NAFA Fleet Management Association’s annual conference, held in Orlando, Fla., April 14–17, was three days filled with ride-and-drive opportunities, chances to catch up with friends and mentors in the fleet industry, information and training sessions and even time to enjoy a little of the Sunshine State.

NAFA Institute and Expo’s 2015 Flexy Awards were given out on the first evening of the conference. Winners were judged on advances they had made in greening and advancing the technology of their fleets, on fleet organization and on other considerations.
Pictured is Christie Boone, of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, winner of the Excellence in Public Fleet Safety. With her are, from left, presenters Kim Gross and Chris Smith of The Municipal magazine. Not pictured is Jason Allan, also of Edmonton. (Photo courtesy of NAFA)

The education sessions provided high-quality training and actionable information in areas that included cost savings, technology, professional development and safety.

Once again, NAFA proved itself as the fleet association big enough and important enough to attract supplier-partner executives. A one-hour panel discussion with them answered questions about their views on the automotive industry’s most pressing issues.

Law enforcement buyers were greeted this year with the return of a ride-and-drive event geared just for them that featured 2015’s superstar automotive lineup. Test drivers could even try their hand at timed course events, and public safety and other emergency vehicles — including some equipped with new vehicle safety and awareness features — were on display as well.

The exposition floor buzzed with interest in the latest vehicle products and services. Visitors even won prizes, and exhibitors made it the place fleet professionals wanted to be. (Photo by Chris Smith)

At the always-anticipated Flexy Awards banquet on opening night of the conference, public and commercial fleets took home recognition for significant incorporation of green technology, management practices and other business-improving strategies. Those winners included: Outstanding Achievement in Public Fleet Management, Ricky Nieman, Texas Department of Transportation; Excellence in Public Fleet Sustainability Accomplishments, Douglas Bond, Alameda County, Calif.; Excellence in Public Fleet Safety, Christie Boone and Jason Allan, city of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; and Excellence in Fleet Leadership, Ontario Ministry of Transportation Fleet Management Centre, Michael Cole.

Additionally, NAFA’s Member of the Year and Affiliate of the Year were awarded for their outstanding service and contributions to the association. Those honorees were: NAFA Member of the Year, Immediate Past President Claude Masters, CAFM, Florida Power & Light; and NAFA Affiliate of the Year, Phil Moser, vice president, Advanced Driver Training Services.

Plan to be on hand for next year’s event, slated for April 19–22 in Austin, Texas.