What Is the American Towman Exposition?

When I first started working in the towing industry, I had no idea how often I’d be explaining what a “tow show” is. Once, a customs officer asked what I was traveling for. When I said, “A tow show,” she looked confused and said, “Like… feet?” I laughed and said, “No, trucks.”

Four years later, I still attend multiple tow and recovery trade shows every year and occasionally still get that same confused look. But for those of us in the business, the American Towman Show in Baltimore is anything but confusing. It’s one of the biggest, most anticipated events in the towing and recovery circuit and for good reason.

Why the Baltimore Tow Show Stands Out

The American Towman Exposition isn’t just another trade show. It’s the gathering point for the towing industry, bringing together thousands of professionals, suppliers, and manufacturers from across North America and beyond. I’ve met vendors from China, Norway, Japan, France, and Spain.

The city itself comes alive during show weekend. Whether you’re strolling the waterfront at Fell’s Point or riding the bull at PBR, Baltimore has an energy that makes this event even more memorable.

This show blends community and business perfectly. You can shake hands with suppliers, see the newest equipment innovations, and connect with people who understand what it means to run a 24/7 business where safety and service go hand in hand.

Who You’ll Meet and What You’ll See

You’ll find top manufacturers, parts suppliers, software innovators, and service providers all under one roof. From custom rotators to new dispatch and billing technology, the American Towman Exposition exhibitor list showcases the trends shaping the towing industry in 2025.

Expect to see:

Equipment innovations that improve operator safety
Dispatch systems that save time and reduce stress
Recovery tools that make tough jobs easier

Companies use this show to launch new products, announce partnerships, and highlight impressive customer builds. The booths alone are worth the visit, some of the best displays in the business.

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What to Expect on the Show Floor

In addition to dozens of rows of vendors, you’ll find a wrecker pageant, business seminars, hands-on training sessions, and industry awards. The training programs are led by some of the best in the field, covering everything from heavy-duty recovery techniques to roadside service demonstrations.

The business-focused sessions dive into:

Invoicing large recoveries
Using AI for efficiency
Handling EV incidents safely
Staying compliant with new regulations

Many people outside the industry are surprised by the level of education and professionalism on display here. The towing world takes safety, compliance, and growth seriously.

Key Towing Industry Trends for 2025

Looking ahead to this year’s event, expect a strong focus on:

Operator safety improvements
EV recovery solutions
Dispatch automation
Lighter materials for fuel efficiency
Insurance cost management
Employee retention and recruitment

The changing economy and rising operating costs will also be major discussion points. Business owners are looking for ways to stay profitable while continuing to serve their communities safely.

My First Time Speaking at the Show

This year, I’ll be teaching my first seminar at the American Towman Show, taking place Friday, November 21st at 9 a.m. It’s a session on how towing professionals can use social media to raise awareness of the essential work this industry does and bring more eyes to their businesses. I couldn’t be more excited to contribute to a show that’s given me so much.

Why Towing Professionals Keep Coming Back

Because towing is a service-based industry, attending the show means leaving your business running without you. Walk through the Baltimore Tow Show floor, and you’ll see people in branded polos, Bluetooth headsets in, phones ringing constantly. They’re running operations between booths and taking calls in real time.

These owners and operators make the trip because they see the value: learning, networking, and discovering innovations that will shape the year ahead.

And, of course, there’s the fun side legendary networking events like vendor appreciation nights, cigar socials, skeet shooting, and the annual pig roast. It’s the perfect mix of business and celebration.

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How to Prepare for the 2025 Baltimore Tow Show

Preparation begins the moment the previous show ends. Once the last booth is packed, planning starts for next year booth placement, travel, logistics, and budgets. The best spaces go fast, and many exhibitors reserve their location nearly a year in advance.

Months before the show, logistics kick into gear: flights, hotels, booth shipments, and staffing. Anyone who’s attended knows that rooms sell out quickly once the Baltimore Tow Show schedule is released.

At Zip’s, we bring dozens of employees and plan every detail down to the smallest bolt. We transport hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment rotators, flatbeds, service trucks, and more from New Hampton, Iowa, to Baltimore.

My Tow Show Prep Tips

If it’s your first time attending, here are a few lessons I’ve learned:

Bring comfortable shoes: You’ll walk miles every day.
Make a plan, but stay flexible: Some of the best connections happen unexpectedly.
Stay hydrated and eat: It’s easy to forget when things get busy.
Keep your phone charged: You’ll want to capture everything that inspires you.
Set your out-of-office reply: Give yourself space to focus on the show.

What to See at the Zip’s Booth in 2025

If you’re planning your route through the 2025 Baltimore Tow Show, make sure to stop by the Zip’s booth. We’ll be showcasing some of the year’s most exciting towing equipment and safety innovations.

Featured products include:

Expect hands-on demos, expert advice, and a few surprises. Whether you’re comparing products, learning about new tech, or just talking shop, our team will be there all weekend.

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Why the Baltimore Tow Show Is Worth Attending

The American Towman Show in Baltimore 2025 isn’t just about trucks and tools, it's about the people behind them. It’s about showing up for an industry that works hard, adapts fast, and looks out for one another.

Every year, I leave Baltimore with new ideas, stronger relationships, and a deeper appreciation for this community.

So yes, I’ll be back this year and no, it’s still not about feet.

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