NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA) recently concluded its 2024 Institute and Expo (I&E), April 22-24, in San Antonio, TX where 2100+ fleet and mobility professionals from around the globe convened to network, learn and explore the latest products and services from industry suppliers. I&E welcomed attendees from 46 states, 6 Canadian provinces and 16 countries, representing all sectors of the fleet industry including corporate, government, law enforcement, education, utility, and more.
During the opening session on Monday, NAFA Board President Mike Camnetar, CAFM, kicked off the event with an update on the association’s initiatives. The session also featured fleet professionals who achieved their Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) designation.
“NAFA I&E is truly special, especially amid the dynamic growth and transformation within our industry,” shared Camnetar. “Leaving I&E, we’re filled with renewed curiosity, a deepened appreciation for our field and a stronger sense of community with our industry peers.”
Additional I&E highlights included:
- Keynote addresses, led by esteemed author and leadership consultant Richard Hadden, and safety expert and leader Brian Fielkow. Hadden’s keynote, “Recruiting and Retention in the New World of Work” dove into the profound changes in the world of work, offering insights and strategies for attracting, retaining and engaging a dynamic workforce in 2024 and beyond. “The Roadmap to Fleet Safety” keynote led by Fielkow, shared invaluable insights into cultivating a safety-driven environment within organizations.
- General Sessions packed with insights from leading OEM professionals and impactful Industry Update Keynote by Ford Pro CEO Ted Cannis. Through his Keynote, ”Ford Pro – Our Learnings: Grow Productivity, Reduce Risk,” Cannis walked attendees through the future of fleet management, covering everything from electric vehicles to operational strategies. Attendees then heard from an array of distinguished industry experts during an engaging OEM Panel Discussion. Leaders from Toyota, Stellantis, GM Envolve and Ford Pro discussed the automotive industry and its next phase of evolution that will impact every driver, in every fleet and on every road.
- More than 40 education sessions took place, many standing room only. The I&E education session tracks covered emerging technologies, law enforcement, operations management, strategy, sustainability, safety, DEIA, legislative advocacy and technicians. From EV integration to regulatory compliance and beyond, the I&E education tracks addressed both the diverse needs of fleet professionals and the pressing challenges shaping the industry today. NAFA also offered a specialty Technician Training Program for technicians and service professionals, filled with educational sessions and networking opportunities.
- The Expo featured 230+ exhibitors showcasing the latest fleet products and services. During the Innovations Showcase, attendees were invited to an interactive innovation zone on the Expo floor, where exhibiting companies displayed their exciting new products and product updates. Samsara won the People’s Choice Award for their AI-Powered Safety Solutions – a single platform for businesses’ operations data including video-based safety, vehicle telematics, apps and workflows, smart equipment and site visibility.
- New this year, attendees had the opportunity to interact with the latest models, electric and alternative fuel vehicles, and cutting-edge technologies behind the wheel during an immersive Ride & Drive Event, powered by Bobit. Participating automotive companies included BMW, Lucid, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, PoleStar, Rivian, Stellantis, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo.
- The 100 Best Fleets in the Americas were crowned. The 2024 winners for each of the following categories include:
- Best Public Fleet: Dakota County Fleet Management, MN
- Best Commercial Fleet: Essential Utilities
- Fleet Professional of the Year Award: Kenny Stimson, Carvana
- Fleet Technician of the Year Award: Curtis Mullins, City of Round Rock, TX
- Nearly 50 participants were immersed in CAFM Live, a peer-to-peer educational event that accelerates Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) candidates’ preparation for examination and certification.
- NAFA also brought back Media Day, providing over a dozen companies the opportunity to present their breaking news and announcements to reporters in back-to-back press conferences.
NAFA extends its gratitude for the generous support of its 2024 I&E sponsors: Bestpass Inc., FASTER Asset Solutions, Geotab, Holman, Legend Fleet Solutions, Merchants Fleet, Mitsubishi Motors, Motive, Samsara, Shell Fleet Solutions, RAM Professional, U.S. Bank Voyager, uShip Logistics, WEX, and Wheels, Inc.
NAFA also extends its appreciation to its media partners for their continued support: Autosphere.ca, Automotive Fleet, Fleet Management Weekly, Modern WorkTruck Solutions, Media Coverage, and Utility Fleet Professional.
Next year’s I&E will take place in Long Beach, CA on April 28-30, 2025 at the Long Beach Convention Center. To learn more about NAFA, visit: https://www.nafa.org/
