Over the past few years, I’ve noticed a steady decline in attendance at truck shows.

To a point, it’s understandable. For some time, we’ve witnessed a steady drop in this country’s owner/operators and drivers.

There simply aren’t as many of you as there used to be (although driving a truck is still the number one occupation in the country).

I was quite surprised to learn that two of our country’s larger regional truck shows – Calgary’s Truxpo and The 2003 Canadian Truck & Heavy Equipment Show, set for Winnipeg – have recently been postponed due to lack of interest.

According to the organizers, this lack of interest is based around poor exhibitor sales.

I don’t blame the exhibitors, you could have rolled a bowling ball down the aisles of most shows I’ve attended recently, and not hit a thing (okay, there were a few exceptions!)

It’s too bad.

These shows would not only have given you the opportunity to view the latest trucks and accessories, you also could have networked with fellow owner/operators and drivers.

I’ve said it before, we can all learn from other truckers’ experiences. Contacts are important. Take a look at the successful trucker.

I’m betting more times than not you’d see it’s not only what they know, it’s who they know.

Where do we go from here?

It’s like the chicken and the egg scenario.

You have to have a truck show to attend a truck show, but without exhibitors there won’t be any truck shows.

All I can say is you’re running out of chances.

For those of you on the East Coast, get off your air ride seats and get down to Moncton.

Taking place on June 13th and 14th, it’s one not to miss.

If you’re in Montreal Oct. 23rd to the 25th, Expocam will be this year’s largest.

Can’t make it?

You’ll have a great time at Rodeo Du Camion being held Aug. 1st to 3rd in Notre-Damn-Du-Nord.

These are just a few – for a complete show list and dates go to “Coming Events” at www.trucknews.com.

Once you’re at these shows, work them.

The exhibitors are there to answer any questions or concerns you may have about their products.

Remember, they’re trying to build that better mouse-trap and your input matters.

Don’t forget to drop by our booth, we’ll be expecting to see you! n

– Rob Wilkins is the publisher of Truck News and he can be reached at 416-442-2097.