The inaugural Global Fleet Management Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix Sept. 30-Oct. 1.

The event, produced by Bobit Business Media, publisher of Automotive Fleet, and Nexus Communication, will give fleet managers with global responsibilities an opportunity to learn how to run their fleets more efficiently.

Several members of the U.S. Advisory Board for the Global Fleet Management Conference, which is helping develop the content for the conference, recently discussed the benefits they see of attending the global event.

Like fleet safety and sustainability, I think the next real challenge for many fleet managers, executives, or anyone with fleet responsibilities is going to be how to manage and take a fleet to a global platform. Like balancing decisions on fuel-efficient vehicles and communications to key executives, looking at fleets from a global perspective is going to be one of the core and key competencies for fleet managers. Conferences like this are the first step in the direction to help develop best practices and show how to manage and develop policies that cover the globe.

Dean Yerem, purchasing manager, Nestlé Business Services, N.A.

Having participated in fleet conferences and global events, the advantage a global event has is visibility to the universal fleet challenges in a global economy. Fleet challenges are truly ubiquitous and effectively networking with other fleet professionals can lead to quicker problem resolution and creative solutions saving fleet organizations valuable time and money.

Steven Saltzgiver, VP, fleet operations, Coca-Cola Refreshments

Attending the Global Fleet Management Conference is an excellent opportunity to connect and collaborate with other fleet managers. The knowledge and experience available at the conference, from the number of managers responsible for multinational fleets, will provide the greatest opportunity to learn about global fleet management and cannot be missed.

Keith Scolan, manager, global fleet, Illinois Tool Works

I think it is important to take along with us a network of knowledge from other fleet managers who have faced those same challenges and can maybe offer a new strategy or point of view.  Knowledge is about building connections, and what better way to learn than to bring together those in the fleet management industry from around the world.

Rachel Johnson, fleet specialist Region Americas, Konecranes

Global fleet management is challenging at best. I look forward to seeing what other fleet managers are doing to get their arms around the challenges of global fleet.

Mike Sims, global fleet planning acquisition and resale manager, Church of Latter-Day Saints