TORONTO, Ont. — Organizers are pleased with reviews of the OTA’s 77th annual convention.

"A first class convention — it was great!" was a refrain frequently heard from delegates who attended this year’s OTA convention (Nov. 12 14) according to organizers.

In keeping with the theme of the 77th annual convention, Driving Change, OTA ushered in a series of changes.

Topping the list of "firsts" was the most obvious a move to the Toronto Congress Centre, following a 16-year stint at the now defunct Regal Constellation Hotel.

With more meeting room space available to convention planners, OTA introduced a significantly expanded seminar series at the three-day event. Delegates could choose from a total of 17 business sessions. Carriers described the seminar sessions as "extremely informative" and said the sessions featured "excellent topics dealing with the industry’s most important issues,” said organizers.

Another first, the "Executive Forum: Leading CEOs Share Strategies for Success,” was one of the most popular convention sessions, said organizers. At this three-hour session, some of the country’s most respected CEOs shared their perspective on business success in the trucking industry.

The three-day convention wrapped up with a gala dinner featuring entertainment by vocalist Michael Bubl. OTA delegates had the opportunity to enjoy Bubl in private concert just one night before he performed to a sold-out crowd at Toronto’s Massey Hall.

OTA would like to express its thanks to the many 2003 convention sponsors. For a list of sponsors, visit: http://www.ontruck.org/info/convention/main.htm