When I returned from the American Trucking Associations Management Conference & Exhibition in San Diego last year, I told readers it would be tough to top. 

This year’s conference in Austin, Texas, might have done it.

Economic concerns took center stage, and ATA CEO Chris Spear blasted the Teamsters and others he deemed threats to the industry. But the experience wasn’t limited to insights gained in sessions, interviews and conversations with trucking industry professionals like you.

I saw Sting open for Chris Stapleton at a Daimler Trucks North America customer event at the University of Texas’ new Moody Center arena, as well as a set by Ashley McBryde at the conference’s closing banquet.

I ate all the Texas brisket I could handle. 

I even played with puppies available for adoption from the Austin Humane Society at a Motive-sponsored petting area near the expo floor. (I sadly did not bring one home.)

We’ve rounded up our coverage of the conference into a special-edition newsletter in case you missed it – and don't worry, there's more to come.

Thanks, as always, for reading Trucking Dive!