Over 900 fleet and automotive professionals, suppliers, and industry leaders came together in Sydney for AfMA’s 2025 Australasian Fleet Leadership and Education Summit. Held over two days, the Summit highlighted the power of collaboration under this year’s central theme: “Stronger Together.”
From innovation to inspiration, the Summit was packed with engaging keynote speakers, panel sessions, networking opportunities, and a high-energy exhibition floor that put the latest fleet technologies on show.
Day 1: Inspirationy, Innovation, Industry Insight & Celebration
The Summit opened with a warm welcome from AfMA President Lee Sauerwald and energetic MC Lisa Panarello.
Keynote Gerrard Gosens OAM, blind Paralympian and entrepreneur, inspired the audience with a message of resilience and unity under the theme Stronger Together.
Marking AfMA’s 30th anniversary, Executive Director Mace Hartley reflected on its growth from a small networking group to a leading Australasian fleet industry voice.
Technology took centre stage with Mike Branch from Geotab explaining how AI is revolutionising fleet safety and efficiency. Sessions covered data strategy, safety culture, EV transitions, battery science, and OEM data management.
Dr. Steve Nuttall urged fleet managers to move from cost controllers to strategic leaders. Brian Fielkow offered a practical safety roadmap, while legal expert Katharine Kemp addressed data privacy in connected vehicles. Kristian Handberg and Stefan Holzschuh shared hands-on EV infrastructure and battery insights.
The Women in Fleet Management panel, featuring Christine Humphreys and Sam Street, sparked lively discussions on attracting, elevating, and empowering women to drive diversity and innovation.
The Live Fleet Risk Assessment Roleplay, with Zurich Resilience Solutions and others, brought risk management to life through dynamic scenario-based teamwork.
Attendees also experienced the latest electric vehicles firsthand during the Ride & Drive session.
The day ended with the Industry Dinner and Fleet Management Awards, celebrating excellence:
- Fleet Manager of the Year (sponsored by BP Australia and Geotab): Michael Mills, Essential Energy was celebrated for outstanding leadership in the fleet industry.
- Fleet Safety Award (sponsored by Teletrac Navman and Solvd): Sodexo Australia was recognised for leadership in road safety and data-driven risk management.
- Fleet Environment Award (sponsored by Hyundai Australia and Karmo): Ausgrid was honoured for pioneering environmental programs and technology integration.
Day 2: Future Focused, Practically Grounded
Day 2 dove into cutting-edge fleet tech. Eden Shirley of AutoGuru demonstrated how digital tools—from AI agents to humanoid robots—are transforming maintenance and reducing downtime.
Jason Smith (Australian Automobiles Association) highlighted real-world EV emissions testing gaps impacting cost calculations, while Rob Mildenhall stressed the critical need for ADAS sensor recalibration after collisions.
Sessions challenged fleet managers to rethink traditional practices: Sarah Johnson outlined robust grey fleet policies; a panel from UTS and NRMA explored Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) tech’s potential to stabilise energy grids and cut costs.
Michael Gregorevic (BP) shared global EV fleet scaling lessons, while telematics panels showcased data-driven operational efficiency improvements in public fleets.
Human factors took centre stage: Lisa Panarello’s keynote urged embracing “Uncomfortable Courage” to grow leadership. Craig Newland and Jerome Carslake addressed driver fatigue via tech and behaviour change. Emma Sutcliffe (EV FireSafe) provided vital EV battery fire safety tips. Russell White advocated shifting driver training from compliance to capability, focusing on cognitive and physical safety.
The day wrapped with expert advice on smart vehicle inspections, emphasising consistency to reduce costs and manage risk effectively.
Heartfelt Thanks to Our 2025 Summit Partners and Sponsors
The 2025 Australasian Fleet Leadership and Education Summit was made possible thanks to the generous support of our partners, sponsors, and exhibitors. Special thanks to our Event Partners, Toyota for Business and Toyota Fleet Management, and to Mazda (Leaders of Industry Sponsor) and Eagers Automotive (Ride and Drive Sponsor) for energising the program.
We appreciate AutoGuru (Industry Dinner Sponsor) and IntelliTrac (Breakfast Sponsor) for fostering connection and hospitality, as well as Manheim and Grays (Keynote Sponsors) for supporting inspiring conversations.
Thanks to HiDrive, Kia, WEX, Powerfleet, Autodafe, Slattery, and Eevee for keeping attendees refreshed, and to Hyundai and Karmo (Fleet Environment Award sponsors), Solvd and Teletrac (Fleet Safety Award sponsors), and bp and Geotab (Fleet Manager of the Year sponsors).
We’re grateful to Summit Fleet (Coffee Cart Sponsor), Clipped Assist (Gelato Car Sponsor), FluidAuto (Summit App), Tyrepower (LinkedIn Booth), and Liberty Signs (signage) for their valuable contributions.
Thank you to our Education Sponsors—NSW Government and Summit Fleet—and Breakout Session Sponsors MyCar, Vehicle Assessments Australia, EasyPark, and Chargefox for supporting learning. We also thank Autorola, Geotab, Isuzu UTE, Kia, and Volkswagen for sponsoring Public Sector Scholarships, and BMW for partnering with the National Police Fleet Group.
Finally, we acknowledge all exhibitors for showcasing innovation and expertise, enriching the Summit experience. Together, you made the 2025 Summit a success — truly Stronger Together.
A Stronger, United Industry
Throughout both days, the exhibition floor buzzed with activity, with fleet professionals exploring new tech, forming partnerships, and learning from each other’s experiences.
The 2025 Summit proved that while the fleet industry faces rapid change and rising expectations, the community remains stronger together. With collaboration, innovation, and leadership at the forefront, the future of fleet is exciting and united.
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