Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW)

• DatesJanuary 18–21, 2027
• LocationDallas, TX, United States
• CategoryAutomotive
• Official websitehdaw.org

About Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW)

Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) is an automotive trade show taking place January 18–21, 2027 in Dallas, TX, United States. It runs for four days, opening on Monday and closing on Thursday. With about 14 weeks to go, exhibitors still have time to order booth services and book hotels at reasonable rates.

Shows like this one typically draw OEM and tier suppliers, dealers, fleet managers, aftermarket buyers, engineers and service professionals. For registration, exhibitor packages and the floor plan, go to the official website, hdaw.org.

ShowFloorTips is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the organizer. Dates, venues and rules can change, so confirm the details with the organizer before you book.

What to expect at Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW)

Automotive shows range from engineering-focused supplier events to aftermarket and dealer expos. Expect product-heavy displays, technical buyers and strong interest in new technology, electrification and service.

Over four days, traffic usually peaks on the first two days and thins out on the last one. The quieter final day is a good time for longer conversations, visiting other stands and meeting suppliers. Expect most visitors to be OEM and tier suppliers and their colleagues, often with a short list of suppliers they want to see.

How exhibitors should prepare for Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW)

Here is a working timeline counted back from the opening day, January 18, 2027:

1. 16 weeks before (Sep 28, 2026) · date passed, do it now if you haven't
   Confirm your booth space and read the exhibitor manual. Book hotels in Dallas while rates are still normal.
2. 8 weeks before (Nov 23, 2026)
   Order booth services (power, internet, furniture, cleaning) before the early-rate deadlines, and send graphics to print.
3. 4 weeks before (Dec 21, 2026)
   Ship freight to the advance warehouse if the organizer offers one. Book meetings with the visitors you most want to see. Set up lead capture and train the team on it.
4. One week before (Jan 11, 2027)
   Confirm freight arrived, share the staffing schedule, charge every device, and test your lead capture app with Wi-Fi turned off.

Preparation tips for automotive shows

• Know whether the audience is OEM, aftermarket, dealer or consumer, and adjust your message for it.
• Arrange vehicle or large-part display logistics early, including fuel and battery rules for indoor halls.
• Bring part numbers, compatibility lists and distributor details for aftermarket buyers.

Booth tips for Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW)

• Put the product in visitors' hands or let them see it working; automotive buyers judge quality physically.
• Ask about volumes and current suppliers to size the opportunity quickly.
• Keep a technical expert available for engineering questions during peak hours.
• Plan shifts of three to four hours. Standing and talking for four days wears people out, and tired staff let good leads walk past.
• Capture every conversation the moment it ends: scan the badge or card, add a one-line note about what the visitor needs, and rate the lead hot, warm or cold. Notes written that evening are already half forgotten.

For a full list of what to bring, use the free booth checklist, and plan the money side with the trade show ROI calculator.

Following up leads after Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW)

Most of the value of a trade show is created after it closes. Supplier decisions go through testing and approval steps, so offer samples or a trial as the next step.

1. Within 24 hours (by Jan 22, 2027)
   Send a short personal email to every hot lead. Mention one detail from your conversation so they remember you.
2. By Jan 24, 2027
   Send everything you promised at the booth: prices, samples, demo links. Log each lead in your CRM with its rating and notes.
3. By Feb 4, 2027
   Make a second, useful touch: a case study, a short video or an answer to the question they asked. Warm leads often reply to this one.
4. By Feb 20, 2027
   Review results: how many leads became meetings, what each lead cost, and whether Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) is worth returning to.

Ready-to-edit messages for each step are in our trade show follow-up email templates.

Getting to Dallas

Dallas has two airports: DFW International and Dallas Love Field (DAL). The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center is downtown and served by DART light rail, which also runs to DFW. International visitors should check whether they need a visa or an ESTA before booking travel.

Hotels closest to the venue sell out first during show week, and many organizers offer discounted room blocks that close weeks before the show, so book early. Our city travel guides cover hotels, transport and budgeting for the busiest show cities.

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