Related: Plan B, C, and D: How Top Fleets Win with Flexible Vehicle Specs
What Happened at Merchant's Fleet Summit 2025?
Merchants Fleet convened its sixth annual Merchants Fleet Summit Sept. 23 and 24 at the company's corporate headquarters in Hookset, N.H. This year's Summit gathered clients, partners, and the Merchants Fleet team for candid discussions on fleet challenges, demonstrations of new vehicle and upfitting options, and time set aside for managers, OEMs, and suppliers to compare notes.
Alongside the panel seminars, the Summit offered hands-on exposure to the latest vehicle and equipment innovations and provided opportunities for networking across the industry. The event was book-ended by an opening and closing reception, which provided ample opportunity to network with old colleagues and make new industry friends.
The meeting rooms at corporate headquarters accommodated vendor-led small group breakouts on various fleet topics.
Photo: Chris Brown
Merchants Fleet CEO & President Matt Dyer welcomes attendees during the welcome celebration on Sept. 23.
Photo: Chris Brown
Clients, sponsors, and Merchants Fleet team gather in the exhibitor hall tent after breakfast.
Photo: Chris Brown
The exhibitor hall tent was a good spot for vendors and fleet managers to network.
Photo: Chris Brown
Attendees pose on the signature McLaren Racing open-wheeled electric racecar in the HQ lobby. The car is part of the company's sponsorship and partnership with McLaren's electric racing teams.
Photo: Chris Brown
Attendees exchange insights in the exhibit hall.
Photo: Cristen Farrell Photography
Attendees take time out from dancing at the closing disco party. Yes, that's SVP & Chief Commercial Officer Brad Burgess in the disco outfit!
Photo: Cristen Farrell Photography
Mike Palumbo of Merchants Fleet reconnects with Henry Kayler, fleet manager with Patterson Companies.
Photo: Cristen Farrell Photography
The opening keynote panel consisted of Shelby Simpson of Adrian Steel, Justin Lambden of Stellantis, and Charles Matthew of Merchants Fleet. Key takeaway: earlier planning, standardization, and tighter partner communication to build resilient fleets.
Photo: Jonathan Robbins
A light drizzle didn't stop attendees from checking out the new vehicles and equipment outside of the exhibit hall.
Photo: Cristen Farrell Photography
Crane Payment Innovations’ (CPI) Cory Beard shares how he uses safety outreach, progressive discipline, and rewards to promote better driving. Panelist Tim Lovett of Cameron Enterprises and moderator Chris Brown look on.
Photo: Jonathan Robbins