The future of fleet management lies beyond the North American borders for many companies. When NAFA Fleet Management Association began seeing more and more corporations extend their fleets across the globe, the association created educational sessions and seminars to offer guidance. NAFA continues its focus on global fleets with the creation of the Association's International Fleet Academy.
On February 7, NAFA Executive Director Phillip E. Russo, CAE signed a three-year agreement with fleet solutions company FleetVision to have them to take the lead in developing content for the new International Fleet Academy. Extending far beyond the initial scope of NAFA's international seminars, this new entity will include two different levels of education: one for the beginner and another for more seasoned veterans. FleetVision will also take the lead in selling sponsorships and finding speakers. The company intends to reach out to the U.S.-based fleet management companies to help contribute to the curriculum content and lend expertise.
"I believe this is an outstanding opportunity for NAFA to enhance its already-dominant lead in this area," said Russo. "FleetVision has proven to be a winner and a very good partner for NAFA over the past two years. This agreement gives NAFA the ability to continue to fill a void in the industry."
NAFA's 2013 International Fleet Academy will take place October 21-24 at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona. Registration will open early this summer. Check www.nafa.org for updates and details.
During NAFA's 2013 Institute & Expo (April 23-26, 2013 in Atlantic City, NJ), fleet managers can learn about the difficulties of managing a global fleet during the educational session, "Mastering Multiple Fleets in Multiple Countries". This session brings the knowledge of fleet management companies such as Wheels and LeasePlan alongside FleetVision and an array of global fleet managers including former NAFA President Gayle Pratt (Global Fleet Director for Ecolab Inc.) and NAFA's current International Vice President Joseph LaRosa (Director Global Fleet Administration for Merck Sharp and Dohme). It is an excellent example of the quality fleet education that one can expect from NAFA's International Fleet Academy.
In addition, the 2013 Institute & Expo is the first time NAFA has had multiple publications from Europe sign up as media sponsors. Fleet Europe, Global Fleet, and International Fleet World are among over twenty different publications from throughout the United States and Canada to be media sponsors of the annual conference. The addition of European coverage is yet another example of NAFA extending its reach across the globe.
