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2026 WTA Leadership Conference & Vendor Showcase

5/31/2026 - 6/2/2026

Description

The 2026 WTA Annual Leadership Conference & Vendor Showcase returns to the stunning Coeur d’Alene Resort, bringing together the most influential voices in trucking for three days of insight, strategy, and connection.

This year’s theme—“Navigating Change. Driving Success.”—reflects the steady, strategic transformation shaping our industry. In a world of constant change, it is the thoughtful, incremental shifts that drive lasting progress.

Throughout the conference, industry leaders and innovators will share valuable insights on how to adapt, lead, and thrive in today’s evolving landscape while staying grounded in the principles that have long guided our industry.

We encourage all WTA members to attend this inspiring and collaborative event. Your participation, ideas, and leadership are vital as we move forward together.

From navigating today’s toughest challenges to preparing for what’s ahead, you’ll hear directly from top executives, innovators, and policy experts shaping the future of trucking. Walk away with practical strategies, fresh perspectives, and meaningful connections that move your business forward.

Whether you’re leading a company, developing your team, or working to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry, this is the event that delivers.

We’re excited to present a dynamic lineup of industry leaders and innovators. View the conference schedule below for speaker sessions, networking events, and key conference highlights.

Sunday, May 31
- Board of Directors Meeting (All Members Invited) | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Allied Supplier Reception | Lakeview Terrace | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Monday, June 1
- Breakfast | 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
- Educational Sessions | 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  - Derek Leathers | First Vice Chairman | American Trucking Associations
    - Industry Update - Federal Perspective
  - Ahmad Kakar | Co-Founder | Regulis AI
    - Discover How AI is Driving Growth in Trucking
  - Rick Dunn| General Manager | Benton County PUD
    - Energy Transition, Visions, Delusions & Nightmares
  - WTA Annual Meeting
  - Caroline Verploegen | Certified Business Coach & Consultant | CV Coaching & Consulting
    - Leaders that Elevate
  - Brandi Kruse | Host | [un]Divided
    - The State of Washington's Politics: Climate, Change & Hope
- WWTC Non-Hosted Happy Hour | Whispers Bar | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
- Dinner Cruise | Lake Coeur d’Alene | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday, June 2
- Breakfast | 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
- Educational Sessions | 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
  - Thom Albrecht| CRO | Reliance Partners
    - How Trucking Became the Movie Sequel to Groundhog Day
  - WAZIP (Zero Emission Purchase Incentives Program) Panel Featuring:
    - Betz Mayer | Deputy Director of Incentive Programs | CALSTART
    - Matt Schrap | CCO | Forum Mobility
    - Al Barner | Senior Advisor | Zeem Solutions
  - Michelle Hege| CEO | DH in Collaboration with Association of WA Business
    - Washington in the Making, a 15 Year Economic Roadmap
- Golf Tee Times beginning at 1:30 PM

🏨 Lodging Information

The room block deadline has passed, but rooms remain available until sold out or the hotel reaches 80% occupancy—if you have not yet booked your room, please contact the resort directly to make your reservation: 888.965.6542 and mention you are with the WTA to receive the group rate.