The event will take place March 26 through 28 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, where thousands of drivers, carriers, and industry professionals gather each year for one of trucking’s largest annual events.

A Night That Brings the Industry Together

The Silent Auction will be held during the MATS Opening Night Reception. The event brings together attendees, exhibitors, and industry leaders for an evening of networking, food, and entertainment as the show officially gets underway.

Auction items are donated by industry partners, and attendees can place bids throughout the reception. All proceeds from the auction go directly toward supporting SCF and its work assisting truck drivers and their families during times of illness or injury.

“Last year’s Silent Auction was an incredible example of what happens when our industry comes together for drivers in need,” said Courtney Niemann, executive director of SCF. “The generosity we saw — from donated items to competitive bidding — directly translated into meaningful support for truckers and their families. We’re excited to bring that same energy back to MATS this year.”

According to SCF, last year’s auction raised more than $13,500 for the nonprofit, with participation from donors, bidders, and volunteers across the trucking industry.

Why the Fund Matters to Drivers

For many professional drivers, especially owner-operators, time away from the road due to medical issues can quickly create financial strain. The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund provides short-term assistance for Class A over-the-road drivers who have been forced out of work because of illness or injury within the last 365 days.

The organization also offers health and wellness initiatives aimed at helping drivers prevent long-term health problems and stay on the road.

“Owner-operators and professional drivers are the backbone of our nation’s supply chain, but they often don’t have a safety net when unexpected health issues arise,” said Norita Taylor, SCF board president and director of public relations at OOIDA. “The Silent Auction at MATS is a powerful reminder that this industry stands behind its drivers. Every bid placed, and every item donated, helps ensure that professional drivers have somewhere to turn when illness or injury takes them off the road.”

Opening Night Reception Sponsor

This year’s Opening Night Reception is sponsored by Triumph, a company focused on modernizing and simplifying freight transactions through financial and technology services designed for the trucking industry.

A Major Gathering for the Trucking Industry

Now in its more than 50-year history, the Mid-America Trucking Show continues to be the largest annual gathering in trucking. Each year, the event draws thousands of drivers, fleet representatives, manufacturers, and service providers from across North America.

The Silent Auction remains one of the show’s community-focused events, giving the industry a way to support drivers facing difficult circumstances.

SCF encourages MATS exhibitors and industry partners to donate items for the auction and invites attendees to participate in bidding during the Opening Night Reception.

More information about the Silent Auction and how to donate items can be found here. Drivers or industry partners interested in supporting the organization can also contact Diane Hutsell, director of philanthropy, at diane@truckersfund.org.

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Mark your calendars for Thursday, March 27, at 6 p.m., as attendees gather in South Wing Lobby A and South Wing Room B101 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Sponsored by Triumph and WEX, this event promises a fantastic evening to kick off the three-day trucking extravaganza.

What to Expect at the Opening Reception

The reception, free for all badged attendees, offers a prime mix of entertainment, networking, and celebration. Highlights include:

• Silent Auction: Support the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund through a silent auction featuring unique items. All proceeds go to charity.

• Bourbon Tasting: Savor Kentucky’s finest bourbons in an immersive tasting experience. To participate, grab free activity tickets from Triumph (Booth #37301) or WEX (Booth #18068) during Thursday show hours.

• Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony: Celebrate those who’ve significantly contributed to the trucking industry as new members are inducted into the MATS Wall of Fame. Nominations for the Class of 2025 are open at www.truckingshow.com/mats-wall-of-fame.

• Complimentary Food and Beer: Enjoy free drinks courtesy of Triumph and WEX. Pick up drink tickets at their booths during Thursday’s show hours. Free food will also be available in South Wing Room B101 during the reception.

• Craft Beer Tasting: Discover local brews with the Louisville Ale Trail, featuring tastings from breweries like Monnik, Hometown, Against the Grain, and Hi-Wire. Free activity tickets can be collected from sponsors Triumph and WEX on Thursday.

• Live Music: Kick off MATS with energy and charm as Bourbon Revival takes the stage, welcoming attendees with a lively performance.

Get Ready to Experience MATS

For more details about the event and to register for MATS 2025, visit www.truckingshow.com.

MATS 2025 runs from March 27 to March 29 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, KY.

Source: Truckers News

Image: MATS

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