AI and Leadership Experts to Keynote NAFA's 2025 Fleet Management Conference

The NAFA Fleet Management Association has announced two high-profile keynote speakers for its 2025 Institute & Expo (I&E), set to take place from April 28-30 in Long Beach, California. Timothy Papandreou, an artificial intelligence expert, and Jack Becker, a decorated military fighter pilot, will headline the event, bringing their unique perspectives on innovation and leadership to the fleet management industry.

Papandreou, known for his work with Google's X Moonshot Factory and Waymo, will open the conference with a keynote titled "AI: The Most Powerful Technology That Is Changing Your World Forever." His presentation is expected to explore the transformative impact of AI on fleet operations, including optimization of maintenance, demand forecasting, and logistics automation. This session will be particularly relevant as fleet managers seek to leverage emerging technologies to improve efficiency and performance.

On the final day of the conference, Becker will deliver a keynote called "Supersonic Success," drawing on his experience as a combat-decorated fighter pilot. He will introduce attendees to Crew Resource Management (CRM), a leadership tool used by elite military aviators to enhance team performance under pressure. Becker's insights could prove valuable for fleet professionals looking to build high-performing teams and improve organizational culture.

The inclusion of these speakers highlights NAFA's commitment to addressing both technological advancements and human factors in fleet management. As the industry faces rapid changes, understanding the potential of AI and effective leadership strategies will be crucial for fleet professionals to stay competitive and adapt to new challenges.

NAFA CEO Bill Schankel emphasized the importance of these keynotes, stating that they will provide attendees with "the tools and knowledge to excel in a rapidly changing environment." The conference will feature over 40 educational sessions, covering a wide range of topics relevant to fleet management needs.

For the fleet management industry, this event represents an opportunity to gain insights into future trends and best practices. The focus on AI and leadership reflects the growing importance of technology adoption and organizational effectiveness in managing modern fleets. As fleet operations become increasingly complex, the knowledge shared at this conference could help companies improve their operational efficiency, reduce costs, and prepare for future technological disruptions.

The NAFA Institute & Expo serves as a key gathering for professionals responsible for managing vehicle fleets across various sectors, including commercial, public safety, and government. With the fleet management industry overseeing assets and services valued at over $122 billion annually, the insights gained from this conference could have significant economic implications for businesses and organizations relying on efficient fleet operations.