BOSTON, Mass. — The 2005 American Trucking Association (ATA) Management Conference & Exhibition will feature former U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham and former U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge who will address two of the hottest issues in the trucking industry today – soaring fuel costs and ever-tighter security requirements.

The event, held at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center in Boston, Mass. Oct. 15-19, will have Abraham speaking at the opening general session on Oct. 17. His seminar, “The Energy Market: Today and Tomorrow”, is geared to help find where the current high energy prices came from and what the future likely holds. Organizers say Secretary Abraham will have valuable insights from his direct dealings with OPEC and the energy industry.

Ridge will deliver the keynote at the ATA Advocacy & Government Affairs Luncheon on Oct. 16. He will discuss the new security threats facing the United States and the implications for the trucking industry.

Maria Cino, Deputy Secretary of Transportation, will also be on-hand to discuss the transportation issues facing trucking today at the general luncheon Oct. 17. As Deputy Secretary, Ms. Cino is helping President Bush and Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta ensure that the United States and its citizens have a safe, efficient, and reliable transportation system that meets vital national interests and enhances the quality of life for Americans today and into the future.

For more information on the conference, including a complete list of speakers and educational seminars, call 703-838-1755.