What Happened at Fleet Forward Conference 2026?

Fleet Forward•Photos 21•October 27, 2026

The 2026 Fleet Forward Conference brought fleet professionals, industry leaders, and technology experts together Oct. 20-22 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, to explore the evolving future of fleet management. Under the theme “Leading Fleets Through Transformation,” the three-day event featured discussions on artificial intelligence, fleet safety, emerging technologies, regulatory changes, sustainability, and workforce development. Sessions examined topics ranging from AI-driven fleet operations and predictive safety technologies to succession planning and the changing regulatory landscape. Attendees also had opportunities to experience new vehicle technologies through the Ride & Drive and Vehicle Showcase, while an IIHS Crash Test Experience offered a closer look at vehicle safety research. The conference concluded with discussions on the future of fleet leadership, highlighting the strategies and technologies shaping the industry's next chapter.

Topics:Fleet Forward Conference Photo Gallery Leadership Fleet Forward

Jess Long, manager of consulting services at Holman, speaks at the day-two session, "Are You Best in Class?", where she presents a new benchmarking approach.

Credit:

Nick Minton

Diana Holland and Erin Farrell face each other while Erin holds a microphone — Diana Holland, founder of Cavis, and Erin Farrell, consultant at Holman, speak at "Are You Best in Class?"
Credit:
Nick Minton

Fleet Forward attendees sit on stage to speak about new fleet voices — Pict6ured from left to right, speaking at "Fresh Voices Changing How Fleet Works": Tom Bragg, director of business development at Anew Solutions, Ernie Garcia, director at Gothic Landscape, MacKenzie Mones, fleet, travel, and business partner for ITG Brands, and Brett Bridges of BBL Fleet.
Credit:
Nick Minton

Chris Brown speaking shot — Associate Publisher of *Automotive Fleet* Chris Brown takes the stage at Fleet Forward.
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Nick Minton

Speakers from Fleet Forward conference sit on stage — Pictured from left to right, speaking at a session about autonomous operations: Laolu Adeola, managing director at Leke Services, Avninder Buttar, SVP and head of electrification at Element Fleet Management, and Josh Green, founder and CEO of Inspiration Mobility.
Credit:
Nick Minton

Two people listen to a conference session at FFC2026 — Event goers sit in the crowd and listen to an FFC session.
Credit:
Nick Minton

Three conference attendees pose for a photo in front of a Smith System safe driving display at a fleet industry event. — Attendees gather at the Smith System booth during the 2026 Fleet Forward Conference, connecting with industry peers and discussing fleet safety initiatives.
Credit:
Nick Minton

Three panelists participate in a discussion at the 2026 Fleet Forward Conference, with one speaker addressing the audience using a handheld microphone while the other two listen. — Industry experts share insights during a panel discussion called Turning Fleet Data into Remarketing Value.
Credit:
Nick Minton

A Proaction representative speaks with two attendees at the company's exhibitor booth during the 2026 Fleet Forward Conference. — Fleet professionals connect with exhibitors at the tabletops room, exploring fleet management solutions and technologies on display.
Credit:
Nick Minton

A man in a blue coat stands behind a podium speaking at FFC2026 — Joseph King, president of FleetRockKey, speaks at session Maintenance Assumptions AI is about to Break.
Credit:
Nick Minton

Three men sit on a stage at FFC talking about EVs at scale. — Pictured right to left at the session Operating EVs at Scale: Daniel Hawn, fleet operations manager at City of Sunnyvale, Reed Jackson, fleet analyst for Dallas County Consolidated Services, and Steven Hicks, Public Works Director, City of Charlottesville.
Credit:
Nick Minton

Grey Fleet: Real Liability session pictures Jose Rocha with a microphone — Jose Rocha, fleet commodity manager at NCR Atleos speaks at Grey Fleet: Real Liability session.
Credit:
Nick Minton

Three fleet pros sit on a stage at FFC2026 talking about Michael Sims Manager, Global Fleet Services The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. — Picture right to left at the sessions called Closing the Leadership Gap: Michael Sims, manager, Global Fleet Services, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jim Petrillo, retired fleet manager for FujiFilm, and Brett Bridges of BBL Fleet.
Credit:
Nick Minton

A man at FFC2026 holds a sign in his right hand — Attendees and volunteers help hold signs directing people to the Ride and Drive.
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Nick Minton

FFC2026 speakers and attendees ewear leather jackets on stage — Jim Petrillo's closest professional relationships wear leather jackets on stage to honor his impact to the industry, in true Petrillo fashion.
Credit:
Nick Minton

Four men sit on stage at FFC2026 with a blue background — Navigating the Regulatory Landscape session, pictured left to right: Michael Berube, CEO of Catalyst Mobility, Alleyn Harned, executive director at Virginia Clean Cities, Michael Taylor, Senior Advisor at HillStaffer LLC, and Burl Haigwood, GWRCCC Project Coordinator, Clean Fuels Infrastructure Investment & Partner Engagement at Greater Washington Clean Cities Coalition.
Credit:
Nick Minton

People pour coffee at FFC2026 — Coffee networking in between sessions.
Credit:
Nick Minton

A grey 2026 Toyota Tacoma — A Nissan Frontier pickup truck is displayed outside FFC at the Ride and Drive.
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Toyota

A silver Volvo SUV with black wheels and tinted windows is parked outside the Gaylord National Resort during the 2026 Fleet Forward Conference. — A Volvo SUV is displayed outside at the Ride and Drive event.
Credit:
Nick Minton

A man poses with sunglasses on next to an SUV. — Jim Petrillo poses alongside a Volvo EX30 electric SUV during the Ride and Drive.
Credit:
Nick Minton

Fleet Forward attendees pose at IIHS crash test site in Virgina — Some Fleet Forward attendees and speakers went on a safety excursion to Virginia to witness a crash test at the IIHS site.
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IIHS