By CTAR Staff
Hamilton, Ontario — September 5, 2014 — The Provincial Tow Association of Ontario (PTAO) is once again inviting both towing professionals and enthusiasts to attend its 16th Annual Tow and Trade Show. Running from September 11 to September 13, this year’s event will be held at Hamilton’s Careport Centre and will boast a variety of industry-focused activities and events. PTAO Executive Director Doug Nelson says the show will kick off with provided training geared to advance towing recovery skills and knowledge, which will span the first two days. “We have a Wreckmaster course covering levels 4-5 starting on Thursday and finishing on Friday,” he says. “We also have a training program on lien searches and the repair and storages lien act.” Along with offering attendees a chance to expand their skill-set, day two will provide a sneak peek of up and coming industry equipment, vehicles and gadgets displayed at the Trade Show, which will be open to the public through Saturday afternoon. In addition, the tow show’s second day will hold PTAO’s Annual General Meeting as well as the Ontario Recovery Group (ORG) meeting–giving members an opportunity to discuss the challenges of Bill 15 among other industry issues of interest. The day will wrap up with a held reception and scheduled light show competition, where participants will compare the effectiveness of their vehicle’s emergency and regular running lights. Member discussions will continue on day three, with talks concerning provincial regulation and insurance issues. Event goers can also stop and check out some of the province’s finest tow trucks, showcased in the parking lot, as well as take in a beauty contest and a variety of driver competitions held throughout the day.
Nelson adds that like every year, the event will host a number of additional activities with the little ones in mind. “There’s going to be a kids rollover, where we roll over a tractor trailer, and give the kids a rope, and show them how to lift it up and put it on its wheels,” he says. “We always have a caricaturist, and usually a bouncy castle too.” With a prepared reception and the Awards Banquet scheduled that evening, the 2014 tow show will end on a delicious note with the ORG pancake breakfast Sunday morning. As it grows each year, Nelson says the annual event plays an important role in the towing industry. “It’s just a great time for all the tow operators to get together and discuss all the new systems that are coming out and the issues that they have,” he says. “It’s just a great gathering overall.” PTAO’s Annual Tow and Trade Show is open to the public, with fees attached to specific events, and donations accepted to Hamilton’s McMaster Children’s Hospital. To learn more about PTAO and the Annual Tow and Trade Show, please visit PTAO.org. Check out the gallery below for photos from last year’s event.
