Skip to main content

How Fleet Leaders Are Navigating Rising Costs, AI and Operational Changes in 2026

Fleet leaders are facing a new set of challenges in 2026. Rising operating costs, tariff uncertainty, evolving technology, and changing workforce expectations are forcing organizations to make difficult decisions about where to invest, where to hold steady, and how to prepare for what’s next.


Join Element’s experts as they unpack key findings from the 2026 Market Pulse Report and discuss what they mean in practice. Going beyond the survey results, this webinar will explore how leading organizations are responding to today’s market conditions and where fleet leaders should focus their attention in the year ahead.


In this webinar, you’ll learn:

  • How leading fleets are balancing cost control with long-term operational performance.
  • Where organizations are finding opportunities to improve efficiency, visibility, and total cost of ownership.
  • How AI and digital tools are delivering measurable value in areas such as safety, maintenance, and cost management.
  • What tariff pressures and economic uncertainty mean for procurement, replacement planning, and lifecycle strategies.
  • The key actions fleet leaders should consider as they prepare for 2026.

 

Sponsored by Element


Featured speakers

Steve Jastrow Senior Vice President, Strategic Advisory and Analytics

Steve leads Element’s Strategic Advisory and Analytics practice, helping organizations optimize fleet performance, improve total cost of ownership, and make data-driven fleet decisions.

 

Chad Saliba Director, EV Engagement & Operations

Chad leads Element’s electrification strategy and works with organizations across North America to develop practical pathways toward fleet sustainability and energy transition.

 

Kalani Jayaweera Manager, Market Insights & Client Experience

Kalani leads market insights and client experience initiatives, helping organizations understand emerging industry trends, evolving customer needs, and opportunities to improve business performance.

 

When: August 13th, 2026. 1:00-2:00PM ET

Where: Zoom link will be sent prior to this event

Registration Deadline: August 13th, 2026 1:00PM ET



NAFA Utah Supports the 2026 APWA Fall Conference & Stormwater Expo

NAFA Utah is excited to support the 2026 APWA Fall Conference in Sandy, Utah at the Mountain America Expo Center! The event starts on August 18 and sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities are available. The conference is an event for public works professionals, bringing together industry leaders, experts, and practitioners to share knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions. There will be two days of engaging sessions, networking opportunities, and a showcase of the latest products and services in the field of public works and stormwater management. NAFA Members get a special rate to attend if registered by August 10.

When: August 18-19, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day.

Registration Fee: NAFA Members will need to select the NAFA Member Registration package by August 10 to receive an early bird discount rate of $210.



NAFA Ohio Cincinnati Reds Baseball Event (Aug 2026)

Hit a Home Run with Fleet Education and Networking!

Join fellow fleet professionals for an unforgettable afternoon and evening that combines valuable industry education, meaningful networking, and America’s favorite pastime at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio.


Thanks to the generous support of Tire Discounters, attendees will enjoy the game from the exclusive Triple Play Suite, featuring climate-controlled indoor seating, an outdoor patio, cushioned ballpark seats, a delicious dinner buffet, and beverages throughout the evening.


Before first pitch, kick off the event with an educational session at the MOM Conference Center, conveniently located within the ballpark. Experts from Tire Discounters and Goodyear Tire will share insights, trends, and practical knowledge to help you stay informed and enhance your fleet operations.


This unique event offers the perfect opportunity to:

  • Expand your industry knowledge
  • Connect with fleet professionals from across the region
  • Exchange ideas and best practices
  • Enjoy premium hospitality while cheering on the Cincinnati Reds

Don’t miss this chance to learn, network, and enjoy a memorable evening at one of Major League Baseball’s premier venues. Don’t miss out! This is a limited-capacity event, and tickets are expected to go quickly. Once they’re gone, they’re gone!


When: August 17, 2026


Time: Meeting runs from 3 to 5:30 p.m., Suite/Dinner/Game runs from 5:40 p.m. to end of game (game time 6:40 p.m.)


Where: Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202


Registration Fee: $35 NAFA Members and $50 for non-members and guests.


Please Note: This is a 21 and over event.


Registration Includes: Educational sessions, networking, ticket to the baseball game and Triple Play Suite, dinner buffet, and two drinks. Parking is not included.


Registration Deadline: August 10, 2026


Tentative Agenda:

3:00 – 3:30 p.m.: Check-in and Networking

3:30 – 5:30 p.m.: Educational Sessions

5:40 p.m.: Head to Suite for dinner and game

6:40 p.m.: Cincinnati Reds versus St. Louis Cardinals Game




Sustainable Fleet Technology Series: Upfitting Your Garage for Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicles

As electric and alternative fuel vehicles become more common, garages must evolve to safely and effectively support new fueling and charging needs. This webinar provides a practical overview of what it takes to upfit an existing garage for electric vehicles (EVs) and other alternative fuel vehicles. Participants will learn about key considerations related to safety, code considerations, permitting, and future-proofing considerations for garage retrofits, expansion and/or upgrades.

