Blog Post
Insights and Networking in San Antonio – Join Wheels at NAFA!
By Bob Gonke
April 11, 2024
Can it really be four years since we were facing the closing of the world—and no NAFA I&E? As the landscape of fleet management continues to move onward and evolve at an accelerating rate, it feels like those times are finally a pinpoint in the rearview mirror. Optimism for the future again feels very real, and honestly, is becoming contagious!
With today’s rapid advancements, the need for timely insights, strategies for driver retention, and the necessity to be in front of regulatory compliance has never been more critical. As a long-standing participant of the NAFA Institute & Expo (I&E), Wheels is poised to lead the charge for our fellow fleet professionals to profit from the invaluable knowledge to be gained at this year’s events in San Antonio, Texas, from Monday, April 22nd through Wednesday, April 24th.
A Dynamic Blend of Learning and Networking
Wheels is not merely a participant; we’re woven into the fabric of NAFA I&E with a unique blend of educational sessions and hospitality. As attendees navigate the wealth of information available, they’ll also enjoy the casual gathering at our coffee bars within our expo floor booth #1757. It’s an experience designed to foster learning and networking in a relaxed environment. Please stop by and catch up on the latest fleet advancements.
Educational Sessions: Navigating Today’s Challenges
Our commitment to advancing the fleet profession is always exemplified by our educational offerings. This year, Wheels will host two sessions aimed at addressing critical areas for fleet professionals:
Successful Drivers: Tips for Productivity and Retention
Monday, April 22nd, at 10:30 AM
Of the many facets of fleet management, what remains constant is the central role of the driver. Given the current challenges in hiring and retaining top-quality drivers, this session will share some key strategies that can significantly improve driver engagement including: open communication, listening to drivers, safety as a core company principle and leveraging expertise.
I am proud to be leading a lively panel of speakers that will include David Hayward MBA CAFM, Global Fleet Manager for ABM Industries; Caelin Luster MBA, Fleet Coordinator at Hilti North America; and Jackie D’Souza, a former Fleet Manager who is now a Fleet Consulting Executive with Wheels.
We will delve into the art and science of maintaining a happy, committed, and safe driver workforce. Given the current climate of talent acquisition and retention, insights on open communication, listening, and fostering a safety culture are more relevant than ever. We intent to engage our colleagues by taking questions from the attendees.
The Future of Regulatory Compliance: New Legislation, New Technologies and Impacts to Your Fleet
Tuesday, April 23rd, at 4:30 PM
Regulatory compliance today encompasses much more than safety. In this session, we will cover the emerging and rapid changes coming to fleet regulatory compliance. Beyond specific rules and regulations, we will discuss how additional factors such as the political landscape, developing technologies and data collection will change this once very predictable area of fleet.
The experts will include Iram Ibrahim, Attorney and Wheels’ Regulatory Services Manager, and Danielle Nielsen, Product Manager at Wheels. This session goes beyond the basics, exploring all the factors in our changing world that will redefine regulatory compliance for fleets in the future.
Hospitality Events: Where Coffee Meets Exclusive Networking Opportunities
We are providing the opportunity to refresh and recharge while networking with peers at our unique Coffee Lounges. Don’t miss out on these gatherings to connect and share insights:
Expo Floor Booth #1757:
Take a break from exploring the show floor with coffee and conversation. Open during the expo hours.
4/22: Open 10am – 2pm, with a networking break from 11am – 11:30am.
4/23: Open 10am – 1pm, with a networking break from 11am – 11:30am.
Fountain View Coffee Lounge – 2nd Floor:
A relaxed setting for deeper engagement, near the meeting rooms, staffed by a barista and available during the networking breaks for you to get your caffeine pickup!
4/22: Open 10am-4pm, with networking breaks at 10-10:30am and 3:30-4pm.
4/23: Open 2-4pm, with a networking break from 3-3:30pm.
4/24: Open 1-2:30pm, with a networking break from 1-1:30pm.
To learn is to grow. Wheels’ education sessions and networking opportunities are specifically developed to provide fleet professionals with the proper tools, meaningful knowledge, and valuable connections needed to navigate the complexities of fleet management successfully. As always, Wheels remains your partner in achieving success at NAFA I&E 2024.
I feel enormously enthusiastic about the rapidly evolving future of fleet and cannot wait to see old colleagues and meet new ones. In this ever-changing world, we have so much to share and learn from each other. And doesn’t it just feel great to continue the tradition of attendance at NAFA I&E? Join us in San Antonio for an enriching experience that promises to elevate your fleet management strategies to new heights!
Originally published by Fleet Management Weekly