The Great Texas Tailgate: A New Chapter in the Texas Truck Rodeo

September 30, 2024

The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) has a long-standing reputation for excellence in automotive journalism. Founded in 1987, TAWA is known for promoting quality and accuracy in the industry, while fostering connections between journalists, manufacturers, and automotive professionals. In 2024, they introduced a new and exciting addition to their renowned Texas Truck Rodeo—The Great Texas Tailgate.

Held on the evening of September 26 at the Decatur Conference Center, this event brought together automotive journalists, manufacturer representatives, and social media influencers. The Tailgate was designed to offer more than just a casual meet-up. It was a great evening of entertainment, brand activations, and content creation, all while showcasing the best trucks and SUVs on the market.

TAWA’s Leadership and Coordination

Organizing such a high-profile event requires exceptional leadership, and TAWA delivered with the help of its key members. Cory Fourniquet, president of TAWA, and Bryan Raupe, the VP of events, spearheaded the initiative, while Stephanie Gardner, event coordinator, worked to ensure everything ran smoothly. Stephanie Gardner’s company, Candid Creative, played a crucial role in bringing the Great Texas Tailgate to life. Their collective efforts resulted in an event that set a new standard for the Texas Truck Rodeo.

A Unique Opportunity for Automotive Journalists and Influencers

The Great Texas Tailgate was not just another event on the automotive calendar. It represented a prime opportunity for automotive journalists and influencers to engage directly with the latest trucks and SUVs in an interactive and entertaining environment. Attendees had the chance to create content and capture unique moments together that wouldn’t be available at any other time.

The event served as a powerful networking opportunity, bringing together professionals from across the country. Automotive journalists mingled with manufacturers and social media influencers, building connections that will influence the future of automotive journalism and content creation.

Brand Activations That Stole the Show

One of the standout features of the Great Texas Tailgate was the variety of engaging brand activations. Several top manufacturers used this platform to showcase their latest vehicles in creative and exciting ways, leaving a lasting impression on the attendees.

Jeep made waves with its fun and recognizable rubber ducky activation, an ode to the beloved tradition shared by Jeep owners. This interactive feature brought a sense of community to the event, highlighting Jeep’s unique brand culture.
Ram took the concept of tailgating to the next level by broadcasting a football game on a TV powered by one of their trucks. The seamless integration of technology and tailgating spirit was a hit, offering attendees the perfect combination of entertainment and automotive innovation.
Vehicle for Good, Vehicle for Good is currently running a sweepstakes where participants can win a custom-built 1974 Classic Ford Bronco or choose a $150,000 cash option. This giveaway supports two nonprofits: Hope (Local), which helps foster children find permanent, loving homes, and the Lindy Infante Foundation, which enhances youth access to sports by providing funding to underprivileged schools and youth-serving nonprofits. Every entry for this sweepstakes directly contributes to these important causes. Participants not only get the chance to win an amazing vehicle but also make a difference in children’s lives by supporting foster care and youth sports initiatives.

Support from Key Sponsors

A major event like The Great Texas Tailgate relies on strong sponsor support, and this year’s sponsors delivered in style. Each sponsor brought something unique to the event, making it an unforgettable experience for all involved.

Toyota sponsored the lunch, ensuring that attendees were well-fed and ready for the evening’s activities.
MyPlates.com sponsored the photo booth, allowing guests to capture and share memories from the event.
Genesis was responsible for Wi-Fi, keeping everyone connected, and enabling live social media updates throughout the evening.
Vehicle for Good, as mentioned, was a contributing sponsor, spreading awareness about their unique and impactful fundraising model for nonprofits.

A Night Powered by Electric Trucks

One of the most impressive aspects of The Great Texas Tailgate was its commitment to showcasing electric vehicles (EVs). The entire event, from the live entertainment to the brand activations, was powered by electric trucks. This emphasis on EVs reflects the growing importance of electric vehicles in the automotive industry.

Electric trucks on display at the event demonstrated that EVs are more than just environmentally friendly—they’re powerful, efficient, and capable of doing the heavy lifting. By powering an entire event, these trucks made a strong statement about the future of the industry and the potential for electric vehicles to revolutionize the way we think about trucks and SUVs.

The Texas Truck Rodeo: Continuing the Tradition

Following the success of The Great Texas Tailgate, the 31st annual Texas Truck Rodeo kicked off on September 27, 2024. This iconic event, one full day of driving sessions, allows automotive journalists to test the latest trucks and SUVs in real-world conditions. The variety of terrains and challenges presented at the Texas Truck Rodeo ensures that attendees get a comprehensive understanding of each vehicle’s capabilities.

The Texas Truck Rodeo has long been known for its rigorous testing procedures, and this year was no exception. Attendees were treated to breakfast, lunch, and a full day of driving sessions that allowed them to experience the best the automotive industry has to offer. From off-road challenges to smooth highway drives, the event put every truck and SUV to the test.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Automotive Events

The success of The Great Texas Tailgate signals a new era for automotive events. As the industry continues to evolve, with electric vehicles and innovative activations taking center stage, events like this will become even more important. Not only do they provide a platform for showcasing the latest technologies, but they also offer invaluable networking and content-creation opportunities for journalists and influencers.

For TAWA, this event marks a milestone in their history. It highlights their ongoing commitment to promoting excellence in automotive journalism while creating meaningful connections within the industry. Moving forward, we can expect The Great Texas Tailgate to become a regular feature of the Texas Truck Rodeo, setting the tone for future events that blend entertainment, innovation, and impact.

A New Standard for Automotive Gatherings

The Great Texas Tailgate was more than just an exciting addition to the Texas Truck Rodeo. It represented a shift in how the industry approaches events—moving beyond traditional showcases and into immersive experiences powered by cutting-edge technology and strong community connections.

Thanks to the hard work of TAWA, their leadership team, and the support of sponsors like Toyota, Jeep, Ram, and Vehicle for Good, the event was a resounding success. It set a new standard for what an automotive event can be, and it left attendees eager to see what the future holds for the Texas Truck Rodeo and beyond.

The information below is provided by the Texas Auto Writers Association:

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