When: December 10th, 2026. 2:0PM-3:30PM ET

Where: Zoom

Registration Fee: Free

Registration Deadline: December 10th, 2026 12 PM ET

CAE: 1.5

Sustainable Fleet Technology Series: Lower Cost Charging Options

Charging infrastructure costs can be a barrier to fleet electrification, but faster and more expensive is not always better. Many fleets can meet daily operational needs using lower-cost charging approaches that leverage existing electrical infrastructure and longer vehicle dwell times. Join this webinar to learn how strategies such as Level 1 charging, low-power Level 2 charging, and phased or temporary installations can reduce upfront costs while still supporting reliable fleet operations. This session will highlight practical use cases, cost considerations, and decision-making frameworks to help fleets right-size charging investments and stretch limited budgets.

When: September 17th, 2026. 2:00PM-3:30PM ET

Where: Zoom

Registration Fee: Free

Registration Deadline: September 17th 12PM

CAE: 1.5

Beyond the Dashcam: What Modern Fleet Safety Actually Looks like

Cameras are everywhere. Real behavior change is rare. In this session, join Netradyne to dig into what separates fleets making lasting safety gains from those still chasing incidents and learn from real-world examples. The conversation covers how AI-vision technology, recognition-based coaching, and full-context driving data work together to build driver trust and sustain results to improve fleet safety and performance. Fleet and Safety managers will leave with a clear view of where the industry is heading and what to implement to enhance their fleet safety programs. 

When: July 9th, 2026. 1:00PM-2:00PM ET

Where: Zoom

Registration Fee: Free

Registration Deadline: July 9th, 2026 12PM ET

Registration is closed.

A Modern Approach to Driver Risk: Fleet, Personal Vehicles, and Proactive Oversight

As liability exposure, insurance costs, and safety expectations rise, organizations are rethinking driver risk not only how drivers are monitored, but whether a company-owned vehicle is the right fit for every driver. 

In this session, we’ll explore how vehicle program design can influence liability exposure and how leading organizations determine which drivers are best served by fleet versus personal vehicle programs. Attendees will also learn how continuous MVR monitoring, insurance monitoring for employee-owned vehicles, driver safety training, and policy design can provide year-round visibility into driver status, insurance compliance, and emerging risk indicators. 

You’ll leave with practical guidance for aligning drivers to the optimal vehicle program and implementing the oversight needed to reduce risk across your driving population. 


When: July 28th, 2026. 1:00PM – 2:00PM ET

Where: Zoom

Registration Deadline: July 29th, 2026. 12PM ET

CAE Hours: 0


Learning objectives: 

Attendees will leave this session able to: 

  1. Understand how vehicle program design influences organizational liability exposure 
  1. Learn how leading organizations evaluate which drivers require company-owned vehicles versus personal vehicle programs 
  1. Identify the role ongoing MVR monitoring, insurance monitoring, and policy play in a modern driver risk mitigation strategy 
  1. Understand a framework for assessing and reducing driver risk across both fleet and employee-owned vehicle populations 


Sponsor by Motus 


Speakers: 

 Jake Ernest, Senior Director, Enterprise Sales at Motus 

Jake Ernest is Senior Director of Enterprise Sales at Motus, where he helps large organizations evaluate and modernize their vehicle reimbursement programs. He brings more than 20 years of experience in fleet and mobility, including roles at Enterprise Fleet Management and Runzheimer — giving him a grounded, practical perspective on the operational and compliance challenges fleet managers face every day. Jake has advised hundreds of enterprise clients on transitioning from company car programs to more flexible, risk-aware driver frameworks 

Kristin DeCamp, Regional Vice President of Account Management at Motus 

Kristin DeCamp is a seasoned customer success and account management leader currently serving as Regional Vice President of Account Management at Motus, where she has built an impressive career over more than a decade. Since joining the company in 2012, she has progressed through a series of roles spanning client services, customer success, and enterprise account management, ultimately leading high-performing teams focused on client retention, growth, and strategic partnerships. Known for her transparent, people-first leadership style, Kristin emphasizes collaboration, mentorship, and empowering her team to succeed while driving business outcomes. She holds a B.S. in Management from Quinnipiac University. 

Beth Shepherd, Vice President, Product Marketing at Motus 

Beth Shepherd is Vice President of Product Marketing at Motus, where she leads positioning, messaging, and go-to-market strategy for the company’s driver risk and reimbursement solutions. She brings experience from product marketing roles at Upwork and Amazon Web Services, with a strong foundation in translating complex enterprise software into clear business value.


