FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2024 

CONTACT
Stacey Miller, Auto Care Association/AWDA, stacey.miller@autocare.org, (240) 333-1017
Caterina Pontoriero, MEMA, cpontoriero@mema.org (919) 406-8848
Kristen Kellogg, CVSN, kkellogg@cvsn.org, (303) 903-1009 

heavy duty aftermarket week 2024 wraps up with record success

Record attendance and exhibitor participation solidify the 2024 gathering as the most successful in event history

MOKENA, IL (FEBRUARY 1, 2024)—Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW), North America’s premier gathering of heavy-duty aftermarket professionals, concluded its 2024 event with record-breaking success. Over four days at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, HDAW’24 brought together more than 2,900 executives and managers from various industry sectors, reaffirming its position as the unrivaled meeting ground for distributors, suppliers, service providers and thought leaders. This year, the industry was proud to honor Mike Betts, CEO and Chairman of the Board for Betts Company, as the 2024 Heavy Duty Aftermarket Industry Hall of Fame recipient and Tidewater Fleet Supply as the Distributor of the Year.

Themed “Fully Equipped,” HDAW’24 embraced the industry’s forward-thinking perspective during a significant digital shift. The 2024 event achieved a remarkable 11.8% growth in overall attendance over 2023. The sold-out show floor, spanning 140,000+ square feet and hosting 330+ exhibitors, underscored the industry’s dedication to leading in a swiftly evolving business landscape. This growth was further evidenced by a notable 47 first-time exhibitors, showcasing the industry’s vibrant expansion and steadfast commitment to innovation.

Michael Callison Jr., President and CEO at Midwest Wheel Companies and HDAW’24 co-chair, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “The resounding success of HDAW’24, marked by substantial growth, underscores the resilience and forward-thinking spirit of heavy-duty aftermarket professionals. It’s truly gratifying to see our commitment to innovation and collaboration reflected in the record-breaking numbers and vibrant atmosphere of this year’s event.”

HDAW’24 featured the industry’s largest and most effective One-on-One Business Meeting program, hosting a staggering 1,900+ meeting sessions scheduled across three days, with more distributors registered than suppliers. This marked a significant milestone of this popular program and fostered an environment for distributors and suppliers to engage in meaningful connections and seize deal-making opportunities.

Nicole Oreskovic, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems and HDAW’24 supplier co-chair, stated, “The continued interest and success of HDAW’s One-on-One Business Meeting program reflects the commitment of each of the 11 organizing associations to fostering impactful connections. The sheer scale of the meetings provided a unique platform for professionals to navigate opportunities and solidify strategic partnerships in our dynamic business landscape.”

Attendees actively participated in many of the diverse networking programs, enhancing their HDAW’24 experience. The revamped Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) program provided a platform for emerging professionals to connect and collaborate, fostering the industry’s next generation of leaders. The HDAWomen Reception created a lively space for professionals to support women in the heavy-duty aftermarket industry to build meaningful connections, share insights and discuss how to inspire confidence in younger generations. The Wednesday Night Lights Closing Reception at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, brought together industry professionals in a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere, adding a rich and exciting dimension to HDAW’24.

The education program highlighted the critical elements that will shape the industry in the next three to five years and actionable steps to secure its overall health and viability. Attendees walked away with the most recent updates on topics including electrification, recruitment and retention, and Right to Repair legislation. Additionally, NFL Legend Cris Carter took the stage for a keynote address, sharing inspiring anecdotes from his storied career and drawing parallels with the challenges and triumphs in the heavy-duty aftermarket industry. Carter encouraged the audience to consistently work toward the best versions of themselves to make a positive impact on their businesses, families and communities.

After the conclusion of HDAW’24, a sense of accomplishment and enrichment resonated among distributors and suppliers alike.

Cara Mitchell of BBB Industries expressed, “HDAW is a great place to network, better understand your customers and competitors, and learn what your company can do to more effectively interact with all of your stakeholder groups. Others in the industry should take advantage of this week because it gives you a chance to see so many of your peers in one place and hear about things that are impacting the industry.”

When asked about the benefits of attending HDAW, Kevin Hopton of CBS Parts Limited stated, “This event is a game-changer for anyone in our industry. Not only does it strengthen your connections with manufacturers, but it also opens doors to explore new product lines. It’s a crucial step in building and growing your business, fostering relationships that prove invaluable. I definitely recommend it.”

Planning for HDAW’25 is already well underway, with the event scheduled to take place January 20-23, 2025, in Grapevine, Texas. For more information, visit www.hdaw.org and connect with HDAW online on X, Facebook and LinkedIn. 

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About HDAW 

HDAW is a business-to-business executive conference presented by a joint operating committee of industry leaders from 11 distinguished industry associations: Association of Diesel Specialists (ADS), Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network (CVSN), HDA-Truck Pride, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, APRA’s Heavy Duty Remanufacturing Group (HDRG), International Truck Parts Association (ITPA), Overseas Automotive Council (OAC), Power Heavy Duty, Service Specialists Association (SSA) and VIPAR Heavy Duty.

For more information, go to www.hdaw.org or contact W.T. Glasgow, conference management, at 708.226.1300.