The First Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention A Success !

The First Truckers Social Media Event
Draws An Attendance of 178

The most common statement made during the First Annual Truck Drivers Social Media Event was "the industry has needed this for a long time."

Held at the Gold Strike Casino in Tunica, Mississippi, this past weekend, the one-day event had something for everyone.  Speakers Paul Taylor, trucking employment law attorney, and Rich Wilson, Regulatory and Compliance, speaking on driver legal issues and regulatory issues, respectively, imparted a great deal of helpful information for truckers.  Rich spoke at length about pending and current regulations, issues about which many drivers voiced considerable concern.   His presentation included details about how truckers can contact their government representatives, follow the status of pending regulations, and most importantly, how their voices can be heard. 

Eddie Gichuhi, founder of Trip Sheet Central, discussed how he has developed a proven framework that truck business owners can use to manage their business, and grow in strength and profit.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

James S. McCormack,
Founder of
Trucking Careers of America

I had the honor of talking about today's trucking industry climate and how it affects the careers of drivers at all levels.  Drivers must take it upon themselves to be informed and to know how to protect themselves against unscrupulous cdl training schools, cdl company paid programs and trucking companies in general.  Like any industry, there is good, bad and ugly ... through diligent research and professional advice, drivers can recognize and avoid 'the bad and the ugly'.   

The Convention was well received among drivers, driver supporters, sponsors, and guests.  This first annual event met and exceeded all expectations, with a final count of 178.  Many drivers began posting on Twitter the day of the Convention, sharing their experiences at this first annual convention, the objective of which was to unite, honor, inform, network, socialize, and give voice to the professional trucker. 

Many friends were made, others were strengthened, and there was a lot of idea-sharing and networking among everyone.  Of interest to just about everyone attending was learning more about the power of social media and knowing how to use social media to further the cause of the American trucker, beyond getting online and chatting with friends.    This topic was covered very well by Landon Middleton, expert on social media.

I have to mention that the casino itself was beautiful, high energy and busy.  I came in from the Atlanta area, a drive of almost 7 hours to what seemed to be the middle of nowhere.  But it was absolutely worth the drive.....

The meeting room was filled with high energy, the meals were excellent and hotel service superb.

The evening concluded with some of the best entertainment around as Tony Justice and his Nashville band cranked out hit after hit.  John DiBattista also opened up during dinner with a more mellow side, ending his set with his rendition of "Say A Prayer For Jason" from the Big Rigs music CD.

There is so much more than can be said about this first convention, such as the expensive and highly sought after gifts awarded to drivers.  A special award was given to Hope Jhlivenburg, widow of Jason Jhlivenburg, whose death has inspired many to fight for Jason's Law legislation.  And there was so much more .....

Plans are being made for next year's event which many are already looking forward to.  Sponsors are making a commitment to the 2012 convention.  Details for the 2012 Convention will be announced in June and will be available at the Truck Driver Social Media Convention website.