Fleet Forward Conference Brings Commercial Vehicle Safety, AI & Tech into Focus

Registration is now open for the 2026 Fleet Forward Conference, where IIHS President David Harkey will discuss the organization's expanding commercial vehicle safety research alongside education on AI, regulation, and fleet technology.

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July 7, 2026

Promotional graphic for the 2026 Fleet Forward Conference featuring event photos, “Registration Open” message, and event details: October 20–22, 2026, National Harbor, Maryland, with website fleetforwardconference.com. — Registration is now open for the 2026 Fleet Forward Conference. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) President David Harkey will share the organization's latest work as one of the event's keynote speakers, highlighting its expansion of research into commercial vehicle safety.
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Automotive Fleet

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Registration is now open for the 2026 Fleet Forward Conference (FFC), taking place Oct. 20-22 at the Gaylord National Harbor in Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C.

Held for the first time on the East Coast, the three-day event brings together fleet leaders to explore emerging technologies, evolving regulations, and operational strategies shaping the future of fleet management.

While FFC serves a broad fleet audience, this year's agenda includes several sessions relevant to commercial and vocational fleet professionals, covering commercial vehicle safety, connected fleet technology, artificial intelligence, and fleet operations.

"Work truck fleets are navigating some of the biggest changes the industry has seen in decades, from connected vehicles and AI to evolving safety technology and regulations," said Chris Brown, conference chair.

"We've built this year's program around practical strategies that help vocational fleet professionals make better decisions, whether they're specifying trucks, managing safety, or preparing for what's next."

IIHS Looks Ahead to 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 about IIHS's growing commercial vehicle research, including advanced driver assistance systems for delivery vans and other vocational vehicles.

Sessions Relevant to Work Truck Fleets

Additional sessions of interest to work truck fleets include:

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
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
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.

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