How I Survived My First Fleet Conference – Fleet Forward

I remember my first fleet event prefer it was yesterday – since it type of was. As a newcomer to the world of fleet management, having only one month under my belt, the prospect of attending the 2025 Government Fleet Expo and Conference (GFX) this past June was daunting. Working at the biggest annual conference for public fleets within the country made me feel like an ant attempting to climb Mount Washington. I used to be anxious, riddled with imposter syndrome, and wondering how I might navigate the events, meet recent people, and help my Editor in Chief, Nichole Osinski. 

Useless to say, I jumped in with each feet and cozy shoes. I met a number of people, took a lot of videos and pictures, and visited all of the booths I could on the expo floor. Better of all, I used to be in a position to meet members of the Bobit team I might otherwise never have known. Now that my first fleet conference is behind me, I can share what worked with some tips about how you can benefit from your first convention. 

Do Your Research

First things first, do your research! If the conference has a website, visit it and have a look at every link you’ll be able to. Make sure that you have a look at the schedule and familiarize yourself with the breakdown of the day(s). Check the speakers, themes, and any special nights out which may be planned by event sponsors. 

Once you already know the schedule, be sure that you schedule to reach the day before the events start. Depending in your proximity to the event location, plan the simplest travel mode to get there. Conference days are long and exhausting; you ought to be sure that you get enough rest the night before. 

If there may be a venue map, review it, print it, or have it available in your phone so you already know where to go upon arrival. 

Be Prepared

Along with your map readily available and your schedule able to go, prepare for the day. Make sure that to eat well before you arrive and produce some snacks to satisfy your hunger. It gets busy, and finding a moment for a bite will be difficult. 

Make sure that you dress for comfort. Wearing clothes, you already know, will keep you comfortable, will help the event run easily. On that very same note, wear comfortable shoes! You’ll, little question, hit your step goals on conference day. With all of the events happening at the identical time, you will likely be walking up, down, left, and right; you want shoes which might be up for the duty. 

Bring a bag you could easily carry for all of your supplies. Notebooks, laptops, and phones are key to capturing all of the moments and notes you will want for the day, they usually can get heavy. Having a bag you could carry in your back with padded straps is a big help, freeing your hands and allowing you to bring all the pieces you would like without weighing you down. 

Utilize your technology. You will likely be using your phones for sharing contacts, pictures, videos, and other types of communication. Packing a transportable charger and your laptop charger will come in useful. Note-taking software like OtterAI can even aid you keep track of necessary notes from major speaking events and roundtable talks. 

Benefit from the Experience

While the lead-up to your first fleet event could also be nerve-racking, once conference day begins, it gets easier. The fleet professionals I met on the 2025 Government Fleet Expo and Conference were a number of the nicest people I actually have ever met. Once they learned it was my first fleet event, they welcomed me with open arms. Ask questions, introduce yourself, and be open. 

Don’t forget to benefit from the show floor! The vehicles I saw at GFX were amazing, and plenty of were vehicles I actually have never seen up close. Make sure that you attend the ride-and-drive; you could not have one other opportunity to hop into the cars you see on the conferences! 

Explore the local scene. Going to a conference can take you to places you’d otherwise not visit. Once the event has finished, stop by your room and recharge before you head out and explore the local food scene or some shopping malls. Maintaining a work-life balance is very important.

Conferences are prime for networking and learning. The people there are industry professionals, many with a lifetime of experience at conferences and on the earth of fleet. Talk, shake hands, share a coffee, and most of all, benefit from the moments.