Each November, Holman, a global automotive services organization, hosts Holman Drive, an annual conference that focuses on sharing proven fleet management solutions and exploring the future of mobility. Now in its fifth year, Holman Drive 23 featured a number of sessions and panel discussions that examined key trends influencing the fleet industry including emerging technologies, supply chain disruptions, and the continued transition to electric vehicles.
During the conference in Boca Raton, Florida, more than 150 automotive, fleet, finance, and procurement professionals convened for three days of lively, interactive sessions, networking events, and through-provoking conversations. The energy and enthusiasm in the room throughout the event was nothing short of remarkable as some of the brightest minds in the industry discussed the challenges—and opportunities—that lie ahead in 2024 and beyond.
OPENING REMARKS
Holman CEO Chris Conroy opened the event by welcoming attendees and highlighting the company’s core values and principles which serve as the foundation for how the company supports its customers. Conroy also offered a glimpse at the road ahead for Holman as the organization prepares to celebrate its centennial anniversary in 2024 and embark on its second century in business.
Following the opening keynote, a panel of leading technology experts including Holman’s CIO Jarrod Phipps as well as Geotab’s Chad Saliba and Phil Nanus of Salesforce offered their perspectives on the emerging trends and technologies that are poised to transform the fleet industry in the years ahead. The panel discussion focused heavily on the importance of effectively managing the ocean of data a fleet generates and how this information can be leveraged to overcome challenges and drive meaningful improvements.
SUPPLY CHAIN DISCUSSION
This panel discussion was followed by an in-depth look at the automotive supply chain which has been severely disrupted for three-plus years. Holman’s Ted Davis offered his perspective on the outlook for the supply chain as it begins to stabilize. Davis highlighted how Holman is leveraging its unsurpassed visibility to the entire automotive sector along with strategic partnerships and innovative technology to help its customers stay ahead of lingering disruptions. Davis was then joined on stage by a panel of experts from across the industry including Michael Taylor of Hillstaffers and General Motors’ Jennifer Costabile. The panel discussed the various factors influencing the supply chain along with how these variables impact fleet operations and business as a whole.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
A series of breakout sessions wrapped-up the day. The concurrent sessions focused on technology’s impact on driver safety, real-world electric vehicle implementation strategies, and the top fleet trends for 2024. Attendees then enjoyed a number of casual networking activities followed by an evening of entertainment.
PRIORITIES & INITIATIVES
The final day of Holman Drive 23 began with Holman’s President of Fleet & Mobility Bob White highlighting the organization’s top strategic priorities and initiatives with an emphasis on continuing to enhance the customer experience. White was then joined by Milwaukee Tool’s Jeremy Ferch, TruGreen’s Hobbs DeWitt, ExxonMobil’s Peter Tunnard, and BNSF Railway’s Jennifer Cayot for a panel discussion on strategies for effectively elevating the fleet conversation to the C-suite. The group of panelists discussed the importance of highlighting how various fleet initiatives can translate to overall business success.
This session was followed by Holman’s Bill Cariss and Tony Candeloro who led a panel discussion on the future of fleet and the rapidly evolving technologies impacting the industry with several experts from across the automotive sector.
Bringing the event to a close was former CEO and Chairman of General Electric Jeff Immelt. During his keynote presentation, Immelt discussed the business value of fleet operations and shared his insights from his illustrious career that saw him lead an industrial titan through the digital revolution.
INNOVATIONS TO COME
An event unlike any other, Holman Drive is without question among the highlights of the year for the company and all those in attendance. The annual conference offers a unique opportunity to highlight best practice strategies, explore the trends impacting fleet operations, connect with leaders from across a variety of industries, and together, continue to shape the future of fleet management. But more than anything else, the event is a chance for Holman, its extraordinary collection of strategic business partners, and the company’s valued customers to celebrate their collective successes and explore new, innovative ways to leverage fleet operations to drive organizational success.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To learn more about how Holman’s holistic fleet management strategies can help maximize the potential of your fleet as a strategic business asset, visit holman.com.
