Rush Tech Skills Rodeo in San Antonio, December 2026
Dates
13–16 Dec 2026
City / country
San Antonio, United States
Venue
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
The Rush Administrative Services, Inc. / Annual Trucks Centers and Skills Rodeo 2026 takes place 13–16 December at the Henry B.
González Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. The four-day event is the public listing for the Rush Enterprises Tech Skills Rodeo, where truck technicians, parts specialists, collision crews and sales staff from across the country compete in written tests and hands-on diagnostic stations.
The venue calendar records 850 attendees for this edition, while the 2025 rodeo drew more than 200 finalists from over 2,700 qualifying technicians and crowned an All-Around Grand Champion in Nashville.
TL;DR
See how top Rush technicians diagnose medium- and heavy-duty trucks under time pressure, compare tooling and service methods, and meet service managers from across the network. The 2025 edition drew more than 200 competitors from over 2,700 technicians who qualified. San Antonio’s downtown location makes the River Walk and the Alamo easy add-ons.
Supplier stations put your tools, components or training programme in front of the technicians who specify and repair trucks every day. The rodeo combines written testing with hands-on stations across Ford, Hino, Isuzu, International, Peterbilt, PACCAR, Eaton and Allison platforms. Participation is arranged with Rush; there is no public booth application or published tariff.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
900 E Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA
Entrances & gates
E Market St main entrance
Primary visitor entrance and taxi drop-off.
Food options
Henry B. González Convention Center concessions
On-site diningGate: Use the E Market St main entrance for registration and badge pickup. The center sits beside the River Walk, a short walk from downtown hotels.
Attend
Ticket info
Badge collection
Badges are collected at the E Market St main lobby desk; bring photo ID matching the registration name.
Ticket notes
No public ticket price or on-sale date is published. The venue calendar lists this as a public show, while Rush describes the rodeo as an employee skills competition; confirm access with the organiser before travelling.
Who runs the show
Rush Enterprises, Inc.
Organiser
What's on
All-Around Grand Champion
Awarded to the top cumulative scorer across the rodeo; the 2025 winner was Dom McConnell of Rush Truck Centers – Orlando South, who took home $18,500.
Division Championships
Grand Champion and Reserve Champion titles are awarded in service, parts, collision, leasing and sales divisions.
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2025
Visitors: 800
Edition #: 20
This edition
2026
Visitors: 850
Next edition
Not announced yet
Growth over time
Edition recap
The 2025 Rush Tech Skills Rodeo returned to Nashville for its 20th anniversary. More than 2,700 technicians took qualifying tests and more than 200 reached the finals at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. Dom McConnell of Rush Truck Centers – Orlando South was named All-Around Grand Champion.
Photos
Impact
A 850-person booking brings several hundred technicians, parts staff and supplier representatives into downtown San Antonio for four days in mid-December, a quiet week for citywide conventions. Hotels and restaurants around the River Walk gain midweek room nights, while local truck dealers and service networks get a concentrated pool of trained technicians to recruit from.
Audience quality
The audience is narrow but high-value: working technicians who diagnose and repair medium- and heavy-duty trucks, plus parts counter staff, sales teams and service managers. They influence tooling, parts and training purchases. It is not a general-public or mass trade audience, so consumer brands and software vendors without a service workflow fit should expect limited relevance.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI comes from technical credibility and recruiting rather than booth lead volume. Supplier stations that show a real diagnostic or repair task earn attention from competitors and managers. Budget for a hands-on demo, staffing by a technical specialist and follow-up within five working days. No audited ROI, rebooking rate or attendance audit is published for this event.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Texas is a freight gateway, and San Antonio sits on the I-35 corridor between Mexico, Austin and Dallas. Fleets here run medium- and heavy-duty trucks hard, so technician skill, parts availability and uptime directly affect operating cost. A national skills competition concentrates that capability in one downtown venue.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Technician shortage drives in-house training
Dealers and fleets continue to struggle to fill diesel technician roles. Events that combine written testing with hands-on stations give employers a visible benchmark and a recruiting pipeline, and Rush uses the rodeo to reward and retain its own technicians.
What it changes: Suppliers of training, tools and diagnostic software can reach the people who use their products daily.
