As a fleet manager, staying on top of the latest industry developments is vital. A prime opportunity for this is attending Work Truck Week, an annual event held in Indianapolis, March 5-8, put on and supported by NTEA – The Work Truck Association. Whether you are a seasoned industry veteran or a novice fleet manager, this event offers valuable insights and is a must-attend occasion for advancement and growth.
Originating in 1965 as a sales and marketing conference, the event has evolved significantly over the years. The culmination of this evolution was the launch of The Work Truck Show in 2001, expanding into the comprehensive Work Truck Week we know today. It now stands as North America’s largest work truck event.
Marking a new chapter, this year’s event introduces a fresh tagline, “More Than a Trade Show,” reflecting the unique aspects that set Work Truck Week apart. Steve Carey, NTEA President & CEO, drew inspiration for the tagline from attendee descriptions, encapsulating the multifaceted nature of the event.
“For some fleet managers, the biggest draw will be exploring new products from more than 500 exhibiting companies in the large exhibit hall,” Carey said. “Others may get the most value out of the industry-specific educational sessions. Many managers of small fleets appreciate the opportunity Work Truck Week Ride & Drive gives them to experience commercial vehicles with the latest advanced fuel, technology, and sustainability offerings they otherwise wouldn’t have a chance to drive themselves. And for those fleet managers focused on vehicle productivity and efficiency, Green Truck Summit is a must-attend conference.”
To make the most of Work Truck Week, you should sketch out a plan before you arrive. While the event’s core structure remains consistent, noteworthy updates are found in the education segment. New sessions have been incorporated, responding directly to the evolving needs of the commercial vehicle industry.
“For example, because the industry is experiencing a generational shift where many of the most tenured and experienced people are beginning to retire, we updated our full-day program Getting Started in Fleet Management,” Carey said. “This session will help those new to the role learn the crucial elements of managing a fleet, such as managing vehicle total cost of ownership, shop operations, outsourcing, performance measurement, and more. We also added a new program, Advanced Principles of Fleet Management, for those a little further in their careers.”
Amidst the myriad of topics covered, addressing the pressing challenge of finding and retaining skilled employees takes center stage. Fleet managers today recognize this as one of the industry’s foremost challenges, making Work Truck Week an invaluable platform for tackling this and other critical issues.
“NTEA has added free programming to help address the issue. Our new Workforce Development Sessions are free to all Work Truck Week attendees,” Carey said.
Work Truck Week provides a unique opportunity for fleet managers to gain industry knowledge, explore new developments, and connect with professionals. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of fleet management for the first time or are a seasoned veteran, this event promises to enrich your understanding and contribute to the success of your fleet operations.
Source: Work Truck Online
