For many fleet operators, attending a conference can feel like a cost. Travel, accommodation, and time away from the business all add up. But according to Todd Hacking, Chief Executive Officer of the Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA), the real question is not what it costs to attend—but what it costs to miss out.
At TruckShowX 2026, the focus is on practical ideas that deliver measurable results. And sometimes, a single conversation can make the difference between maintaining the status quo and unlocking significant savings.
“You only need one broad idea and one meaningful conversation,” said Hacking. “That’s what happened at the last TruckShowX. People walked away going, there is absolutely a place for this type of conference, because it’s all about improving my business outcomes.”
Looking at Conferences Through an ROI Lens
Hacking believes the value of attending an event like TruckShowX should be viewed through a return-on-investment lens rather than as a line-item expense.
“I know people always say conferences are expensive,” he said. “But you’ve got to look at it from an ROI perspective.”
In an industry where margins are tight and operating costs continue to rise, even small improvements in efficiency can deliver significant financial returns. A change in routing strategy, maintenance planning, driver behaviour, or vehicle utilisation can quickly offset the cost of attending an event.
“You can get one idea that saves you tens of thousands of dollars, and you’ve paid for the investment,” Hacking said.
Saving Time as Well as Money
Beyond direct savings, TruckShowX also offers efficiency in the decision-making process itself. Instead of visiting multiple suppliers or organisations individually, operators can compare solutions, ask questions, and gather insights in one place.
“What does it cost you to fly around the country to visit 100 businesses?” Hacking said. “You stick a couple of days of conference up against the cost of doing that, and you’re already better off.”
This concentration of knowledge and experience is one of the defining features of the event. With suppliers, OEMs, and fleet operators all in the same room, the opportunities for learning and collaboration multiply.
Real Solutions, Not Theory
Another key factor driving the value of TruckShowX is its focus on real-world case studies rather than theoretical discussions. Presenters share practical examples of technologies and operational changes that have already delivered measurable outcomes.
“This is not just pie in the sky stuff,” Hacking said. “This is where the rubber hits the road. This is talking about how you get higher productivity and a better cost profile for your business.”
By hearing directly from peers and suppliers who have successfully implemented new solutions, attendees can gain insights that are immediately applicable to their own operations.
An Investment in Better Decisions
Ultimately, the value of attending TruckShowX comes down to better decision-making. Access to proven strategies, experienced operators, and innovative technologies can help fleets improve productivity, reduce costs, and strengthen their competitive position.
In a challenging economic environment, that kind of insight can be invaluable.
“People are looking at the cost of doing business,” Hacking said. “They’re looking to get that edge.”