SourceUptime and diagnostics move to the centre
Modern trucks generate more fault codes and telematics data than a single technician can absorb without good diagnostic tools. Competition stations test how efficiently technicians find faults, which mirrors the shop-floor pressure to reduce vehicle downtime.
What it changes: Diagnostic and service equipment that cuts diagnosis time has a clear story at the rodeo.
Alternative fuels enter the service bay
The 2025 rodeo included an alternative-fuels station alongside Cummins, International and PACCAR MX heavy-duty platforms. As fleets add natural gas, electric and other low-emission trucks, technicians need cross-training on high-voltage and fuel-system safety.
What it changes: Training providers and component makers can position themselves around the skills transition.
SourceBuyers and suppliers can pair the December rodeo with the spring truck-show season and the autumn ATA conference. Dates below are circuit estimates and should be confirmed with each organiser.
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Circuit estimate for the 2026 edition; confirm dates on the organiser site.
websiteMid-America Trucking Show
Louisville, United States
Circuit estimate for the 2026 edition; confirm dates on the organiser site.
websiteATA Management Conference & Exhibition
Nashville, United States
Circuit estimate for the 2026 edition; confirm dates on the organiser site.
websiteSpring truck-show window
March 2026, Indianapolis and Louisville.
Circuit context is editorial; individual dates are estimates, not organiser confirmations.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
San Antonio International Airport
Closest airport; direct flights from major U.S. hubs. Rideshare pickup is on the lower level of Terminal A.
8 miles
to venue
15–20 minutes
by car
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Useful backup for fares or schedules; allow extra time for I-35 traffic.
80 miles
to venue
80–95 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 120–175 / night
December is a softer convention week, so refundable rates under $175 are realistic if booked by October.
USD 190–260 / night
Walkable to the convention center; rates include breakfast at some properties.
USD 290–420 / night
Closest full-service options; negotiate a group block if booking 10 or more rooms.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Bus
Exact change or the VIA goMobile app; frequent service from near the airport corridor.
Rideshare
Use the designated rideshare pickup at Terminal A; surge pricing is common on weekday mornings.
Taxi
Metered cabs queue outside baggage claim; confirm the flat-rate option before leaving.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 business visitor | International visitors without a U.S. visa waiver or ESTA-eligible passport | $185.00 | Weeks to months; interview wait times vary by consulate |
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents do not need a visa. Visa Waiver Program travellers should use ESTA.
A carnet can simplify temporary import of demonstration equipment; confirm the specific goods with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Official visa pageWeather
December is mild and dry: average highs near 18°C (64°F), lows near 6°C (42°F), with low rainfall. Mornings and evenings feel cool; a light jacket is useful.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Downtown San Antonio has strong 4G/5G coverage. The convention center provides event Wi-Fi in public areas; dedicated exhibitor internet is ordered through venue services.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
River Walk pace
The River Walk is a pedestrian network of paths and bridges; allow extra time for stairs and crowded restaurant stretches, especially after 6pm.
Tex-Mex dining hours
Many downtown restaurants serve lunch from 11am and dinner after 6pm. Reservations help for groups of six or more during the rodeo week.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: SAT — San Antonio International Airport
Book 6–10 weeks ahead for December. SAT is small and convenient; compare AUS only if SAT fares spike.
Book flightsU.S. citizens and permanent residents need no visa. Most international business visitors need a B-1 visitor visa unless eligible for the Visa Waiver Program/ESTA.
Estimated cost: $185 MRV fee (estimate; confirm current fee)
Processing: Weeks to months, depending on consulate
Bring an invitation letter and proof of employment. Do not book non-refundable travel before the visa is issued.
OfficialPartnerGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: SAT to downtown is 15–20 minutes by rideshare or taxi, roughly $25–45.
Hotel → venue: Most River Walk hotels are a 5–15 minute walk; use the E Market St entrance.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft serve SAT and downtown; pickup at Terminal A lower level.
Public transit: VIA bus routes 7 and 28 connect the airport corridor with downtown for $1.30 per ride.
Parking: Use downtown garages along E Market St and Commerce St; expect $15–30 per day.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: December
Temperature: 6–18°C (42–64°F)
Seasonality: Low rainfall; occasional cold fronts bring windy, cooler evenings.
