Event ideas
TruckWeek 2010 is not just for big organisations. Small companies are being encouraged to get involved and spread the message to the wider community as well.
While the ATA and its member organisations will be working hard in Canberra and across Australia to promote the industry, only through the support of operators can TruckWeek achieve its aims.
There are plenty of great ideas to get involved in TruckWeek 2010 and make it a success.
Take a pollie for a trip
The ATA and its member organisations will be working hard in the lead up to TruckWeek 2010 to spread the industry’s message to politicians across Australia. To further promote the industry, why not invite your local mayor, councillors or state member for a drive in a truck. It will give them the opportunity to understand life behind the wheel, see some of the issues facing industry in your local area and give you the chance to advise them on ways to make your town more truck friendly. A sample invitation letter can be downloaded by clicking here.
Place an advert or organise a story in your local paper, or on your local radio/television station
Placing an ad in your local newspaper or on your local radio or television station will let you spread the message of the industry direct into your community’s homes. Don’t just advertise your business, but include information about how important the industry is. The local paper of station may even be interested in running a story on TruckWeek. Invite a journalist to your yard, take them out for a drive and make sure you get your message across.
Invite your local service clubs to an information session
Local service clubs (such as Rotary, Apex or Lions) are often interested in different industries in their communities. Has anyone ever presented the trucking industry’s point-of-view in your local area? Invite local clubs to an information session and talk to them about what we do, what can be done to make the industry better and why our industry is so important to their community. Oh, and don’t forget to give them the truckies’ top 10 tips, available by clicking here.
Recognise long service to the industry
The trucking industry has some of the most dedicated employees in the country. If you have a staff member who has given many years of service to the trucking industry, why not recognise their achievements. Hold a small ceremony, present a gift, even invite the local paper – it will give you the perfect chance to promote careers in the trucking industry.
Hold a driver health day
TruckWeek 2010 provides the perfect opportunity to make sure your drivers are healthy and fit for duty. Inviting in a health expert to speak with your drivers will give them valuable knowledge in how to protect their health. If you’re a small business, why not get together with other local trucking businesses and share the cost? Looking after your drivers’ health is not only good for your drivers, it’s good for your business too.
Hold a trucking industry careers day for local schools
How will students know about all the great opportunities in the trucking industry, unless you tell them? Speak to your local schools about introducing the trucking industry to students. It’s a great opportunity to raise the profile of the industry, give students an idea of what you can offer them and encourage them to drive safely around trucks.
Hold a barbecue
Why not find a nice public place, shine up your truck and put some sausages on the hotplate? Holding a free barbecue will build ties between your business and the local community, encourage them to understand the important role of our industry and pass on some simple tips to drive safely around heavy vehicles. You can even promote trucking as a career and encourage locals to look at the industry as a career choice.
Run an information day at your local shopping centre
Take your message to the street. If you’re passionate about the trucking industry, then why not share it with people at your local shopping centre. Hold a display and talk to them about why you love the industry. You’ll be surprised how interested people are when you have a genuine passion about your subject. You might even find some hidden truck fans in your town.
