NAFA 2026 Expo Taps Elite Military Minds to Steer Fleet Industry

EDISON, N.J. – January 14, 2026 – The NAFA Fleet Management Association is bringing in elite military and psychological expertise to equip industry leaders for an era of unprecedented disruption. The association announced that Stephen Drum, a combat-tested retired Navy SEAL Master Chief, and Duncan Stevens, a former British Royal Navy Officer and professional mentalist, will deliver keynote addresses at its 2026 Institute & Expo (I&E). The event is scheduled for April 13-15, 2026, at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland in Ohio.

This selection of speakers signals a deliberate move to arm corporate and government fleet professionals with unconventional tools for resilience and change management. As the industry grapples with technological upheaval, supply chain volatility, and intense pressure for sustainability, NAFA is positioning its flagship conference as a crucial training ground for the modern fleet leader.

A New Mandate for Fleet Leadership

The fleet management landscape of 2026 is far removed from the stable, predictable environment of the past. Professionals are navigating a complex matrix of challenges, including the monumental shift to electric vehicles (EVs), persistent supply chain disruptions affecting vehicle acquisition and parts, and stringent sustainability mandates. Simultaneously, the digital transformation of the industry demands a deep understanding of telematics, data integration, and predictive analytics to optimize aging fleets and control costs.

In this high-stakes environment, traditional management skills are no longer sufficient. The decision to feature speakers with backgrounds in special operations and behavioral psychology underscores a growing recognition that leadership today requires mental toughness, adaptability, and a sophisticated understanding of human behavior.

“We are thrilled to welcome Stephen Drum and Duncan Stevens as our keynote speakers for I&E 2026,” said Bill Schankel, CAE, CEO of NAFA. “Both professionals understand how critical solid leadership is to the health and growth of organizations in our growing industry. Together, their presentations will provide fleet professionals with the tools and knowledge to excel in a rapidly changing environment.”

From the Battlefield to the Boardroom: The 'Warrior Toughness' Doctrine

Opening the event on April 13, Stephen Drum will present his keynote, “Life on the X - Learn How to Meet Any Challenge with Courage, Confidence, and Readiness!” Drum, who retired as a Navy SEAL Master Chief after a 27-year career, is not just a motivational speaker; he co-developed and taught the U.S. Navy's official "Warrior Toughness" program. This curriculum was designed to prepare sailors for the acute stress of combat.

His session will translate this elite methodology for the corporate world, teaching participants how to "perform on the X"—a military term for the point of contact with a threat or challenge. For a fleet manager, the 'X' could be a sudden supply chain collapse, a critical vehicle recall, or the immense pressure of executing a flawless EV transition on a tight budget. Drum’s approach bridges the gap between special operations training and corporate leadership, focusing on performance psychology and rehearsal methods used by both SEALs and top-tier CEOs to maintain composure and execute decisions under extreme pressure.

Author of the book “Life on the X,” Drum will provide actionable strategies for building resilience, fostering unshakeable confidence, and making tough calls amidst chaos. His principles of preparation, clarity, and accountability are designed to forge high-performance teams capable of not just surviving but thriving in unpredictable conditions.

The Psychology of Change: Mastering the Fleet of Tomorrow

On April 15, the focus will shift from external pressure to internal dynamics with Duncan Stevens' keynote, “Leading Teams Through Change To See New Perspectives and New Possibilities.” Stevens brings a unique blend of experience as a former officer in the British Royal Navy, a seasoned corporate thought leader, and a professional mentalist. His work delves into the behavioral science behind why people and organizations resist change.

In his interactive session, Stevens will provide fleet professionals with the psychological tools needed to master organizational transformation. He will break down why teams often react to disruption with fear and uncertainty and provide a clear roadmap for creating cultures that view change as an opportunity. This is particularly relevant as fleets integrate complex new technologies, from advanced telematics platforms to autonomous vehicle systems, which require significant shifts in workforce skills and operational workflows.

As the founder of the Influence Association and author of the best-selling book “Effective Influence,” Stevens will use his expertise—bolstered by entertaining mentalism demonstrations—to show leaders how to communicate with intention, build trust during transitions, and foster the creativity needed for genuine innovation. His session promises to equip attendees with the ability to lead their teams through the friction of change and toward new possibilities.

A Strategic Hub for a Diverse Industry

The selection of Drum and Stevens anchors what NAFA positions as the industry's most comprehensive professional development event. With an anticipated attendance of over 2,100 professionals and more than 40 educational sessions, the I&E is designed to be a strategic compass for future-proofing fleet operations across all sectors—public, private, and corporate.

While other industry events like ACT Expo focus specifically on clean transportation or Work Truck Week on commercial vehicles, NAFA I&E maintains its role as a cross-industry anchor. The educational tracks will cover the full spectrum of modern fleet challenges, including policy updates, data integration, safety protocols, and lifecycle strategies. The event’s robust exhibit hall will showcase the latest technologies and services shaping the industry's future.

The significant investment from major sponsors like American Honda Motor Co., Holman, Hyundai Motor America, IntelliShift, Samsara, and Ram Professional further highlights the event's strategic importance. This backing from automakers pushing into the EV fleet space, fleet management companies offering end-to-end solutions, and telematics providers driving the data revolution underscores a collective industry recognition of NAFA I&E as a critical venue for collaboration and progress.

Early bird registration for the conference, which offers access to all sessions, the exhibit hall, and extensive networking opportunities, ends on February 6, 2026. For fleet professionals tasked with navigating the complexities of the years ahead, the event in Cleveland promises to be an essential forum for gaining the strategic and psychological edge required to lead effectively lead effectively lead.