AFLA 2025 Conference in Pictures
With the theme Seas of Knowledge, the Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association (AFLA) convened its 56th annual conference Sept. 14-17 at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort in Florida.
Dedicated solely to the issues of corporate fleets, the conference emphasizes the development of community, where fleet professionals can form lasting bonds and collaborate on industry-wide issues through networking and educational sessions.
A key part of the conference is the honors bestowed by Bobit Business Media, including the Edward J. Bobit Fleet Manager of the Year award, Fleet Visionary, and the induction of three members into the Fleet Hall of Fame. The awards are presented at the annual gala dinner, which celebrates achievements within the industry.
Present and previous winners of the Fleet Manager of the Year and Fleet Visionary Awards, along with Fleet Hall of Fame inductees, got together on stage after the awards ceremony.
Photo: Chris Brown
2025 marked the 40th year that the Fleet Manager of the Year Award (center) was bestowed at the conference and the 11th year for Fleet Visionary (right), while more than 100 inductees are now in the Fleet Hall of Fame (left).
Photo: Chris Brown
The AFLA conference is all about community, including celebrating birthdays.
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Members of the Mercedes and Stellantis fleet teams gather for the Tuesday night reception on Tiki Beach.
Photo: Chris Brown
Moderator Sharon Etherington (Roche Diagnostics) leads panelists Theresa Belding (Cavis), Felix Rojas (Lundbeck), Phil Samuelson (USIC Locating Services), and Melissa Hunt (Elanco US Inc.) in “Charting the Course: Fleet Leadership Insights and Strategies,” where they shared practical tools, purpose-driven leadership tips, and strategies for building resilient, high-performing fleets.
Photo: Chris Brown
“Safety can’t be a ‘priority.’ Priorities change — culture doesn’t." This advice was delivered by panelists during the session "Safe Harbor: Navigating Fleet and Driver Safety."
Photo: Chris Brown
The annual awards ceremony is always filled with emotion, cheers, and standing ovations.
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“Yes, we care about MPG gains, carbon reductions, and cost savings. But those are just byproducts. What really matters is people," said Joe Lukacs of Sherwin-Williams, upon receiving the 2025 Fleet Manager of the Year Award.
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After receiving the Fleet Visionary Award, Taylor Murphy of Hilti (right) poses with Matt Dyer, CEO and president of Merchants Fleet, sponsors of the award.
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From left to right: Joe Lukacs (2025 Fleet Manager of the Year), Taylor Murphy (Fleet Visionary), and Hall of Fame inductees Oleg Cytowicz, Laura Jozwiak, and Lisa Kneggs gather for a formal photo.
Photo: Chris Brown
Sponsored by Element Fleet Management, the Tuesday night reception drew attendees for dinner and drinks on Tiki Beach.
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Leadership expert Juan Bendaña delivered the opening keynote on Monday. One of his many takeaways: Reach out to a teacher or mentor who doubted you in the past and share your progress.
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Implement a "fleet office hours" program to better engage with and understand driver needs. This key takeaway was delivered during the seminar "Steering Through Today's Trends and Tomorrow's Tactics."
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Mark Petersen, recently retired after 41 years in fleet, queries a panel on their topic.
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Old and new colleagues connect: (l-r) Aimee McFarlane (TrxNow), Aurora Suarez (Alnylam Pharmaceuticals), Jen Pearson (Agile Fleet), Debbie Struna (Fleet Street Remarketing), Kendra Patterson (Volkswagen), Dwayne Patterson Uship Logistics), and Heather Isetts (Uship Logistics).
Photo: Chris Brown