NAFA’s 2025 Institute & Expo: Propelling Fleets Into the Future with Innovation and Sustainability

May 01, 2025 at 14:40 PM EDT

--News Direct--

NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA) wrapped up its successful 2025 Institute & Expo (I&E) in Long Beach, California, bringing together fleet professionals from across the globe to explore the future of fleet management. Themed “Propel Your Fleet,” this year’s event focused on innovation, sustainability and the evolving landscape of fleet management, providing attendees with actionable insights and solutions to drive the future of their operations.

“NAFA I&E continues to be an unparalleled gathering that brings together the best and brightest in fleet management,” said Maria Neve, NAFA Board President and VP – eFMC Services, Inspiration Fleet. “As the industry evolves, our commitment to innovation and sustainability strengthens, and it’s truly inspiring to see so many of our members energized and ready to drive the future of fleet management.”

Key Highlights of I&E 2025:

Keynote addresses, led by AI expert Timothy Papandreou and leadership coach Jack Becker. Papandreou’s keynote, “AI: The Most Powerful Technology That Is Changing Your World Forever,” explored the revolutionary role of AI in fleet management. Becker’s keynote, “Supersonic Success,” provided actionable leadership strategies from the world of elite military aviators to optimize performance and drive continual improvement.
“Driving the Future of Fleet,” an Industry Update with Stellantis’ Jeffrey Kommor who shared insights on the future of fleet operations and the innovations shaping the industry.
During the opening session on Monday, NAFA also honored fleet professionals who earned their Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) designation.
The ever-popular OEM Panel Discussion featured leaders from GM Envolve, Stellantis, Ford Pro and Nissan. The panelists shared valuable insights on their fleet strategies for 2025, including electrification and connected technologies.
The Fleet Emergency Preparedness: Best Practices and Case Studies Food for Thought Luncheon highlighted real-world case studies on managing extreme weather events. Attendees gained actionable strategies for improving fleet resilience and response to unforeseen emergencies.
More than 45 educational sessions were held throughout I&E 2025, with many sessions reaching standing-room-only capacity. This year’s education tracks addressed emerging technologies, sustainability, safety, legislative advocacy, operations management and more, providing attendees with timely insights into the most pressing challenges and innovations in fleet management.
The specialized Technician Training Program, provided valuable educational content and networking opportunities tailored to technicians and service professionals.
The Expo hosted more than 225+ exhibitors, each presenting the latest advancements in fleet products and services. The Innovations Showcase offered an immersive experience on the Expo floor, where attendees had the chance to discover cutting-edge products and updates from exhibitors. Geotab was awarded the People’s Choice Award for their groundbreaking product, Geotab Vitality.
The Ride & Drive made its highly anticipated return this year, allowing attendees to get behind the wheel of the latest electric and alternative fuel vehicles. Additionally, NAFA introduced the new Indoor EV Test Track in the Expo Hall, providing a unique ride-along experience where participants could experience firsthand the advancements in electric vehicle technology. Both events were key highlights, offering fleet professionals the chance to engage directly with innovative vehicles and technologies.
The 100 Best Fleets in the Americas for 2025 were crowned, with the following winners honored for their outstanding achievements in fleet management:
- Best Public Fleet: Palm Beach County, FL Sheriff’s Office
- Best Commercial Fleet: Charge, Inc.
- Fleet Professional of the Year: Tom Keyser, CAFM, Spire Energy
- Fleet Technician of the Year: Roger Davis, City of Roanoke, VA
- Additionally, the inaugural Tom Johnson Award was presented to Patti Earley, CAFM, Fleet Fuel Manager at Florida Power & Light, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the fleet industry.
CAFM Live, a peer-to-peer educational event accelerated Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) candidates’ preparation for examination and certification.
NAFA brought back Media Day for a third year, providing nearly a dozen companies the opportunity to present their breaking news and announcements to reporters in back-to-back press conferences.

NAFA extends its gratitude for the generous support of its 2025 I&E sponsors: Automotive Fleet, Enterprise Fleet Management, FASTER Asset Solutions, Fleetio, Fleetworthy, Geotab, Holman, Honda, Hyundai Motor America, Inspiration Fleet, IntelliShift, LEGEND, Merchants Fleet, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada, Motive, Penske Transportation Solutions, Ram Professional, Reindeer Logistics, LLC, Rexel Energy, RTA: The Fleet Success Company, Samsara, Voyager Mastercard, and Wheels, Inc.

NAFA also extends its appreciation to its media partners for their continued support: Autosphere Media, Automotive Fleet, Fleet Management Weekly, Modern WorkTruck Solutions, Utility Fleet Professional, Service Truck Magazine and Electrathon.

Next year’s I&E will take place in Cleveland, OH on April 13-15, 2026. To learn more about NAFA, visit: https://www.nafa.org/

NAFA Fleet Management Association is the membership organization for professionals who manage the mobility requirements of vehicle fleets that include commercial, public safety, trucks, and buses of all types and sizes, and a wide range of military and off-road equipment for corporations, governments, universities, utility fleets, and law enforcement in North America and across the globe. NAFA’s members are responsible for the specification, acquisition, maintenance, repair, fueling, risk management, and remarketing of more than 4.8 million vehicles that drive an estimated 84 billion miles each year. NAFA’s members control assets and services well above $122 billion each year.For more information, please visit www.nafa.org, and communicate with NAFA on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.