Packing: Light jacket, comfortable walking shoes and a compact umbrella for the River Walk.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 2
The first day carries registration and setup traffic, while the final day is dominated by awards. Day 2 typically has the fullest competition floor and the best chance to see several divisions in action.
Book hotel and confirm the event dates with Rush — The venue lists 13–16 December; the Rush page lists 12–15 December. Wait for written confirmation before non-refundable bookings.
Arrange flights to SAT and airport transfer — Compare SAT against AUS if fares spike.
Check badge or invitation and photo ID requirements — The event is an employee competition; outside visitors need organiser approval.
Download the venue map and plan River Walk meals — Reserve dinner for groups of six or more.
Pack for cool mornings and confirm the E Market St entrance — A light jacket and comfortable shoes are enough for December.
Arrive, collect badge and walk the competition floor
E Market St main lobbyWatch medium-duty diagnostics stations
Exhibit hallLunch and supplier meetings
River Walk restaurantsHeavy-duty and alternative-fuels stations, then awards briefing
Competition floorSan Antonio River Walk
Urban Walk
5-minute walk from the venue
Restaurants, bars and boat tours along the river; best in the evening.
The Alamo
Historic Site
10-minute walk
Texas history landmark and a compact visit between sessions.
River Walk patio restaurants
Casual dining
Good for small-group dinners after the competition floor closes.
Hotel lobby bars near the convention center
Hotel bar
Quieter for supplier conversations; check happy-hour timing.
Use the rodeo to build a technician and supplier pipeline, not just a badge list. Speed matters because competitors and managers return to a busy December workshop schedule.
Budget
Shell scheme
USD 55–85 / m²
Raw space
USD 30–50 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
No official booth tariff is published because the rodeo is an employee competition with invited supplier stations. These are planning estimates for a comparable corporate display.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
Booth shell
exhibitor · standard
USD 495–765 / 9 sqm
Hotel
both · mid
USD 190–260 / room night
Per diem
both · standard
USD 60–90 / person per day
Airfare
both · domestic
USD 180–420 / return flight
Insurance
exhibitor · standard
USD 150–400 / event policy
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Booth shell | exhibitor | standard | USD 495–765 / 9 sqm | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Hotel | both | mid | USD 190–260 / room night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Per diem | both | standard | USD 60–90 / person per day | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Airfare | both | domestic | USD 180–420 / return flight | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Insurance | exhibitor | standard | USD 150–400 / event policy | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Six quick questions to decide whether to visit, exhibit or skip this rodeo.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You work in truck service, parts or sales and can secure an invitation or employee access.
Best for
Technicians, service managers and invited guests
Min. budget
$300.00
Timeline
2–4 weeks
Risks
Access is not confirmed for the general public
Dates differ between venue and organiser pages
exhibit
Rush has invited you to host a station and you can staff a hands-on technical demo.
Best for
Tool, component, parts and training suppliers
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
8–12 weeks
Risks
No public booth sales or tariff
Supplier stations are invitation-only
skip
Your product does not serve truck service, parts, collision or fleet operations.
Best for
Consumer brands and general software vendors
Timeline
None
Risks
Narrow technical audience
Limited public access
Book with
Henry B. González Convention Center
Downtown San Antonio convention center beside the River Walk; the 2026 rodeo venue.
Venue named on the event calendar; not an event sponsor.
San Antonio International Airport
Closest airport to the venue, about 8 miles and 15–20 minutes by car.
Travel resource, not an official partner.
San Antonio Chamber of Commerce
Regional business body representing employers across greater San Antonio.
Civic resource, not an official partner.
Texas Trucking Association
State trucking association covering carriers, suppliers and allied businesses.
Industry resource, not an official partner.
Recommended providers
Check B-1 visa or ESTA eligibility and current wait times.
Marriott Rivercenter on the River Walk
Walkable to the venue; request a quiet room away from the River Walk.
Compare SAT fares and one-stop options; book refundable fares until access is confirmed.
Book 4–6 weeks out and confirm venue dock windows.
Event liability and business travel cover; confirm the venue’s certificate requirements.
River Walk, Alamo and mission tours for pre- or post-event time.
Mobile forms and CSV export; no official event scanner is published.
Gallery
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
6 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
5
References
5
Publishers
5
Date checked
Henry B. González Convention Center
Rush Truck Centers
San Antonio Convention Center
Fleet Equipment Magazine
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