Registration is now open for the 2026 Fleet Forward Conference, taking place Oct. 20-22 at the Gaylord National Harbor in Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C. The three-day event brings together fleet leaders to explore emerging technologies, evolving regulations, and operational strategies shaping the future of fleet management. 

Making its East Coast debut, Fleet Forward's proximity to the nation's capital offers government fleet professionals a timely opportunity to examine how transportation policy, fleet safety, and emerging technologies are shaping public-sector fleet operations, said Chris Brown, conference chair. 

"Whether attendees oversee municipal, county, state, or federal fleets, they'll find practical education and peer discussions focused on the challenges they're facing today and the opportunities ahead," he said.  

IIHS Explores the Future of Commercial Vehicle Safety 

One of the conference's featured keynote presentations comes from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) President David Harkey, who will share the organization's latest work as IIHS expands its research into commercial vehicle safety.  

Attendees can also participate in the optional IIHS Crash Test Experience, a behind-the-scenes visit to the institute's Vehicle Research Center in Virginia.  

The experience includes a live passenger-vehicle crash test, demonstrations of advanced crash-avoidance technologies, and discussions of IIHS's growing commercial-vehicle research, including advanced driver assistance systems for delivery vans and other vocational vehicles. 

Sessions Relevant to Government Fleets 

This year's sessions expected to resonate with government fleet professionals are: 

• Navigating the New Regulatory Landscape: A Roadmap for Fleets 
• Too Much Data, Not Enough Direction: How Agentic AI Is Helping Fleets Cut TCO 
• Preparing for the Next Wave of Fleet Safety Requirements: What Leading Fleets Are Doing Now 
• Managing Mixed ICE and EV Fleets 
• What Fleets Want: The Future of the Fleet-OEM Relationship 

Held under the theme "Leading Fleets Through Transformation," the conference organizes its education around six pillars: Mobility & Autonomy; Data Integration, AI & Predictive Intelligence; Global Strategy; Fleet Safety & Risk; Infrastructure & Energy; and People, Talent & Culture.  

Additional educational sessions and speakers will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Fleet Safety Certificate Opportunity 

Fleet Forward attendees can also register separately for NAFA's Fleet Safety Symposium on Oct. 19, immediately preceding the conference.  

The full-day certificate program focuses on leadership, driver engagement, emerging technologies, and building safer fleet operations. Participants who complete the program and certification exam will earn NAFA's Fleet Safety Certificate.