The 2026 GFX is right around the corner, and as a seasoned second-time-arounder, I know what you need to get you through it all.
Preparation is Key
The Government Fleet Expo and Conference is the largest event of its kind, and you will need your energy to get through the day. If you are coming from out of state, I recommend getting to the location the day before it begins.
This year, the GFX will run from June 9-12 at the Long Beach Convention Center. Travel days are hectic and long, and can easily be delayed. Getting there the night before saves you from the FOMO of missing any speakers or roundtables and generally lessens the anxiety of traveling.
Make sure you check the route between the airport, your hotel, and the convention center. That will help you plan your day and make sure you do not miss any sessions.
If you are a GFX first-timer, you want to attend the First Timers’ Orientation at 9 am on June 9; registration starts bright and early at 8 am.
Check out the website and the schedule for each day and earmark the events you most want to attend so you don’t miss anything. Check the venue map and floor plan, review them, print them, or have them available on your phone so you know where to go upon arrival.
What To Bring
First and foremost, make sure you get enough sleep the night before and have a good breakfast the morning of. The day is long and fast-paced; you will need all the energy you can muster.
Your day will be full of walking, and comfortable clothes and shoes are a necessity. Come with your walking shoes, or bring a comfortable back up. You WILL hit your step goal for the day.
You will be talking... a lot! Bring a refillable bottle to stay hydrated and a snack to stay energized. The day moves fast, and stopping to eat can become a challenge. There will be some snacks available at the event, but it is a good idea to bring your own.
Bring a roomy, padded bag for all your devices, snacks, water bottle, and event swag. Since it will be at the convention center, there will be outlets, so make sure you bring charging cords for your devices. I suggest a backpack style bag for maximum comfort, but work with what you have.
Portable chargers are also a must-have, especially if you are flying in and out.
This is a networking event, bring your business cards, know your social media handles, and have your phone and any QR codes ready to scan. Exchanging information is at the core of what the GFX is about; you want to make it as quick and easy as possible.
A notebook is a good idea to write down key takeaways from sessions and keynote speakers. You can also use software like Otter.AI that will record and transcribe notes for you leaving you to give the sessions your undivided attention as they are happening.
Get Local
Remember to have fun and check out the local scene.
The exhibit floor is exhilarating. The vehicles I saw on the 2025 GFX show floor were ones I had never seen up close before.
The GFX Block Party & Experience is an event within the event! The block party is outdoors and features a DJ, games, and food.
Be sure to bring your license so you can get behind the wheel of some of the latest vehicles at the hands-on Ride & Drive. Sponsors bringing vehicles include:
- American Honda Motor Corp.
- Beam
- Federal Signal Corporation
- Ford Motor Company
- GM Envolve
- Harbinger Motors
- Nissan North America Inc.
- And more…
The Night on the Town is another must-attend event. It gives everyone an opportunity to enjoy a local gem and to network in a more casual, friendly atmosphere.
This year, the Night on the Town will be at the Aquarium of the Pacific right across the street from the convention center. There, you will enjoy drinks, conversation, and six acres of marine exhibits. It will be an event to remember!
The GFX is where networking, learning, and most importantly, connection, take center stage. Shake all the hands, exchange all the business cards, go to the networking happy hour, and enjoy all the moments in between.
