ATA 2025 Highlights – What movers need to know

Another ATA Moving & Storage Conference is officially in the books – and what a great event it was! Industry pros, movers, and innovators came together to share real-world insights, discuss what’s working (and what’s not), and explore how the moving industry is changing. Big topics this year included adapting to market ups-and-downs, getting smarter with digital marketing, and starting to use technologies like AI. If you couldn’t attend ATA 2025, no worries—the MoversTech team was there, and we’ve pulled together the most valuable insights to keep you ahead of the curve.

Housing Market Rebound: Good News on the Horizon

It’s no secret the housing market had a rough year, but things are finally starting to look up. Industry forecasts are optimistic, predicting steady growth over the next two years. Inflation has stabilized somewhat, although housing prices haven’t yet adjusted downward as quickly as many movers had hoped. On the operational side, truck prices are easing—a welcome relief—but the rising costs of materials and labor continue to challenge companies’ budgets.

However, there’s reason for optimism. A large number of young adults haven’t yet purchased their first homes, which means there’s a wave of potential customers who’ll soon need moving services. This demographic shift suggests a significant opportunity for growth over the next few years, as first-time buyers finally enter the market.

Digital Marketing Insights from ATA 2025

There’s no getting around it—SEO, PPC, and solid branding through your website and social media channels remain essential for bringing in new leads. But digital competition is heating up, so standing out online is tougher than ever. Movers need to get creative, sharpen their marketing messages, and offer something unique to cut through the noise.

Offline Marketing Still Works

Another insight echoed throughout ATA 2025 sessions was the continued importance of offline marketing strategies. Community partnerships, collaboration with real estate agents, and outreach to retirement communities were repeatedly highlighted as powerful complements to digital marketing efforts. Companies that successfully blend both strategies will reach a broader audience and build stronger local connections.

AI & Tech in the Moving Industry

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming the industry’s new secret weapon—and for good reason. AI tools and automation can crunch numbers, identify market trends, and simplify many everyday tasks. Even something as straightforward as using ChatGPT to quickly generate customer service scripts or organize your scheduling can save significant time and resources.

Beware the AI Hype

At ATA 2025, several experts highlighted that the rising popularity of AI has led to misleading marketing—many products now claim to be “AI-powered,” even when they’re simply standard automation. Attendees emphasized the importance of carefully evaluating software solutions to avoid overpaying for basic features. True value lies in robust automation solutions—like MoversTech—that offer genuine efficiency without premium pricing.

Data Privacy Concerns

Conference speakers also reminded attendees to approach AI cautiously, especially regarding sensitive data. Anything uploaded to publicly accessible AI tools risks becoming compromised. Moving companies must prioritize data security, particularly when handling contracts, personal customer details, or confidential business information.

Your Next Move: Stay Flexible, Efficient, and Secure

Another ATA Moving & Storage Conference has wrapped up, highlighting how crucial it is for movers to stay agile amid market fluctuations, manage rising operational costs, and strategically embrace emerging technologies like AI. Attendees agreed that balancing digital marketing with traditional, community-based approaches remains essential to staying competitive and growing sustainably.

The MoversTech team had a great time connecting with fellow movers and industry leaders, exchanging insights, and learning how companies tackle these challenges firsthand. If we didn’t get a chance to talk at ATA – or if you’d just like to learn more – schedule a demo to discover how MoversTech can help automate and simplify your operations this season. We’d love to show you what powerful automation really looks like!

Quick Recap: ATA 2025 Highlights

• Industry Compliance: Protect your business—know contract details, legal updates, and regulations.
• Economy & Labor: Housing recovery underway, costs still high—optimize your pricing and planning accordingly.
• Marketing Strategy: Balance digital (SEO, PPC, social) with offline strategies (local partnerships, real estate collaborations) for maximum growth.
• AI & Tech: Leverage AI for task automation and trend analysis, but be cautious—avoid overpaying for standard automation marketed as “AI.”
• Data Privacy: Prioritize protecting sensitive customer and business information when adopting new technology solutions.