Day two of the 2025 Government Fleet Expo & Conference (GFX) in Charlotte was full of learning, networking, meeting new people, and visiting the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
The day began with keynote speaker Steve Gonzalez, Psy.D., VP of Global Security and Safety for the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). He discussed the impact of strong leadership and advised attendees on improving their management styles.
Breakout Sessions
Afterward, attendees scattered to sit in on various concurrent sessions on the GFX docket and the Police Fleet Conference sessions.
The “What’s Keeping Fleet Managers up at Night” session was popular. Rick Longobart of Raleigh, NC, led the discussion on topics that are top of the minds of today’s fleet managers.
While there was a bullet list of issues to be discussed, the conversation was quickly taken over by concerns over EV transition and the challenges associated.
One concern raised was the lack of OEMs willing to certify that none of their parts were made or sourced through slave labor. The primary concern was the lack of infrastructure available to adopt EVs successfully. Many fleet managers are willing to purchase EVs, but no infrastructure is available for charging.
GFX attendees also learned about technician retention strategies, sustainability, and dealing with workplace fraud.
Jeffrey Tews, CPFP, of Milwaukee, WI, spoke to a group about fraud, noting that upper management is responsible for 19% of fraud cases and $313,000 in losses over 24 months. That comprises the highest total loss, more than cases involving managers or employees.
Police Fleet Conference sessions covered preventative maintenance for police vehicles and managing the climbing costs of enforcement.
Over 100 Fleet Suppliers
Government Fleet Executive Editor Nichole Osinski cut the ribbon for the 2025 Exhibit Hall, where over 100 suppliers from various OEMs, upfitters, fleet management software companies, and more showcased their offerings to attendees.
Fleet professionals gathered to hear from their peers and attend shop talks, including risk mitigation, CFMO certification, and sustainability discussions.
Attendees also had the opportunity to meet NASCAR legend Kyle Petty.
A Night Around the Track
The day shifted into low gear with the Night on the Town, sponsored by Samsara, at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Attendees enjoyed beverages, got a chance to see some NASCAR vehicles, and enjoyed racing simulators while networking with their peers.
