NAFA Welcomes 1,400+ Leaders to Fleet’s Largest Live Gathering in Over 2 Years

Fleet professionals across the industry convened on Columbus, Ohio, this week for NAFA’s I&E, in what has shaped up to be the largest live gathering of fleet professionals in over two years.

“After the pandemic started to recede, we needed to get I&E back on track in its April timeframe, which meant having a second conference in just eight months,” says Bill Schankel, NAFA CEO. “The NAFA community and fleet industry responded with registrations exceeding our expectations and a very robust group of exhibitors, sponsors, and thought leaders. This has been an extraordinary week for our industry.”

I&E is the premier professional development and networking event for fleet professionals in every segment, including corporate, government, public safety, utility, education, and more. This year’s theme, “Shifting Gears,” alluded to the many changes fleet managers are navigating in their current work environment.

“Although the world is slowly returning to normal, fleet managers are facing a host of new challenges such as vehicle and parts shortages, recruiting and retaining drivers, increasing accidents on our roadways due to distracted and impaired driving, and exploring the transition to electric fleets,” says Ray Brisby, CAFM, EMS fleet operations manager at Alberta Health Services and president of NAFA’s board of directors. “The education sessions this week tackled all these topics and more, providing attendees with fresh ideas and best practices for moving their fleet operations forward.”

The event delivered three inspiring keynotes, 25+ educational sessions, and 40+ hours of learning. More than 175 exhibitors showcased new vehicles, products, technologies, and services — many of which were unveiled at I&E for the first time.

Hot topics this week included developing a fleet readiness strategy, building your fleet with flexibility, the cost and complexities of powering electric vehicles, escaping EV infrastructure pitfalls, integrating automated vehicles into your fleet, and developing a green fleet with the increasing spotlight on corporate ESG (environmental, social, and governance). NAFA also offered a special leadership development course and content geared specifically for CAFMs.

NAFA encourages those unable to attend I&E this year to access the I&E Virtual Experience on April 25–27, 2022, which includes recordings of four general sessions as well as 15 brand-new educational sessions — available live and on demand — plus three days of virtual networking via themed chat discussions with fleet industry leaders.