The 2018 Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association (AFLA) conference started today at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes Hotel in Orlando, Florida.

There are 511 pre-registered attendees that includes a record attendance of 108 corporate fleet managers, which was an increase of 20 fleet managers above the 2017 AFLA conference. The theme of the conference is “Catch that Magic Moment Right Now,” designed to signify AFLA’s goal of identifying top trends and issues in the fleet management industry.

“Fleet decision-makers face constantly changing economic conditions and technological advancements, which can make determining the right issues to focus on challenging,” said Mary Sticha, AFLA's president. “AFLA has identified the top issues of our industry and is addressing them at our 2018 conference by offering top-notch speakers and content.”

Prior to the official start of the AFLA Conference, the Women in Fleet Management held a breakfast followed by a presentation by Dr. Bridget Cooper, a motivational speaker, to a standing-room only audience.

Later in the day will be a presentation on procurement by Jim Barnes, managing director of the Institute for Supply Management, followed by a session explaining AFLA’s new Mini MBA Program course.

In the evening, there will a special awards dinner and ceremony announcing the winner of the 2018 Fleet Manager of the Year award, which is sponsored by Wheels, Inc. and AFLA. The second award will be the 2018 Fleet Executive of the Year award, sponsored by The CEI Group. Also, announced will be the three inductees of the 2018 Fleet Hall of Fame, exclusively sponsored by AFLA.