General Sessions

Tuesday, February 3 at 4-5pm

Trucking Drives Success!

Trucking is rapidly evolving, and technology will play a pivotal role in shaping the future. Gain insights from a seasoned and respected leader at a leading truck manufacturer on how OEMs and dealers can partner for success. 

Plus, outgoing Chairman Scott Pearson will reflect on his two years of service — including stories of his advocacy efforts on the “push to zero” and lessons learned along the way. Join us to thank Scott for his leadership! 

And, ATD debuts a new Service Recognition Award, honoring an individual who exemplifies the industry’s commitment to keep America moving.  

SPEAKERS:

  • David Carson, SVP, sales & marketing, Daimler Truck North America
  • Scott Pearson, 2025 chairman, ATD

Wednesday, February 4 at 10:30-11am

The Engine of Change

Flying solo? You might think so but look around. You have support staff and managers. You have directors, suppliers and partners. And you have colleagues and significant others. Discover how to transform obstacles into opportunities with the power of teamwork. Learn practical strategies to build a winning team, foster trust and collaboration, and lead with courage. 

Bonus: Change It Up Uptime depends on having the right part at the right time. ATD is proud to present its first Parts Recognition Award, honoring individuals who deliver on this critical customer commitment.

SPEAKER:

  •  Lt. Col. (Ret.) Waldo Waldman, fighter jet pilot, executive coach & author
Read Waldo Waldman's bio

Lt. Col. Waldo Waldman, known as “The Wingman,” is an executive coach and author of the New York Times bestseller, Never Fly Solo. Drawing on his combat experience as an F-16 fighter pilot and corporate roles in sales and management, he excels in teaching organizations how to forge trusting, revenue-boosting relationships. Waldman specializes in change management, peak performance, resilience and overcoming personal fears to achieve goals. An inductee into the Professional Speakers Hall of Fame, his compelling keynotes emphasize the importance of having trusted partners, or wingmen, to achieve peak performance.

Wednesday, February 4 at 4-5pm

Driving Big Impacts

From emissions standards to tax priorities and trade policies, 2025 brought big shifts for the truck industry. ATD President Jacqueline Gelb updates on industry wins and outline opportunities on the horizon for 2026. 

Then, hear results from the North American Council on Freight Efficiency’s (NACFE’s) latest Run on Less campaign for on-highway trucks — highlighting the “Messy Middle” on what fuels of the future will deliver performance and operational solutions to the industry. 
 

SPEAKERS:

  • Jacqueline Gelb, president, ATD
  • Mike Roeth, executive director, NACFE

Thursday, February 5 at 10:30-11:30am

Let’s Get Started 

As they say, “The only constant in life is change,” and the truck industry has experienced a lot! NADA’s chief economist discusses what’s driving the truck industry and how dealers can best position themselves for 2026 and beyond. 

Don’t miss Kevin Holmes, ATD’s new Chairman, share his vision for the industry as he begins his two-year tenure, and then have a fireside chat with the 2026 Truck Dealer of the Year winner.  

The ATD Truck Dealer of the Year Award is more than an industry achievement recognition. The winner of the annual award will be a spokesperson for truck dealers throughout the nation and a force in shaping the future of the industry. Don’t miss the reveal of the 2026 Truck Dealer of the Year winner.

 

SPEAKERS:

  • Kevin Holmes, 2026 chairman, ATD
  • Patrick Manzi, chief economist, NADA