Looking back: 4th Annual Merchants Fleet Summit
Learning About the Future of Fleet at the 5th Annual Merchants Fleet Summit
The summit offered educational sessions on upfitting, vehicle tech, and the importance of effective communication as a fleet manager.

Merchants Fleet Vice President of Operations Steven Curt (far right) with Fleet Summit attendees.
Photo: Merchants Fleet
Merchants Fleet held its 5th annual Fleet Summit on Sept. 10-11, 2024, at their corporate headquarters in Hooksett, NH.
Attendees experienced upfitting innovations, technology advancements, and strategic networking opportunities with top industry leaders through educational sessions by Merchants' vendor partners.
The event attracted over 200 attendees who had the opportunity to engage with experts and connect with peers from across the fleet industry who share Merchants' mission.

Kirk Hoffman, interm Co-CEO and CFO, meets with Fleet Summit sponsors.
Photo: Merchants Fleet
"Merchants is committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in fleet management," Kirk Hoffman, interim Co-CEO and chief financial officer of Merchants Fleet, said. "Our goal is to empower our clients by providing them with access to the latest innovations, expert insights, and essential connections that will enable them to operate their fleets with greater efficiency."
In its fifth year, the industry flagship event is designed to foster in-depth discussions and hands-on experiences that directly address the daily challenges fleet managers are facing.

On stage, Brad Burgess, interim Co-CEO and senior vice president of sales and marketing at Merchants Fleet, addresses Fleet Summit attendees.
Photo: Merchants Fleet
"This year's summit is about providing our clients with the knowledge and tools they need to stay ahead in an industry that's undergoing significant transformation," Brad Burgess, interim Co-CEO and senior vice president of sales and marketing at Merchants Fleet, said.
"We're bringing together the brightest minds in the business to discuss the latest innovations, tackle the most pressing challenges, and build meaningful connections that will help our clients thrive in today's competitive environment," Burgess continued.
2024 Fleet Summit Highlights
In order to facilitate connections between fleet managers, OEMs, and professionals from across the industry, the summit provided networking opportunities and client-centered discussions.

On stage, Kevin Sullivan of Sullivan Communications leads the keynote presentation.
Photo: Merchants Fleet
Kevin Sullivan, former White House communications director and senior vice president for corporate communications and media relations at NBC Universal, delivered an interactive keynote address on the importance of effective communication in driving innovation and change within fleet management.
Attendees had the chance to engage with the latest upfitting technologies and vehicle options, guided by industry experts. This hands-on experience allowed fleet managers to evaluate the solutions that best meet their operational requirements.

Fleet clients attending one of the many daily educational sessions.
Photo: Merchants Fleet
While upfitting was a focus, the summit also included a Ride and Drive experience where attendees could test various fleet vehicles for a firsthand experience with the latest offerings.
Sponsors of the event include Stellantis, Bridgestone, Alliance Fleet, Adrian Steel, Geotab, MotorQ, Bollinger Motors, Driverge, and more.
More Operations
The Top 300 Commercial Fleets
The Top 300 Commercial Fleets: See the List
Read More →
Your Local Dealer Knows More Than You Think
Your local dealer can provide an information advantage that extends well beyond courtesy deliveries.
Read More →
Fleet Meets: Austin Schutte
Here are some industry insights, personal touches, and words of advice from the CEO and Founder of Anew Solutions.
Read More →Soap Box Derby Challenge: What’s Powering Team Brown
The car is coming together, the students are solving real build problems, and the fleet industry is helping push Team Brown toward the starting line.
Read More →
Commercial Fleet Sales Contribute To June, YTD Gains
The fleet sector has boosted its vehicle purchases at a reliable pace in the first half of this year compared with 1H 2025.
Read More →What Fleet Managers Really Want From Vendors
From customer service frustrations and technology breakdowns to RFQs, change management, and the growing impact of turnover across the industry, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the real operational challenges fleet managers are navigating every day.
Read More →Fleet Safety Masterclass: Industry Leaders on Storytelling, Strategy & Innovation
In this special masterclass episode, industry leaders break down what it really takes to build safer fleets in today’s increasingly distracted and data-driven world.
Read More →Integrating Legacy Fleet Systems and Historical Data
In this episode, we bring together fleet and technology leaders to unpack the realities of data integration, system migrations, and the evolving role of AI in fleet management.
Read More →From Resistance to Results: Change Management Strategies for Fleets
From new technologies and safety programs to evolving regulations, fleets are under constant pressure to adapt. But as Dr. Betz explains, success isn’t about the system you implement—it’s about whether your people actually use it.
Read More →


