This article was written by Andy Busch and was first published on Automotive Fleet
The Australasian Fleet Management Association (AfMA) celebrated the 26th year of its Education and Leadership Summit from May 19-21, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. What began as a 200-person gathering has grown into a globally recognized event, drawing nearly 1,000 attendees from eight countries this year.
The Summit stands out for its focus on education, collaboration, and practical innovation, avoiding the commercial agendas common at industry expos.
A Decade of Purposeful Growth
AfMA’s Summit has evolved through intentional focus on inclusivity and integrity. “We’ve built an environment where delegates, suppliers, and exhibitors engage as equals,” said Executive Director Mace Hartley. By keeping commercial interests separate from content, AfMA ensures sessions address real industry challenges, fostering trust and attracting professionals from government, private sectors, and tech providers. The result is a platform for open dialogue and shared learning.
Networking That Builds Relationships
Unlike typical industry events, AfMA’s Summit encourages genuine interaction. Attendees connected naturally on the expo floor, in breakout sessions, and at curated networking dinners designed to spark meaningful conversations. “People felt at ease,” Hartley noted. “There’s real interest in each other’s work because we’re all part of the same industry.”
Ride and Drive: Regional Solutions, Global Insights
The Ride-and-Drive showcase highlighted vehicles and technologies tailored to the Australasian market, like utility trucks (UTEs) and next-gen electric vehicles (EVs).
A standout was the contrast between the Ford plug-in hybrid, built on a traditional platform, and the digital-first BYD Shark 6, which evolves through software updates. “Five years after delivery, a digital platform vehicle can be more capable than when it left the factory,” Hartley explained.
The showcase underscored how regional innovations are shaping global fleet management, sustainability, and user experience.
Practical Technology in Action
The Summit emphasized ready-to-use technology. A highlight was Eden Shirley, CEO of AutoGuru, demonstrating a live AI-powered customer assistant booking a vehicle service appointment. “It was real, not theoretical,” Hartley said. “People were stunned by its immediate potential.”
The session showcased practical AI tools already in use, reflecting AfMA’s focus on solutions fleet professionals can apply now.
Educational Sessions with Broad Appeal
The speaker program tackled key issues like fleet electrification, AI integration, safety, mental health, and leadership, blending regional and global perspectives. Brian Fielkow’s talk on safety-first culture was a standout, described by Hartley as “liquid gold” for its practical insights. Mike Branch from Geotab shared data-driven telematics strategies, while an EV infrastructure panel addressed rural and remote challenges. The sessions offered actionable takeaways for fleets of all sizes, from local to multinational.
A Mission-Driven Model
Unlike commercial conferences, AfMA’s Summit is run by the association, prioritizing member needs over profit. “Every dollar goes back into the association,” Hartley said. “We build the program based on industry input, not sponsor demands.” This approach ensures relevant, inclusive content, making the Summit a trusted forum for education and collaboration.
Year-Round Professional Development
AfMA’s commitment extends beyond the Summit through a Diploma of Leadership and Management with Swinburne University. The nine-month hybrid program, tailored for fleet professionals, has graduated over 100 participants in eight years, with corporate scholarships covering 50% of tuition. “Seeing fleet professionals gain formal leadership qualifications is energizing,” Hartley said, noting its impact on elevating the industry.
Looking Ahead: Powered by Connection
The 2026 Summit theme, “Powered by Connection,” reflects AfMA’s vision of integrating people, technology, and strategy. “It’s about how vehicles, systems, and teams work together,” Hartley said. The theme emphasizes collaboration as essential for navigating electrification, automation, and workforce challenges.
Introducing the Technology Advisory Group
In 2026, AfMA will launch its Technology Advisory Group (TAG), a team of fleet leaders, technologists, and solution providers to guide the industry through emerging technologies like AI, telematics, and EV infrastructure. “TAG will cut through the hype to focus on what’s ready and relevant,” Hartley said. The group will produce white papers, shape Summit content, and ensure practical innovation.
A Year-Round Mission
With year-round programs and a mission-driven approach, AfMA continues to shape a smarter, more sustainable fleet industry, proving that community-focused events can drive real progress.
