General Sessions
Big-picture insights. Industry-defining conversations.
Wednesday, February 17 | 4-5pm
Shifting Gears: Politics, Policy and the Trucking Industry
From Capitol Hill to the dealership, policy decisions can have far-reaching implications for the trucking industry. Hear from experts as they break down the legislative and regulatory landscape, discuss the implications of November’s elections, and explore what's ahead for truck dealers and your customers.
SPEAKER:
- TBA
Thursday, February 18 | 10-11am
Change, Culture and Customer Service: Building a Stronger Brand
Check back soon! We're finalizing details.
SPEAKER:
Bruce Himelstein
Former Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company
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Bruce Himelstein is a recognized leader in sales, marketing and brand transformation who has helped some of the travel and hospitality industry’s most prestigious brands evolve for new generations of customers. His career includes leadership roles with Loews Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and Oceania Cruises.
As corporate vice president of sales and marketing for The Ritz-Carlton, Himelstein led the luxury brand’s renewal and transformation, including the groundbreaking “Blow the Dust Off the Lion and Crown” campaign. The initiative strengthened the brand’s appeal among longtime customers while introducing it to a new generation of guests. Himelstein and the campaign are featured in Joseph Michelli’s New York Times bestseller, “The New Gold Standard.”
Himelstein was recognized by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International as one of its Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales & Marketing and is an inductee into the American Marketing Association Hall of Fame. A sought-after speaker and industry commentator, he shares insights on brand relevance, customer experience, service culture and innovation.
Thursday, February 18 | 4-5pm
Building Tomorrow's Truck Dealership Workforce
The future of the truck industry depends on attracting, developing and retaining talented professionals. Hear firsthand accounts from those making significant contributions across trucking. Discover strategies for workforce development, explore opportunities for career growth, and learn how strong leadership and a diversified mindset drives success at every level of the dealership.
Plus, hear remarks from the ATD President and the introduction of the ATD Board of Line Representatives.
SPEAKERS:
Mallory Bivens
General Council, The Pete Store
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Check back soon!
Korey Neal
CEO, K. Neal Truck and Bus Center
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Korey Neal Sr. is CEO of K. Neal Group, a family-owned enterprise encompassing K. Neal Truck and Bus Dealership (KNT&B), K. Neal TBC and Powells Truck. The organization operates six locations across the Mid-Atlantic, representing leading commercial truck and bus brands including International, Isuzu, Hino, IC Bus and Cummins.
Under Neal’s leadership, KNT&B sells more than 800 commercial vehicles annually, manages a leasing fleet of more than 200 units and holds nearly 50% of Maryland’s school bus market. KNT&B was also named Dealer of the Year by the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition.
A graduate of the American Truck Dealers Academy, Neal serves on the National Automobile Dealers Association Board, representing International, and the American Truck Dealers Board of Directors. His honors include the Washington Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and the U.S. Black Chambers of Commerce Emerging Leaders & Influencers Award.
Nikki Thomas
VP Industry Affairs, ATA
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Nikki Thomas is vice president of industry affairs at the American Trucking Associations (ATA), where she provides strategic leadership for industry engagement, workforce development and image initiatives. She oversees ATA’s national truck programs, including America’s Road Team, and leads workforce development efforts such as LEAD ATA, helping cultivate the next generation of industry leaders.
Thomas played a pivotal role in the creation and expansion of Women In Motion (WIM), ATA’s second-largest council, which focuses on advancing the recruitment, retention and professional growth of women across the trucking industry. She also serves as co-lead of Nothing Without Trucking, the industry’s national image and education campaign highlighting trucking’s essential role in the U.S. economy and everyday life.
Before joining ATA, Thomas served as vice president of development, marketing and programs for the Independent Petroleum Association of America and its Educational Foundation. She was appointed to the Truckers Against Trafficking Board of Directors in 2025.
Friday, February 19 | 10-11:15am
Putting Technology to Work for Truck Dealers
Commercial truck dealers are navigating rapid change driven by freight markets, economic pressures, evolving customer expectations, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Explore what these forces mean for dealership operations and gain actionable insights to make smarter investments in infrastructure, talent and technology, strengthen customer relationships and drive long-term growth.
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 2027 Truck Dealer of the Year winner.
SPEAKER:
Steve Tam
VP, ACT Research Co.
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Check back soon!
