The 2026 Fleet Forward Conference will introduce attendees to a new generation of industry leaders during “Fresh Voices Changing How Fleet Works,” a panel featuring fleet professionals who are already producing measurable results while bringing different perspectives to the business.

The session will take place Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. ET at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

The discussion will examine how emerging fleet leaders are adopting technology, applying data, engaging stakeholders and leading organizational change. Rather than following a traditional fleet path, the speakers will share practical examples of how they are developing their own approaches to persistent industry challenges.

“You may not recognize every name on this panel – yet – but you’ll recognize the challenges they’re taking on,” said Chris Brown, associate publisher of Automotive Fleet and conference chair. “These speakers are bringing new energy and practical ideas to fleet. They are building their own playbooks, and attendees will hear what is working, what they have learned and how they are leading change.”

The panel will be moderated by Brett Ashley Bridges, director of communications and client services at BBL Fleet. In addition to her executive role at the fleet management company, Bridges serves on the board of the Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association.

Three Emerging Leaders

Panelists include:

• Austin Schutte, founder and CEO of Anew Solutions. Schutte launched Anew Solutions in 2017 and developed it into a nationwide automotive supply chain company providing vehicle transportation, registration, storage, upfitting, repair and remarketing services. His experience building an integrated vehicle lifecycle business gives the panel an entrepreneurial and supplier-side perspective on solving operational problems.
• MacKenzie Mones, fleet, travel and expense business partner at ITG Brands. Mones oversees a fleet of nearly 1,000 vehicles and works across business functions to align fleet strategy with wider organizational goals. In approximately five years in fleet leadership, she has helped guide a fleet management company transition, supported a 30% fleet expansion and built technology-based compliance programs. Mones is a nominee for the Fleet Visionary Award, and ITG Brands ranked No. 6 on NAFA’s 100 Best Fleets list for 2026.
• LP Monroe, deputy fleet division manager for Prince George’s County, Maryland. Monroe provides strategic leadership for a public-sector operation encompassing 4,383 vehicles, 19 fuel sites and two full-service garages. Her work connects performance measurement, sustainability, workforce development and cross-agency collaboration while maintaining high levels of vehicle availability and customer satisfaction.

Attendees will hear candid lessons on implementing change, improving fleet operations and gaining organizational support for new initiatives. The session will also provide a look at how the next generation of fleet leadership is beginning to influence the industry’s direction.

Register for the 2026 Fleet Forward Conference.

About Fleet Forward Conference

The Fleet Forward Conference will make its East Coast debut Oct. 20-22, 2026, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, 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. The 2026 theme is “Leading Fleets Through Transformation.”

The educational program is organized around six pillars: Mobility & Autonomy; Data Integration, AI & Predictive Intelligence; Global Strategy; Fleet Safety & Risk; Infrastructure & Energy; and People, Talent & Culture. Attendees can also participate in the Ride & Drive and Vehicle Showcase and connect with fleet leaders and solution providers from across the industry.