EQUIPPING FUTURE LEADERS

The HDAW Student Program offers a unique opportunity for ambitious college students to experience the heavy duty aftermarket industry firsthand—and for sponsoring companies to connect with the next generation of talent.

Over an immersive four-day program at Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) 2026 in Grapevine, Texas, students will gain unparalleled exposure to the industry by:

  • Partnering directly with a sponsoring company to support activities throughout the event.
  • Participating in specialized classroom sessions and immersive on-site assignments designed to prepare them for careers in the aftermarket.
  • Networking with more than 2,800 industry executives and managers from across North America.
  • Exploring the HDAW Product Expo, attending educational sessions, and engaging in One-on-One Business Meetings.

Students in the program are carefully selected undergraduate candidates from partnering universities, chosen through a rigorous application and interview process. The 2025 program welcomed 28 students from five universities, representing a diverse range of disciplines including Automotive Aftermarket Management, Industrial Distribution, Heavy-Duty Diesel, Supply Chain Management, Marketing, and more—bringing a well-rounded pool of future industry talent to HDAW.

Key Program Highlights for Sponsors

  • Direct Student Engagement: Your sponsored student supports your company Tuesday and Wednesday during HDAW while also exploring the event independently.
  • Turnkey Logistics: Student transportation, lodging, most meals, and registration are handled by HDAW.
  • Hands-On Event Support: Your student partner actively assists your team during the show—whether staffing your booth, capturing notes, engaging with customers, creating social media content, or supporting other key projects—helping your organization maximize its presence at the show, while engaging meaningfully with the industry.
  • Talent Pipeline: Every student in the HDAW program is actively pursuing career opportunities—from internships and summer positions to full-time roles after graduation—giving sponsors early access to motivated, job-ready talent.

Interested in sponsoring a student? Check back soon—additional details and a link to the Student Sponsor Application will be available shortly.

ADDITIONAL SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

While the number of student partner placements is limited, there are multiple ways to engage with the HDAW Student Program and showcase your commitment to workforce development. Sponsorship opportunities are available for:

  • Educational & Mentorship Sessions: Sponsor exclusive Monday sessions designed specifically for HDAW student participants, offering industry insights and direct engagement with future talent.
  • HDAW Student Welcome Dinner: Host an evening event that warmly welcomes students, fosters networking, and encourages meaningful connections with program participants.
  • Student Welcome Gifts & Goodie Bags: Provide branded gifts or program materials that create a memorable experience and lasting impression on participants.

These opportunities allow your company to gain visibility, demonstrate industry leadership, and directly support the next generation of heavy duty professionals—even without a dedicated student partner. Please reach out to chrisk@wtglasgow.com to discuss opportunities to support this program.