Brace yourselves for an unforgettable event as two of the NFL’s most iconic running backs, Jerome “The Bus” Bettis and Emmitt Smith, gear up to share their stories of teamwork, persistence, and success at Work Truck Week® 2024. The dynamic duo will be the keynote speakers at the NTEA Annual Meeting, scheduled for Thursday, March 7, 2024. Their combined four Super Bowl victories make them legends on and off the field.
September 23 2023 | Staff Editor
Work Truck Week®: A Premier Industry Event
Work Truck Week®, the largest work truck event in North America, is set to return to the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis from March 5 to March 8, 2024. This event encompasses a wide array of activities, including The Work Truck Show®, Green Truck Summit, NTEA Annual Meeting, Ride & Drive events, educational sessions, and much more. The Green Truck Summit will kick things off on March 5, followed by educational sessions running from March 5 to March 7, and the Work Truck Show exhibits open from March 6 to March 8. Registration for this exciting event will open in October, and you can find all the details at worktruckweek.com. Work Truck Week is proudly produced by NTEA – The Work Truck Association™.
A Captivating Conversation
The highlight of the NTEA Annual Meeting will be a compelling question-and-answer conversation between the NFL legends, Jerome Bettis and Emmitt Smith. The session will be moderated by Jason Ritchey, the 2024 NTEA Convention chair and president and owner of Curry Supply Co.
Both Bettis and Smith share a remarkable journey from college to the NFL, with both being selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Jerome Bettis, who was drafted by the L.A. Rams in 1993, made an immediate impact by winning multiple accolades in his rookie season. He later joined the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year and earned Pro Bowl honors. Bettis also made significant contributions off the field, winning the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2001 for his work with underprivileged inner-city youth. His remarkable career culminated in a Super Bowl victory, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015.
Emmitt Smith, the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1990. His career was marked by incredible achievements, including leading the league in rushing and winning Super Bowls in the same year three times. Smith’s success continued off the field as he ventured into various businesses spanning real estate, construction, technology, and renewable energy. He, too, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010 and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida.
A Night to Remember
Jason Ritchey, the 2024 NTEA Convention chair, expressed his excitement about the upcoming event, saying, “Jerome Bettis and Emmitt Smith reached the pinnacle of their first chosen career – professional football – and then went on to build successful careers off the field as well.”
This will mark the third time that NFL legends have graced the NTEA Annual Meeting stage, following Terry Bradshaw and Howie Long in 2017 and Archie and Peyton Manning in 2019. Tickets for the NTEA Annual Meeting, sponsored by Ford Pro, will be available for purchase when registration opens in October.
A Gathering of Industry Professionals
Work Truck Week is an annual gathering that brings together professionals from the commercial vehicle industry. The event provides a platform to showcase new products, gain insights, and network with industry peers. The Work Truck Show exhibit hall features the latest offerings across all industry segments, including truck and van chassis, bodies, aerial devices, snow and ice control equipment, accessories, and components. The Green Truck Summit offers in-depth programs on commercial vehicle and fuel technology trends, making it a must-attend for fleet managers and industry experts. Stay tuned for the release of the full event schedule in the coming weeks.
For updates about Work Truck Week 2024, including registration information, visit worktruckweek.com/wtw24signup or contact NTEA at info@ntea.com or 800-441-6832 for more details.
About NTEA
Established in 1964, NTEA – The Work Truck Association™ is a 501(c)(6) organization representing over 2,100 companies involved in the manufacture, distribution, installation, sale, and repair of commercial vehicles, truck bodies, truck equipment, trailers, and accessories. Buyers of work trucks and major commercial truck chassis manufacturers are also part of NTEA’s diverse membership. The association offers in-depth technical information, education, member programs, and services, while also organizing events such as Work Truck Week, Green Truck Summit, Commercial Vehicle Upfitting Summit, and Executive Leadership Summit. With administrative headquarters in suburban Detroit and government relations offices in Washington, D.C., and Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, NTEA remains a cornerstone of the commercial vehicle industry.
