TORONTO, Ont. – Preparations are ramping up as Canada’s largest truck show – Truck World – heads to the International Centre in Toronto, running April 19-21.

Produced by Newcom Media (owner of Today’s Trucking) and Deutsche Messe in partnership for the first time, the biennial show has already seen a 10% increase in exhibitor registration over the last show in 2016.

Of the 488 exhibitors registered for spots so far, 84 are heading north from the U.S. That number is already a 40% increase over 2016’s total of 60 U.S. exhibitors – and registration isn’t closed yet.

New show manager Thierry Quagliata said the 390,000 sq.-ft. show floor is expected to play host to more than 500 exhibitors looking to connect with show-goers on everything from new trucks, to parts, to training and jobs, and more.

Regular Truck World attendees will notice some changes to this year’s line-up, that show reps say will add informational value to the experience.

New this year is a “Knowledge Stop” right on the show floor featuring four informational sessions from industry experts each day on Thursday, April 19, and Friday April 20.

The Knowledge Stop will feature free seminars on industry issues like inspections stops and defects causing collisions with a sergeant from the Ontario Provincial Police, to advice on succession planning for your business, and discussions on how drivers affect your fuel economy.

“These are great for those middle management executives or those who want to learn more about trucking or starting their business within the industry,” said Quagliata.

The sessions run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on each of the two days, and a full schedule is available on the Truck World website.

The Knowledge Stop isn’t the only new addition to this year’s show. The new Truck World app is replacing this year’s show guide. Show representatives say printed maps will still be distributed for guests, but otherwise the show is going completely paperless. The app will allow users not only to carry a guide in their pocket, but connect with exhibitors and other show-goers before, during, and after the show using a direct messaging feature.

With an industry-wide tight labor market, hiring will be one of the issues on everyone’s mind as they hit the show floor. More than 75 exhibitors are seeking to hire directly from their booths, and at least 90 employers are participating in a dedicated driver recruitment pavilion.

Returning to the show this year is the popular hat day. Sponsored by show exhibitors hats will be given out to the first 2,000 guests to arrive on Saturday, April 21.

If you miss out on a hat, don’t worry, every attendee for the duration of the show will get a ballot for one of five drones being drawn as a door prize. Ballot boxes will be located on the show floor, giving guests a chance to win as the explore.

“Hat day” will be a busy one with The Highway Star of the Year award being announced at noon in the booth of platinum award sponsor Freightliner. Eberspacher is this year’s gold sponsor for the award.

No truck show would be complete without a new truck, and show reps have said they know of at least one reveal that will happen on the show floor, but are holding the details close to the vest until closer to show time.

New trailers, parts, and components are also expected to make their debut during the three-day experience.

“I hope for Truck World 2018 to be an even better show, with more for attendees to see and discover,” Quagliata said. “Between truck, trailers, parts, technology and services, I think the show will be a great and easy way for professionals in the industry to connect with their suppliers and customers, to create more business, and to learn something new.”

Those wanting to attend the show can register online and get all the information at www.truckworld.ca.

The show will open Thursday, April 19 at 10 a.m.

A free entry to this year’s show can be found in the April print edition of Today’s Trucking.

For fleet maintenance professionals and those eager to add to their knowledge base, The Canadian Fleet Maintenance Summit will be at the International Centre the day before Truck World begins, April 18.