Well folks, my first big live event for FreightWaves is coming up May 9th and 10th. “The Future of Supply Chain,” one of FreightWaves’ main events of the year will be live from the Rogers Convention Center in Rogers, Arkansas.
Along with the rest of the BackTheTruckUp.com team, I’m packing my bags to attend my first “trade show” in nearly 25 years, the last being the National FFA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky way back in 1997. Until recently, it was the last time I flew on an airplane. Oh, the joys of being packed into those live shipping containers called airplanes. Here’s what I wrote about that fun experience.
Living a different life now
So what is Ol’ Rooster planning on doing at such an extravaganza? Well, my task list said just one thing – “FreightWaves Live Stage”. Guess I’ll be doing some story notes and vlogging. I did invest a little bit in a new SmallRig kit and a fancy set of lenses. Looking for an old-school press fedora – you have to look proper for the job you know. Going from a full-time truck driver to a full-time journalist is a big change of pace. Working from home, having these nice road trips (got one in October to the Sunbelt Ag Expo, where I might be doing something pretty unique), and meeting all kinds of business leaders and entrepreneurs is a real change of pace.
Dealing with security guards and shipping/receiving clerks, making sure loads were legal and secure, just finding a safe spot to sleep was the bane of my existence just a month ago. Now it’s finding articles to write, building the storyboard, and getting the copy into the board and “making it pretty.”
Some things change, some stay the same
I do admit that sometimes it can be just as stressful. I’m not a journalism school-trained professional by any means. Other than trucking, my only actual higher learning was pharmacy technology. So learning all the gadgets and gizmos that go along with this new gig has been an interesting experience.
As I’m packing my new ugly-as-sin suitcase (so no one will want to steal it), the reality of having a job in trucking, yet not in a truck, is hitting me. Being at home, eating fresh meals, and knowing the toilet is not sabotaged is a completely different lifestyle. I still get up before dawn, do a pre-trip around the house, and make sure the tank for my dog is full.
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Can’t wait to fly out and join the growing crowd in Rogers. I’m sure there are not any shenanigans planned by my team…
Register for the event and watch it live on FreightWavesTV here.
