Good leadership skills are crucial for fleet managers. At the annual Government Fleet Expo & Conference (GFX) in Detroit, three industry leaders share their experiences and advice on how to successfully run a fleet.

Fleet managers must be prepared to handle new projects, budgets, and challenges. These sessions address those issues:

• In this year's industry keynote address, How to Get ‘Buy-in’ for Your Vision & Projects, City of Goodyear, Arizona, Fleet Superintendent Kevin Devery explains how to get buy-in for your new projects and programs. Devery shares his experiences and failures as he discusses how telling your story and empathizing with your team and customers can help you get the support needed for new projects.

• In Advocating for Vehicle Replacements: Asking for What You Need, Kelly Reagan from the City of Columbus, Ohio, shares how to develop a replacement standard, build consensus with end user agencies on replacement needs, and present the data and your request in a convicing way. He will also discuss how to plan for replacements and funding with vehicle delivery delays.

• 5 Challenges of the Modern Fleet Manager & How to Overcome Them will address new challenges and demanding subject matter expertise in areas not experienced before. Bob Stanton of Stanton Fleet Consultants will lay out five issues fleet managers must face head-on in the coming years — and how to successfully approach them.

GFX takes place May 23-26 in Detroit. It features more than 20 valuable educational sessions, an exciting expo floor with new vehicles and technology, an interactive ride-and-drive, a festive Honors Celebration for awards winners, an optional tour of the Ford Rouge Factory, and more. Register by April 21 for $100 off!