at the Toronto Congress Centre, at 650 Dixon Rd., will kick off with the International Trucking Forum (Nov. 17), bringing together a panel of leading trucking experts from Australia, Europe, New Zealand and the United States to discuss mutual operational issues and international regulatory trends. One of the many notable panelists is U.S. Governor Bill Graves, (President & CEO, American Trucking Associations).

Also on Thursday (Nov. 17) convention delegates will hear from: Wall Street transportation market analyst, Thomas Albrecht, with an industry outlook; Graeme Deans of A.T. Kearney will speak on the impact of China on the North America economy; Getting Drivers from Non-Traditional Sources will offer carriers tips on making a dent in the chronic shortage of drivers; Crossing the Border offers operations staff an informative Q & A session.

CEOs from major U.S. and Canadian carriers will also discuss how shippers are testing the resolve of carriers in The Market: Don’t Put Your Business in Reverse.

Also Thursday, Brian Burke of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks is slated to speak at lunch.

And the day is set to close with the always-popular Chairman’s Reception and Buffet Dinner, followed by the comedy trio of Russell Peters, Glen Foster and Derek Edwards (from the Comedy Festival).

On Friday, (Nov. 18): Owner Operator Independent Drivers’ Association chief Jim Johnston is scheduled to address the future of owner/operators in the trucking industry, and truck drivers and a group of carriers will provide their views in From the Driver’s Seat. Carriers will also hear How to Deal More Effectively with their Bank.

And leading shippers from Canada and the U.S. will address how they are getting the trucking service they need in today’s tight marketplace in Shipper Strategies for the Capacity Crunch.

But that won’t be all – carriers can also find out how to boost profits at Using Technology to Track Costs and Increase Profitability.

Leading carriers and financial experts are also set to discuss ratios worth looking at in Measuring Your Company’s Performance.

And Trucks and Tires: What is the Future? looks at 2007 and 2010 model year engines.

Also Friday, world-renowned motivator/communicator Mike Lipkin is slated to explain how to boost productivity and build a strong team.

And last but certainly not least Juno Award winner Jann Arden is scheduled to perform at the Gala Dinner on Friday evening.

The 2005 OTA Convention will also host a new product and technology exhibit, which will give vendors the opportunity to showcase their new wares.

To reserve exhibit space, contact: OTA’s Melanie Kowdrysh at (416) 249-7401 ext. 231.

The exhibit will feature a technical display of truck equipment, components and information technology.

The primary purpose of the exhibit is technical – not commercial – and will focus on delivering information for equipment users.

The hours of the exhibit are: Thursday, November 17 (7:30 am – 10:00 p.m.) and Friday, November 18 (7:30 a.m. 3:00 p.m.).

For more information, you can visit the OTA’s Web site at www@ontruck.org