Fleet Forward Conference attendees will have the opportunity to go behind the scenes at one of the world’s leading vehicle safety research organizations as part of a new optional experience added to the 2026 event agenda.

The new “IIHS Crash Test Experience” will give attendees exclusive access to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Vehicle Research Center in central Virginia on Oct. 20, where participants will witness a live crash test, tour the facility, and experience advanced crash-avoidance technologies in action.

Behind the Scenes at IIHS

The experience will begin with a guided tour of the IIHS research center, followed by a live vehicle crash test scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in hands-on demonstrations of crash-avoidance technologies, including automatic emergency braking (AEB), rear AEB, and self-parking.

Commercial vehicle safety technologies, including delivery van AEB systems, may also be incorporated into the demonstrations, giving fleet professionals a firsthand look at the advanced safety systems increasingly shaping commercial vehicle operations.

Hands-On Safety Technology Demonstrations

In addition to the live demonstrations, IIHS staff will provide attendees with deeper insight into the organization’s broader vehicle safety and research initiatives. The experience is designed to showcase the technologies, testing procedures, and safety systems influencing the future of commercial and passenger vehicles.

“Fleet safety technology is evolving rapidly, particularly in areas such as crash avoidance, driver assistance systems, and connected vehicle safety,” said Chris Brown, conference chair of Fleet Forward Conference. “This is a rare opportunity to see those technologies tested and demonstrated in a real-world research environment. Fleet managers who have experienced IIHS crash tests have said it was one of the most impactful experiences of their careers.”

Transportation details, timing, and registration information for the IIHS Crash Test Experience will be announced as part of the Fleet Forward Conference 2026 agenda.

Note: The IIHS visit is only open to registered FFC attendees.

About Fleet Forward Conference

For the first time, the Fleet Forward Conference will take place on the East Coast. FFC2026 convenes Oct. 20–22 at the Gaylord National Harbor in Maryland, nine miles south of Washington, D.C.

The conference brings together fleet, mobility, and technology leaders for three days of education, hands-on experiences, and networking focused on the future of fleet operations. This year’s theme is “Leading Fleets Through Transformation.”

The educational program is organized around six pillars:

• Mobility & Autonomy: exploring the shift to electric and autonomous fleets
• Data Integration, AI & Predictive Intelligence: unlocking real-time insights from connected platforms
• Global Strategy: offering a worldwide view of fleet challenges and innovation
• Fleet Safety & Risk: focused on protecting people and assets
• Infrastructure & Energy: addressing scalable electrification solutions
• People, Talent & Culture: equipping fleets to build and support high-performing teams

Call for Papers Open Through July 15

FFC2026 has opened its Call for Papers. Industry experts, fleet leaders, and solution providers are invited to submit session proposals and speaker nominations before July 15, 2026.

For sponsorship and exhibit inquiries, contact robert.brown@bobit.com or jeff.carter@bobit.com.