NAFA Connecticut+ LNG Meeting July 2026

The NAFA Northeast Council is looking forward to fostering connections, sharing resources, and creating opportunities for fleet professionals to learn from one another and continue growing within the industry. Join the NAFA Connecticut Local Networking Group on July 22 for a casual networking event focused on connecting with peers, discussing challenges, sharing ideas, and building a stronger local fleet community. Coffee and pastries will be provided, along with great conversations – now we just need you!

If you’re interested in getting more involved, whether through local networking events, NAFA programs, or other opportunities, please sign up for this amazing opportunity! Any fleet professionals from the Northeast region can attend!

When: July 22, 2026. 10 AM – 12 PM ET

Where: Metropolitan District Training Center (MDC), 125 Maxim Road, Hartford, CT 06114

Registration Fee: There is no fee to attend this event. All fleet professionals are welcome to attend – but registration is required!

Registration Deadline: July 20, 2026 

Registration is closed.

NAFA Nevada LNG Meeting July 2026

The NAFA Nevada local networking group will come together for an informational and networking meeting at the Ford Country Henderson location. Fleet managers interested in attending can look forward to fleet-industry-focused discussion paired with a presentation on Ford Country resources and a facility tour. Lunch will be provided at the onsite restaurant, Mustang Sally’s!

If you are a fleet manager in Nevada who is interested in connecting with other fleet professionals, please sign up for this amazing opportunity!

When: July 15, 2026. 10:45AM-1PM PT

Where: Ford Country- 280 N Gibson Rd, Henderson, NV 89014

Registration Fee: $15 for NAFA members and $20 for non-members

Registration Deadline: July 13th, 2026 2PM ET

 

Tentative Agenda

10:45-11AM Check In

11AM-12PM Presentation and Facility Tour

12-1PM Lunch at Mustang Sally’s

Registration is closed.

Sustainable Fleet Technology Series: Preparing for Natural Disasters

In this webinar you will hear firsthand from fleet managers and local agency staff who were directly involved in working in recovery efforts after a natural disaster. Learn what they had to go through so that your fleet can be better prepared when dealing with the aftermath of a natural disaster such as a major storm.

 

Speakers:

Bradley Northup, Public Works Superintendent at City of Carlsbad

Eric Richardson, Strategic Mobility Advisor at Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf, LLP

Alexander Kolpakov, Senior Research Associate at the Center for Urban Transportation Research, University of South Florida (CUTR)


When: July 16th, 2026, 2:00PM – 3:30PM ET

Where: Zoom link information will be sent prior to event date

Registration Deadline: July 16th, 2026, 12PM ET

CAE Hours: 1.5

Registration is closed.

Fleet Safety Symposium (Oct 2026)

Join us for a dynamic and interactive fleet safety seminar that will address your organization’s challenges and goals. This certificate program will provide an in-depth exploration of safety in fleets, focusing on fostering a culture of safety, understanding the role of technology, and improving driver engagement and communication. Attendees will benefit from expert-led discussions, networking opportunities, and actionable insights to implement in their organizations. NAFA will also debut its new Fleet Safety Awards program, recognizing organizations that set the standard for excellence in fleet safety. The top Safest Fleets will be crowned.

Symposium Certificate Program includes:

  • Fleet Safety Guidebook (digital) and Study Guide
  • Online Exam – first sitting is included. Additional sittings may be purchased if needed.
  • Certificate will be awarded to all participants who pass the online exam within one year of registering.

– Please indicate if you are attending Fleet Forward during your registration for a discount code.

Registration Fee:

 

Early Bird

9/25/2026

          Reg

Member 

$249

$       299

Non-Member

 $449

$       549

 

When: October 19th, 2026 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM ET

Where: National Harbor, MD

Registration Deadline: October 10th, 2026 11AM ET

This webinar has been approved by NAFA Fleet Management Association for 8 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE), which may be applied towards CAFM recertification credit.


NAFA St. Louis LNG Lunch and Learn (Aug 2026)


Please join the NAFA St. Louis local networking group for their first meeting of the year. Hosted by Guarantee Electrical Company, the St. Louis group is excited for another opportunity to learn and network. 

When: August 25th, 2026. 11-2PM CT

Where: Victory Room @ Guarantee Electric- 3415 Bent Ave., Saint Louis, MO, 63116

Registration Fee: $15 for members and $20 for non-members

Registration Deadline: August 18, 2026 10AM ET

Agenda: 
11-11:15AM- Check-in and Networking
11:15-11:45AM- DOT Compliance and Updates
11:45AM-12:00PM- Sponsor Spotlight
12:00-12:45PM- Lunch
12:45-1:15PM- Roundtable Discussion
1:15-1:30- Facility Tour
1:30-2:00- Final Networking Opportunity

There are sponsorship opportunities available, please contact Marci McNeal at mmcneal@nafa.org for more information.

$250 – 1 Lunch attendee and opportunity to provide a company handout to all attendees.
$500 – 2 Lunch attendees, handout to all at event, up to 5 minutes to speak during lunch, and an opportunity to provide raffle prizes