From connected vehicle technology to environmental concerns to electric vehicles, fleet operators face a plethora of future challenges. When it comes to preparing for the future, there is no time like the present. That’s why, this year, four thought leaders will share the spotlight at the closing session of the Fleet Forward Conference (FFC).

Rather than a single keynote speech, the FFC will present a series of four speakers who will take the stage for 20-minutes each. In TED Talk-like format, each expert will share insights on diverse topics — all of which promise to have the most significant impact on the future of the fleet industry.

“We’re excited for this new format, in which these four speakers will deliver varied viewpoints on the future of fleet,” said Chris Brown, conference chair. “They’ll inspire attendees to bring back the knowledge gained to better plan their fleet operations, whether it’s tomorrow or 10 years from now.”

TEK Talk 1: Protected, Connected, and Informed: Using OEM Data to Transform Fleet Operations

Presenter: Michelle Calloway, Director, OnStar Business Solutions

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, connected vehicle technology can help significantly reduce roadway fatalities and prevent 615,000 crashes. Automakers are making great strides in connected vehicle technology, but fleet operators need to be ready to leverage the data to enhance fleet safety and productivity. Enter Michelle Calloway who leads the strategy and growth of GM’s OnStar Business Solutions.

An expert in the connected vehicle space, Calloway led the development and launch of OnStar Vehicle Insights, OnStar Business Solutions’ fleet management tool for small to medium-sized businesses. In this stimulating talk, she will share a wealth of knowledge that will open your eyes to how connected technology can give your fleet a competitive edge.

TEK Talk 2: Back to the Future: Navigating the Connected Vehicle World of Tomorrow with a Data Strategy from Today

Presenter: Mike Branch, Vice President, Data & Analytics, Geotab

While autonomous vehicles have their own challenges in navigating the road ahead, what about navigating the data complexities of the ever-changing political and legislative landscape? Few are as prepared to address this question as Mike Branch, a data scientist, software developer, engineer, and entrepreneur. Among his many accomplishments, Branch played a key role in the development of Geotab Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), which provides insights to develop more efficient, safer, and sustainable transportation systems. 

In this thought-provoking talk, Branch will explore how fleets can navigate data ownership, data privacy, and sovereignty, and ultimately, develop a data strategy today to meet the complexities of a world that doesn’t yet exist.

TEK Talk 3: Fleet Electrification: Paving the Way to a Cleaner World

Presenter: Dakota Semler, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Xos Trucks

Automakers and technology companies are helping to enable and accelerate the EV transition for fleets. But paving the way to fleet electrification and a cleaner world means fleet operators need to boost their knowledge about everything from charging infrastructure to educating drivers, from setting up connected ecosystems to reaching sustainability goals. Attendees will take a deep dive into the electrification and environmental journey with one of their own.

A former fleet operator turned tech innovator, Dakota Semler came up with the idea for his current company, Xos, to solve the exact challenge he faced as a fleet operator: to create a cost-effective, durable, and reliable electric vehicle that achieves the same performance benchmarks of an existing diesel vehicle — without compromising the air we breathe.

TEK Talk 4: Electrification is Inevitable. Here’s How You Win.

Presenter: Josh Green, Founder & CEO, Inspiration Mobility Group

Wherever you are in your fleet’s electrification journey, you’ll benefit from this powerful TEK Talk by entrepreneur Josh Green, whose leading investment platform is focused on the real assets enabling the EV transition.

Green will explore the process and path to electrification and share insights on pitfalls to avoid, success strategies, and how to analyze and leverage key data around charging implementation by fleet and charging type (depot, residential, retail), battery health over time, EV utilization and duty cycles, and more.

The Fleet Forward Conference runs in conjunction with the Fleet Safety Conference and takes place Nov. 9-11 in Santa Clara, Calif. Registration is open online.