Truckstop and travel plaza owners and operators and industry suppliers gathered together in Nashville, Tenn., for The NATSO Show 2014 last week. Attendees took part in educational sessions, engaging keynote addresses and countless conversations with exhibitors showing their products on the trade show floor.
Kat Cole, president of Cinnabon, was one of several high-energy keynote speakers. Cole shared Cinnabon’s work in developing partnerships and building its brand, which starts with its employees, she said.
“The key is making a positive impact in our employees’ lives so they want to be a part of your brand,” Cole said.
She also advised operators to stay close to the people who matter in the business—their front-line employees—so they can see trends that are coming. “You don’t need a futurist or someone with a crystal ball. Talk to your people,” Cole said.
Other keynote presenters included Bob Greco of the American Petroleum Institute and Thom Singer, an expert in networking and building relationships.
Breakout educational sessions covered beverage trends, healthcare compliance and best practices in shop repair.
There were over 100 exhibitors on the trade show floor. They offered show specials, featured new products and provided a variety of samples.
The show ended with an information sharing session for independent operators. Operators shared the best idea they implemented in 2014 and brainstormed solutions they plan to implement in 2014.
Watch for more coverage about The NATSO Show in the next issue of Stop Watch magazine.
Subscribe to Updates
NATSO provides a breadth of information created to strengthen travel plazas’ ability to meet the needs of the travelling public in an age of disruption. This includes knowledge filled blog posts, articles and publications. If you would like to receive a digest of blog post and articles directly in your inbox, please provide your name, email and the frequency of the updates you want to receive the email digest.
