Dear NATSO Members,
I am writing today to thank each of you for making NATSO Connect 2025 a tremendous success! And for those of you who did not have the opportunity to attend I wanted to provide a few highlights and additional communication.
Although I have attended the NATSO convention every year for more than a decade, this marked my first as Interim CEO. I am truly pleased to share a few notable highlights:
- We had a 57 percent increase in registered attendees at NATSO Connect, Las Vegas;
- More than 65 attendees turned out for our “New Member Dinner”;
- Pilot held its One9 meeting during NATSO Connect with more than 100 attendees.
These figures tell an important story: After 65 years, relationships, networking and engagement still serve as the backbone of this organization — underpinning everything that we do collectively for the industry.
I am more than halfway through my first 100 days as Interim CEO, and I continue to listen and learn about what you want — and need — from your industry association. Since January 1, NATSO has hosted four virtual town halls with truck stops and travel centers. We heard from 60 NATSO members. I personally spoke with more than 100 members.
In April, NATSO will convene town halls with our vendor community. Their partnership plays a vital role in the industry’s success story.
What have I heard from you?
- Each of you wants to be a better operator and you want to be profitable.
- Overwhelmingly, NATSO’s members want to engage with the association.
- Networking is where your journey begins, regardless of its ultimate path.
- Networking, advocacy, insights, and profitability are what you prioritize.
NATSO is committed to helping each of you: Whether that is through advocacy, networking, or improving your profitability. My directive from the Board of Directors — and from you — is clear: to ensure that the association is an equitable and sustainable organization for the long term, serving all of its members.
I had the pleasure of interacting with many of you at our conference — but if by chance we missed each other, I will be in touch soon.
Darren
