Big changes include a new regional format, as well as an updated I&E, awards and learning resources
At NAFA we’re very excited about 2023. There are a lot of initiatives happening at the association, and we thought this first column of the year would be a great opportunity to share some of these.
A major one is I&E, which will take place from April 17-19 in Baltimore, Md. I&E has seen an evolutionary process over the last few years. While the COVID-19 pandemic saw the need to move events online in 2020-21, I&E returned as a physical event in 2022, with a virtual I&E program allowing those who weren’t able to attend in person, access to the information sessions and resources.
Relaunched I&E
For 2023, we have relaunched I&E. The goal is to create as many as possible an event in the pre-pandemic format, but with additional elements. We’ve been listening to our members and as a direct result of this, this year’s I&E will be an active, immersive experience where attendees have the opportunity for some real in-depth learning and networking opportunities.
We’re really looking forward to I&E and seeing many of you there. As for the virtual side, there will be I&E online content happening throughout the year, beginning in May and running through September. This gives us an opportunity to provide ongoing learning and education via the I&E brand, instead of limiting it to within the scope of a single month.
In other news, we have expanded our 100 Best Fleets award program for 2023, so it now includes eligibility for commercial as well as government fleets. While we sadly learned about the passing of 100 Best Fleets founder Tom Johnson at the beginning of the year, we at NAFA are looking forward to building upon the legacy that Tom established. We’ve already seen a lot of interest and entries into this expanded awards program. Additionally, besides recognizing the achievements of organizations and fleet professionals, we are also introducing new educational programs that expand on regional initiatives we’ve been conducting over the last few years.
Regional format rollout
Speaking of regions, 2023 also represents the first year for our new Regional format that replaces the previous chapter structure. We’ve been selecting individuals for leadership roles for the regions and as I type these words, we’ve already had a great response from members who want to get involved, both on a regional council and local level. The new Regional format is designed to build upon what the chapters previously offered, including local events, resources and networking opportunities, while at the same time expanding NAFA’s reach to areas that previously didn’t have the same level of connections that others did. It’s been a major initiative at NAFA, and we’re excited about the opportunities available with the new regional format.
Another development has been the changes to the Sustainable Fleet Technology Webinar Series. NAFA is taking a more direct role here by running these webinars and coordinating with Rick Sapienza, Director of Professional Services at Viatec, who will continue to host them.
We also have updates coming to various other programs, including an Essential Fleet Management Seminar (EFMS) early in the year, as well as a revised Fleet 101 program that will be complimentary for all NAFA members and available to other individuals for a nominal fee. Following our plan to bring more value to our membership; this new Fleet 101 course will be a true, instructional webinar and we’re looking forward to having that up and running again.
As you can see, there is a lot in store for 2023 and at NAFA, we look forward to providing timely and relevant information and resources, as well as continuing to enhance value to our members and the fleet management industry.
