Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Fleet Forward Conference: Insights From Industry Leaders

On Nov. 8 in San Diego, join a panel of fleet managers at the 2024 Fleet Forward Conference to discuss the state of the fleet industry, its near future, and their changing roles.

October 24, 2024
A red, white, and dark blue graphic detailing the panelists for the FFC seminar "In Their Words: Fleet Managers on the State of Fleet".

This Fleet Forward Conference seminar aims to provide insights into the state of the fleet industry through the professional experiences of fleet managers in their specific operations. 

Source: Bobit

3 min to read


Interested in learning what makes the market tick through the lens of those who live it every day?

Ad Loading...

Want all your fleet events in one place? Check out Fleet Expo Sync!

Join this Fleet Forward Conference (FFC) final keynote seminar, "In Their Words: Fleet Managers on the State of Fleet," where panelists will discuss the state of the fleet industry, its near future, and their changing roles.

Ad Loading...

Through professional experiences, you'll get insights into individual fleet operations, how they approach sustainability, the incorporation of AI in fleets, and more. Specific topics and questions will include:

  • When you look at your fleet operations, what are your biggest challenges right now?

  • How are your policies and systems evolving to reflect today's safety challenges?

  • Can you share a major fleet initiative you’ve instituted that has driven savings, efficiencies, sustainability, or team satisfaction? 

  • How do you recruit, retain, and manage newer entrants to the workforce compared to “the way it’s been done?”  

About the Panelists

This seminar will be moderated by Chris Brown, Fleet Forward Conference emcee and host, as well as associate publisher of fleet, trucking, and transportation content at Bobit.

Other panelists include:

  • Lisa Kneggs - Before stepping into the role as feet manager for Farmer Brothers, Kneggs held other fleet management positions at companies such as EnLink Midstream, Rush Enterprises, Inc., CSC ServiceWorks, and more. Kneggs has worked in fleet for over 15 years.

  • Jeb Lopez - As CEO and owner of Wheelz Up, a local courier service delivering auto parts to dealerships and automotive companies, Lopez has expanded the company's fleet to 300+ vans and 330+ employees since 2010.

  • Bradley Northup - Northup, a public works superintendent of fleet operations for the city of Carlsbad, California, is a seasoned fleet professional, combining his technical expertise with a strategic business mindset. Northup has over two decades of hands-on experience in the automotive and fleet industry.

  • Jim Petrillo - Petrillo has been working for Fujifilm for 28 years, starting in the finance department of the company's photo processing division. After starting as fleet manager in 2010 and retaining his role in treasury services, Petrillo has found many opportunities for overall savings in resale and cash flow, saving the company over $3M.

Ad Loading...

Additionally, the 2024 Automotive Fleet Safety Award winner will take a spot on the panel to join the conversation.

FFC Is Right Around the Corner!

Fleet Safety and Fleet Forward Conferences will convene a three-day event on Nov. 6-8, 2024, at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, addressing electrification, connected vehicles, autonomous technology, last-mile mobility, IoT, shared mobility, Fleet Management as a Service, next-generation telematics, and more.

Mike Branch, vice president of data and analytics at Geotab, will host the opening keynote. As a data scientist and software developer, Branch will unveil how AI is creating a new era for fleets. 

Automotive Fleet's Fleet Forward Conference includes seminars, tabletop exhibits, networking, lunch, and a vehicle ride and drive. See who else is in the lineup so far and register for the event.

More Fleet Forward

A group of people stand next to a crashed car for IIHS testing
Fleet Forward•by Faith Howell•October 27, 2026

What Fleet Managers Learned from IIHS Crash Testing

Fleet Forward Conference attendees witnessed a live crash test at IIHS’s site, explored vehicle safety technology, and learned how IIHS research can inform fleet purchasing decisions.

Read More →
Photos on the top show attendess of the 2026 Fleet Forward Conference sitting on stage
Fleet Forward•by Staff•October 27, 2026

What Happened at Fleet Forward Conference 2026?

Here's what happened at this year's Fleet Forward conference, all in photo form.

Read More →
Chad Edmondson at Fleet Forward Conference 2026
Fleet Forward•by Jeanny Abraham•October 22, 2026

Chad Edmondson Named 2026 Fleet Safety Award Winner

The VSC Fire & Security fleet director oversees more than 1,100 assets nationwide. His approach to improving driver safety emphasizes collaboration, employee engagement, and building trust with the people behind the wheel.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Joseph Lukacs at the Fleet Forward Conferencd 2026
Fleet Forward•by Jeanny Abraham•October 22, 2026

Joseph Lukacs Wins 2026 Global Fleet Manager of the Year

The Sherwin-Williams fleet leader adds another industry honor to his career after being named the 2025 Edward J. Bobit Professional Fleet Manager of the Year.

Read More →
A blue and white graphic with Brett's Bridge's headshot on the left.
Fleet Forward•by Faith Howell•October 7, 2026

Fleet Meets: Brett Bridges

Meet Brett Bridges, project leader and industry innovator.

Read More →
Erin Gilchrist poses next a podcast mic on the left side of an image with the Mike Antich Apirit of Fleet award image on the right.
Fleet Forward•by Faith Howell•October 5, 2026

Erin Gilchrist Receives Mike Antich Spirit of Fleet Award

Last week at AFLA in Vegas, Erin Gilchrist received the inaugural, brand-new Spirit of Fleet Award.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A headshot of Dominika Leja on the right with Fleet Manager of the Year text on the left, all with a blue and red background and the Automotive Fleet logl
Fleet Forward•by Faith Howell•September 30, 2026

Dominika Leja Named the 2026 Fleet Manager of the Year

The AstraZeneca associate director of fleet was recognized for her leadership in fleet electrification, cost savings, and operational transformation.

Read More →
Jamie McKay stands on stage and poses with teh 2026 Fleet Visionary award at AFLA
Fleet Forward•by Faith Howell•September 30, 2026

Jamie McKay Named the 2026 Fleet Visionary Award Winner

The Aptive Pest Control fleet manager was recognized for her approach to operations, data, lifecycle management, and driver needs.

Read More →
FFC one day pass announce
Fleet Forward•by Staff•September 15, 2026

Fleet Forward Conference Introduces One-Day Passes for 2026

New one-day registration gives fleet professionals the flexibility to attend Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, with passes available for $199 through Sept. 18.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A dog sits at a desk and vibe codes
Fleet Forward•by Chris Brown•September 1, 2026

Vibe Coding: When Fleet Managers Become Software Builders

Five fleet professionals — none with programming skills — discuss how they’re using AI to build fleet solutions in-house and in a fraction of the time.

Read More →