Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Brian Fielkow to Deliver Opening Keynote at 2023 Fleet Safety Conference

In his talk “Fleet Safety Is Not a Priority,” the former logistics CEO and renowned author and speaker will challenge attendees’ assumptions on what makes safer drivers and fleets.

September 13, 2023
Brian Fielkow to Deliver Opening Keynote at 2023 Fleet Safety Conference

Fielkow has over three decades of executive leadership expertise in safety-sensitive industries with a special focus on the transportation and logistics sectors. 

Photo: Brian Fielkow

3 min to read


“Fleet safety is not a priority,” says Brian Fielkow. Does he have your attention?  

Ad Loading...

Fielkow isn’t afraid to pop some balloons when it comes to commonly held assumptions about how to create safer fleets. The phrase also happens to be the name of his opening keynote address at the 2023 Fleet Safety Conference. 

Ad Loading...

“Fleet safety is a core value,” he continues. “Priorities change — values do not.”  

It’s this and other contrarian viewpoints that Fielkow will infuse into his talk to make safety, risk, and fleet managers think differently to enact change in their organizations.  

"In the pursuit of fleet safety, the keys aren't found within cumbersome rulebooks,” Fielkow says. “Instead, they emerge when companies teach the right behaviors, embrace safety technologies, recruit and retain top-tier drivers, and cultivate actionable processes and metrics.” 

“This is precisely the core mission of the Fleet Safety Conference! I am thrilled to present the opening keynote, where we will explore practical, hands-on tools for fleets of all sizes to foster safety and enhance their profitability." 

The Fleet Safety Conference keynote will take place Wednesday, Nov. 8 at Marriott Santa Clara. 

Ad Loading...

About Brian Fielkow 

A renowned author and speaker, Brian Fielkow has over three decades of executive leadership expertise in safety-sensitive industries with a special focus on the transportation and logistics sectors. He has served in executive and C-Suite positions with Recycle America Alliance (a division of Waste Management), The GTI Group, Jetco Delivery, and now Acrisure.  

Fielkow has been honored with the Distinguished Service to Safety Award from the National Safety Council and was named a "CEO Who Gets It" by NSC. He has also been recognized as one of Houston's most admired CEOs by the Houston Business Journal. 

“Brian’s kickoff keynote will set the tone for this year’s conference,” says Chris Brown, conference chair. “His message is a call to action for fleets of all types -from the C-suite to front line employees - to foster and sustain a culture of safety.”  

All attendees will receive a complimentary copy of Fielkow’s book, "Leading People Safely: How to Win on the Business Battlefield."  

About Fleet Safety Conference 

Brought to you by the publishers of  Automotive Fleet,  Heavy Duty Trucking,  and  Work Truck, Fleet Safety Conference (FSC) is designed specifically for fleet, risk, and safety professionals with the goal to reduce driver distraction, limit fleet liability, and enhance safety culture overall. 

Ad Loading...

Entering its 12th  year,  Fleet Safety Conference  returns as part of the  Fleet Forward Conference  Nov. 8-10 in Santa Clara, California. 

As part of a combined agenda, the in-person FSC will convene an opening and closing keynote as general sessions. Concurrent sessions will take place along with Fleet Forward Conference sessions. Attendees will pay  one registration fee  to access both events. 

More Operations

An Automotive Fleet podcast thumbnail
Operations•October 29, 2026

The Next Evolution of Fleet Management: Autonomous Operations

This opening keynote session at the Fleet Forward Conference highlights the future of autonomous driving for fleets.

Read More →
A picture of a transparent catalytic converter with blue text and the Automotive Fleet logo on the top.
Operations•October 29, 2026

How to Reduce the Total Cost of Risk From Catalytic Converter Theft

A stolen catalytic converter can cost fleets far more in downtime and lost productivity than in repairs. A total-cost-of-risk approach can help fleet managers quantify their exposure and prioritize theft prevention.

Read More →
AF news recap thumbnail
Operations•by Faith Howell•October 26, 2026

Personal-Use Charges Rise as Vehicle Values Fall | AF News Recap

Personal-use charges are climbing, wholesale used-vehicle values are declining, and commercial fleet sales growth is slowing. This week, we're breaking down the latest fleet data, plus how Element Fleet Management is helping Waymo prepare for its first Canadian robotaxi market.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A transparent blue background of a hand stamping a paper is the background of text that says "What about fleet policy exceptions?" with the Automotive Fleet logo in the bottom right corner.
Operations•by Faith Howell•October 20, 2026

Here's When You Should Make an Exception to Fleet Policy

Fleet policies are designed to create consistency, but not every driver or situation fits neatly within standard rules.

Read More →
A hand writing on an ipad with a transparent AI graphic over it
Operations•October 20, 2026

AI-Native or AI-Acquired: What Should Fleet Managers Look for in an AI Platform?

Six questions can help fleet managers look beyond AI marketing claims to evaluate integration, data access, and real-world operational performance.

Read More →
Chevin 2026 Buyes Guide cover
Sponsored•October 14, 2026

A buyer's guide to fleet management software in 2027

Buying fleet management software in 2027 means looking beyond features and price. As fleet operations, technology and expectations evolve, this guide explores what today’s fleet professionals should consider when choosing a system that can deliver value now and adapt to what comes next.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An overhead image of a freeway system with no vehicles
Sponsored•by Shelley Mika•October 13, 2026

What Will Shape the Next Era of Fleet Management?

EVs, AI, and autonomous vehicles are reshaping fleet management. Discover what’s ahead—and how fleet leaders can prepare for the next era.

Read More →
A Cox Fleet technician working on the left with the rear view of a military man saluting a flag on the right
Operations•October 8, 2026

How Fleets Can Recruit and Train Veterans for Technician Roles

Here's how the technician shortage has affected uptime for fleets, and what to do about it.

Read More →
A transparent toll background with the Automotive Fleet logo and Neology logo on top.
Operations•October 5, 2026

Avis Budget Group Deploys Neology Toll Management Technology Across Major Brands

Neology’s neoFleet platform will manage toll transactions and toll-authority operations for vehicles across Avis, Budget, Payless, Budget Truck and Zipcar.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
wedding album, car, and car keys
Operations•by Chris Brown•October 2, 2026

Fleet Personal-Use Charges Edge Higher in 2026

Nearly eight in 10 surveyed fleets allow personal use of company vehicles, while just over half of respondents report charging employees for the privilege.

Read More →