TORONTO, Ont. — The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) said its annual convention, Nov. 17 and 18, promises to be even better this year than last, with exciting sessions led by a roster of top-drawer panelists and speakers who can show you how to make your business grow.

Morning seminars on Nov. 17 include a breakfast talk discussing how carriers can capitalize on China’s burgeoning economy and role in global trade followed by a two-part international trucking forum with panelists from Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the U.S.

Seminars that afternoon will include “Wall Street Outlook for Trucking” (a talk on the financial outlook on the LTL and TL markets for 2005 and beyond), a seminar on driver recruitment strategies and the “Crossing the Border” question and answer session. Panelists for the Q&A session include representatives from the Blue Water, Detroit International, Niagara Falls and Buffalo & Fort Erie bridges.

The day’s educational activities end with “The Market: Don’t Put Your Business in Reverse” — a panel on shipper relations featuring some of Ontario’s most successful carriers.

On Nov. 18, the morning seminars will include “From the Drivers Seat” with speaker Jim Johnston, president of the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association; “How to Deal More Effectively With Your Bank” with representatives from RBC Financial Group; and “Shipper Strategies for the Capacity Crunch” with a panel of experts including several leading manufacturers.

The three afternoon sessions will be “Trucks and Tires: What is the Future?” with speakers from several major manufacturers; “By the Numbers – Measuring your Company’s Performance”, hosted by last years’ National Post Business CEO of the Year Rick Gaetz of Vitran Corporation and Post platinum club member Don Streuber, president of Bison Diversified Inc.; and a motivational seminar by speaker Mike Lipkin.

Events also include the Volvo Luncheon Nov. 17, hosted by Anaheim Mighty Ducks GM and Executive VP Brian Burke; and that evening the Chairman’s Reception and Buffet Dinner and the Comedy Festival featuring Russell Peters, Glen Foster and Derek Edwards. On Nov. 18, there’s the Freightliner Luncheon, hosted by Mike Lipkin; and later that evening the convention’s grande finale – the OTA’s gala reception and dinner, headlined by Juno Award winner Jann Arden.

The OTA convention takes places at the Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Road, Toronto.

To register for any or all of the seminars and/or events mentioned above, download a registration form from www.ontruck.org/convention.