Fleet Forward Conference attendees could have the chance to go behind the scenes at one in all the world’s leading vehicle safety research organizations as a part of a brand new optional experience added to the 2026 event agenda.
The brand new “IIHS Crash Test Experience” will give attendees exclusive access to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Vehicle Research Center in central Virginia on Oct. 20, where participants will witness a live crash test, tour the ability, and experience advanced crash-avoidance technologies in motion.
Behind the Scenes at IIHS
The experience will begin with a guided tour of the IIHS research center, followed by a live vehicle crash test scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Attendees may also have the chance to take part in hands-on demonstrations of crash-avoidance technologies, including automatic emergency braking (AEB), rear AEB, and self-parking.
Industrial vehicle safety technologies, including delivery van AEB systems, might also be incorporated into the demonstrations, giving fleet professionals a firsthand take a look at the advanced safety systems increasingly shaping business vehicle operations.
Hands-On Safety Technology Demonstrations
Along with the live demonstrations, IIHS staff will provide attendees with deeper insight into the organization’s broader vehicle safety and research initiatives. The experience is designed to showcase the technologies, testing procedures, and safety systems influencing the longer term of economic and passenger vehicles.
“Fleet safety technology is evolving rapidly, particularly in areas comparable to crash avoidance, driver assistance systems, and connected vehicle safety,” said Chris Brown, conference chair of Fleet Forward Conference. “This can be a rare opportunity to see those technologies tested and demonstrated in a real-world research environment. Fleet managers who’ve experienced IIHS crash tests have said it was one of the crucial impactful experiences of their careers.”
Transportation details, timing, and registration information for the IIHS Crash Test Experience can be announced as a part of the Fleet Forward Conference 2026 agenda.
Note: The IIHS visit is simply open to registered FFC attendees.
About Fleet Forward Conference
For the primary time, the Fleet Forward Conference will happen on the East Coast. FFC2026 convenes Oct. 20–22 on the Gaylord National Harbor in Maryland, nine miles south of Washington, D.C.
The conference brings together fleet, mobility, and technology leaders for 3 days of education, hands-on experiences, and networking focused on the longer term of fleet operations. This 12 months’s theme is “Leading Fleets Through Transformation.”
The academic program is organized around six pillars:
- Mobility & Autonomy: exploring the shift to electric and autonomous fleets
- Data Integration, AI & Predictive Intelligence: unlocking real-time insights from connected platforms
- Global Strategy: offering a worldwide view of fleet challenges and innovation
- Fleet Safety & Risk: focused on protecting people and assets
- Infrastructure & Energy: addressing scalable electrification solutions
- People, Talent & Culture: equipping fleets to construct and support high-performing teams
Call for Papers Open Through July 15
FFC2026 has opened its Call for Papers. Industry experts, fleet leaders, and solution providers are invited to submit session proposals and speaker nominations before July 15, 2026.
This Article First Appeared At www.automotive-fleet.com
