NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA) recently concluded its 2023 Institute and Expo (I&E) in Baltimore, Maryland. Nearly 2,000 fleet and mobility professionals from around the globe convened to network, learn, and explore the latest from suppliers.
During the opening session, NAFA Board President Michael Camnetar, CAFM, kicked off the event with an association’s initiatives update. The session featured fleet professionals who achieved their Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) designation. The winners of the 100 Best Fleets in the Americas were also crowned.
“NAFA I&E is always a special time, especially now when we are experiencing so much growth and change in our industry,” Camnetar says. “We leave I&E with a newfound sense of curiosity, a greater appreciation for our industry, and feeling a whole lot closer to our community.”
EDUCATION & NETWORKING
Sunjay Nath—renowned keynote speaker specializing in leadership and performance—led Monday’s keynote, “The #1 Thing That Holds Us Back.” Nath challenged attendees to break away from patterns that no longer work. He also challenged them to become more aware of biases and learn to question what people believe is impossible. Sara Frasca, innovation and business growth expert, led Wednesday’s keynote, “Hacking Innovation, The New Growth Model from the Sinister World of Hackers.” This session revealed the hacker mindset, emphasizing how and why unorthodox moves can lead to the best business outcomes.
On the Main Stage on Tuesday, industry leaders gathered to discuss the electrification of the fleet industry. They also discussed how fleet managers can work with key stakeholders to reach their electric vehicle goals. The panelists addressed the importance of mitigating risks and developing climate action plans. They discussed being change agents as well as quantifying overall impacts and aligning EV goals with their organization’s DNA.
More than 20 education sessions took place, providing attendees the opportunity to stay ahead of trends and connect with others. Session topics included fleet electrification, recession-proofing operations, tackling the shortage of qualified technicians, top fleet management best practices, and more. Also, more than 70 participants were immersed in CAFM Live, a peer-to-peer educational event that accelerates Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) candidates’ preparation for examination and certification.
NAFA EXPO
The Expo featured nearly 200 exhibitors showcasing the latest fleet products and services. New this year, the Innovations Showcase invited attendees into an interactive innovation zone on the expo floor. Here, exciting new products and product updates from exhibiting companies were on display. Digital Ally, Inc. and ReviverMX, Inc. received the inaugural Innovations Showcase People’s Choice award. NAFA also introduced its first-ever Media Day, providing nearly a dozen companies the opportunity to present their breaking news and announcements to reporters in back-to-back press conferences.
At I&E, NAFA also announced the leaders of its Regional Councils as part of the association’s new regional governance model, which was rolled out earlier this year. This new structure will foster and enhance community and growth.
Next year’s I&E will take place in San Antonio, Texas, April 22-24.
Find out more, visit: www.nafa.org.
