As public fleet professionals prepare for this year’s GFX, taking place June 9-12 in Long Beach, California, Hunt’s perspective offers a quick look at the kind of conversations, takeaways, and peer learning attendees can expect on site.

The fleet industry has seen drastic changes over the last few years.

From electrification and sustainability initiatives to workforce challenges and emerging technologies, today's public fleet professionals are navigating a different landscape than their predecessors.

For fleet managers, directors, and industry partners who haven't attended Government Fleet Expo & Conference (GFX) recently, this year's event offers an opportunity to reconnect with peers, hear from leaders tackling today's biggest challenges, and gain practical insights to shape future operations.

GFX 2026 is poised to bring together fleet professionals from across North America for several days of networking, and collaboration that you will not find anywhere else.

One of the most valuable assets in fleet is connection and community, and GFX offers just that.

Attendees may find this year's event especially valuable in the opportunities to connect with new voices in the fleet industry.

Today's fleet leaders go beyond traditional vehicle maintenance and replacement strategies. They are increasingly involved in sustainability planning, data analysis, alternative fuel adoption, workforce development, and technology implementation.

The result is a growing community of fleet leaders bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to longstanding operational challenges.

Tackling the trends and concerns of the modern fleet manager, GFX will bring forward Jen Brown, Fleet Director for the City of Flagstaff, to lead the breakout session, "AI in Fleet: Smart Assistance, Human Authority," addressing the AI-driven changes fleets are facing today.

Alrik Lunsford, of the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center, will also lead Beyond the Wrench: Preparing Teams for Emerging Technology, a conversation centered on how agencies can best prepare technicians and staff through training, collaboration, and strategic workforce planning in emerging technologies.

Attendees will have a front-row seat to the conversations shaping the industry right now.

This year also promises 50+ new exhibitors, including:

1. Dana Safety Supply
2. Harbinger Motors
3. Olathe Fleet Solutions / Optimal EV
4. OpConnect
5. Powerfleet
6. Public Surplus

With GFX taking place in California, attendees will have be with the fleet professionals operating on the front lines of some of the industry's most significant transitions.

California agencies have often been among the first to implement large-scale electrification projects, sustainability initiatives, and clean transportation programs.

Eric Winterset, 2026 Fleet Manager of the Year finalist and Fleet Manager for the City of Long Beach, will lead the breakout session, "Succession Planning and Recruitment: Strategies to Attract, Develop, and Retain Talent," on June 11 at 3:00 p.m.

David Renschler of the City of Fairfield will also bring firsthand perspectives on fleet modernization, infrastructure planning, and operational strategy.

Sessions like these are just a few examples of the value that GFX brings to the fleet community every year.

This year's Honors Celebration will feature a program that is making a comeback after several years dormant.

For the first time, fleets that have earned the Certified Fleet Management Operation (CFMO) designation will be recognized.

The certification recognizes organizations that demonstrate excellence in fleet management practices and operational performance.

As agencies face increasing pressure to maximize efficiency and demonstrate accountability, programs such as CFMO provide a framework for evaluating and improving fleet performance.

While educational sessions remain a core component of Government Fleet Expo, networking opportunities are one of the event's greatest benefits.

Whether reconnecting with colleagues, meeting new professionals entering the industry, or discussing common challenges with peers from across the country, GFX provides a unique environment dedicated exclusively to government fleet operations.

For fleet professionals who have not attended in recent years, the conversations taking place today may look very different from the ones they remember.

New technologies, changing workforce dynamics, evolving sustainability goals, and increasing operational demands are reshaping the profession.

GFX offers a chance to catch up on those changes, learn from industry leaders, and reconnect with a community committed to advancing public fleet management.

That is priceless.