FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 20, 2023 

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 

 NFL Legend Cris Carter Announced as HDAW’24 Keynote Speaker

 Pro Football Hall of Famer slated to deliver powerful keynote on storied career, challenges, and how leaders can be fully equipped for the road ahead 

MOKENA, IL ( December 20, 2023 )—  Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW), the cornerstone annual gathering for heavy-duty aftermarket professionals, is excited to announce that legendary NFL Hall of Famer Cris Carter will be the 2024 keynote speaker. In his opening general session talk, taking place on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, Carter will draw from his remarkable career, life and media expertise to inspire leaders to be fully ready to lead, drive change, and overcome adversity. 

 Widely regarded as one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history, Carter spent 16 years (1987-2002) suiting up for the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, and Miami Dolphins. After retiring with the second-most receptions and touchdowns as a receiver in the history of the NFL, Carter entered the media, serving as an analyst and host on HBO®, ESPN®, and Fox Sports™. Throughout his storied NFL career, Carter garnered numerous accolades, earning eight Pro Bowl selections and securing his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013. Beyond his athletic achievements, Carter has evolved into a revered sports analyst and motivational speaker, making him a highly sought-after figure for many Fortune 500 companies and events. 

“We’re honored to welcome Cris Carter as our keynote for Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week this year,” said Nicole Oreskovic, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems and HDAW’24 supplier co-chair. “Cris’ illustrious career, marked by excellence, is a powerful metaphor for the challenges and triumphs in the heavy-duty aftermarket industry. His journey mirrors our commitment and a renewed focus on being fully equipped for the evolving landscape.” 

Event Details: 

Opening General Session 

  • Opening by the Co-chairs 
  • Distributor of the Year 
  • Hall of Fame Presentation 
  • Keynote Speaker: Cris Carter 

Date: Tuesday, January 23, 2024 
Time: 7:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. CT
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center  

“HDAW’24 is on track to rival last year’s record-breaking event, with another sold-out show floor, and more than 1,900 One-on-One prescheduled meetings,” added Michael Callison Jr., President and CEO at Midwest Wheel Companies and HDAW’24 distributor co-chair. “And on top of that, we are adding a new closing reception experience at AT&T Stadium, which is proving to be a very in-demand event.” 

In addition to the keynote address, attendees will not want to miss the closing reception, Wednesday Night Lights at AT&T Stadium. Tickets are now available to all registered distributors and suppliers as a registration add-on of $55. Registrants are encouraged to book early to secure their space. A limited number of tickets will be sold onsite for $125. 

HDAW‘24 will welcome more than 2,600 executives and managers from across the industry, including distributors, suppliers, service providers, industry experts and thought leaders, and more. Over four days, heavy-duty aftermarket professionals will experience peer-to-peer learning, invaluable networking opportunities, personalized business meetings and a sold-out Product Expo that provides an exclusive view of the latest products moving the industry forward. 

Registration for HDAW’24 is now open. Visit hdaw.org for more information. 

###

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, visit hdaw.org or contact W.T. Glasgow, conference management, at 708.226.1300.