PRINCETON, NJ – The numbers are in and NAFA’s 2011 Institute & Expo (I&E) was not only a huge success, but was one of the Association’s most successful conferences in the last 16 years.

Held April 9-12 in Charlotte, NC, the I&E had over 2,300 people in attendance (more than in any of the past three years) and a completely sold-out expo floor.  Never one to sit on its laurels, NAFA is already looking towards next year’s conference in St. Louis.  The Association is accepting presentations for educational sessions at the 2012 I&E until May 23.

Each year, NAFA reaches out to the fleet management community to identify the most relevant topics and issues facing fleet professionals today to use as the base for the conference’s educational sessions. All NAFA Members and Affiliates are encouraged to recommend ideas for topics or suggest speakers and panelists for consideration.

One year before the Institute & Expo, NAFA forms a Curriculum Committee comprised of volunteers who represent all segments of the fleet industry. NAFA staff provides the overall structure for the program and supports the committees throughout the decision-making process. 

The Curriculum Committee tends to work from the big picture down to the details. The first step of planning involves determining the issues believed to be most significant to attendees, the Committee then works to build those concepts into specific sessions, which vary in length from 60 – 90 minutes. Sessions will generally involve single speakers or panels. Proposals may be considered for participation in panel discussions rather than solo speaking opportunity depending on the topic.

Presentations are chosen based on the following criteria:

• Relevance to attendees.

• A well-defined topic with focused objectives.

• Practical application of material.

• Timeliness of topic.

• Original material.

• Overall perceived level and quality of session content.

• Completeness of presentation proposal.

Speaker qualifications, including: previous presentations in topic area, participant evaluations of presenter(s) at previous events (if applicable), and speaking experience of presenter(s).

Sales pitches for products or services submitted as proposals will be eliminated.  All presentation submissions will be acknowledged via email upon receipt. Proposals will be reviewed by NAFA staff and members of the Curriculum Committee. Within two weeks of the June 2-4, 2011 Curriculum Committee Meeting recipients will be contacted whether their submission has been chosen or not.

If you would like to submit a presentation proposal, please email info@nafa.org to receive the official presentation form.  The NAFA 2012 Institute & Expo will take place April 21-24 in St. Louis, MO.