Expedite Expo 2011: Something for Everyone

The Expedite Expo has become America’s largest expedited trucking show, and is set to begin its second decade this July with another outstanding event.

The Expo will be held July 22 and 23 at the Roberts Convention Centre in Wilmington, Ohio.

Once again, the Expo will feature something for everyone, with a variety of exhibits, entertainment, workshops and seminars that will highlight the expedited trucking industry and allow attendees to gain new insights.

The show is expected to draw 4,500-5,000 people, with visitors from 36 states and Canada.

A major highlight of this year’s show will be an appearance by John Ratzenberger, one of the stars of the hit television show Cheers and more recently the voice of Mr. Potato Head in the hugely popular Toy Story movies.

Ratzenberger has had a voice part in every film produced by Pixar Studios. He reprises his role as Mack the truck in this summer's Cars 2.

Ratzenberger, whose father was a professional truck driver, will appear at the Expo on July 23. He will attend a luncheon with industry representatives including drivers and owner-operators before addressing the Expo at 1 p.m.

Ratzenberger is expected to talk to attendees about his trucking roots as well as changes in the trucking industry and the respect and devotion to their trade embodied by the professional truck driver.

Ratzenberger will be available for a meet and greet and autograph session from 1:20 to 3:30 p.m.

Trucking radio icon Dave Nemo will broadcast live from the show both days.

Of course, much of the attention at the Expo will be on the exhibits, and this year’s show is sold out with more than 100 exhibitors who will be on hand to display their products and services in an exhibition area that covers 80,000 square feet. For the exhibitors, the Expo is a perfect opportunity to show off the newest and most innovative trucks and equipment, so there is sure to be plenty to do and see.

The Expo also will give a nod to the history of trucking with an antique truck show sponsored by Old Time Trucks magazine. The show will feature more than 100 classic trucks from all over the United States. A wide variety of years, makes, and models will be on display.

New to the Expo this year is the TruckPro Seminars that will offer hands-on instruction covering issues such as truck maintenance and safety. Presenters will be working live with attendees on a truck parked right on the trade show floor.

More than 10 driver workshops are also scheduled that will cover a variety of topics important to the expedited trucking industry.

Of course, the Expo isn’t all business. It’s also a good time, with entertainment that will include Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers, an Ohio-based group that will perform classic country, bluegrass and gospel songs. Also on hand will be the Amazing Portable Circus, appearing at the Expo for the fourth consecutive year. This year the circus will feature Chris the Amazing Magician as well as other talented performers. The Expo also will include a performance by renowned animal trainer Jungle Jack Hannah's group featuring animals from the Columbus zoo.

On July 22, from 7 to 10 p.m., the Expo will hold its Casino Night, hosted by CIS Commercial Insurance Solutions with games such as Blackjack, Roulette, Craps and Texas Hold ’Em. There’s no cost to play, as participants will be provided with Funbucks and casino chips.

Several lucky visitors to the Expo will go home with some extra spending money in their pockets as well. There will be a total of eight $100 cash giveaways — four on each day of the show. At 4 p.m. each day, a $1,000 cash prize will be given away to a lucky winner. A $1,200  Espar Heater also will be given away at the show.

The 2011 Commercial Insurance Solutions Drivers’ Choice Award will recognize the best of best in the expedited trucking industry — with Expo attendees as the judges. Attendees can vote for their favorite dealer's truck. Your ballot is also your chance to win one of the two $1,000 cash prizes.
The Drivers' Choice Award will be presented at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 23, at the close of the Expo.

Registration, admission and parking are all free at Expedite Expo.

Expedite Expo 2011
Roberts Convention Centre
Wilmington, Ohio
I-71 at Exit 50

Show times:

Friday, July 22, 9:00 am - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 23, 9:00 am - 4:00 p.m.

www.expediteexpo.com