Strength In Numbers: I&E 2015 Proves Bigger Is Better

It was a proud moment when I stood on stage at the opening general session at I&E 2015 and saw a packed room. With enough seats to accommodate 1,500 people, I estimated a crowd of at least 1,200. Pretty awesome for an 8 am meeting on a Tuesday morning.

After thanking everyone for attending, I pointed out to them that nowhere else would they ever encounter so many fleet managers under one roof. To emphasize my point, I asked all of the corporate fleet managers to stand and take a look around; nearly two-thirds of the room stood. I reminded everyone that no one else but NAFA could deliver this many corporate fleet managers in one place. I asked them to think about the networking power, intellectual knowledge, and the buying power that these fleet managers represented.

Next, I asked all of the government and public fleet managers to stand, while the corporate fleet managers remained standing. Nearly half of those seated rose to their feet. Again I reminded everyone that no one else but NAFA could deliver this many government fleet managers in one place and asked them to think about the networking power, intellectual knowledge, and buying power that these fleet managers represented.

After this, I asked the rest of the crowd, those that were neither corporate nor government fleet managers, or those that were supplier partners, to stand. Naturally, this resulted in everyone in the room being on their feet. I urged everyone to look around to get a sense of the diversity and networking power literally at their fingertips.

Finally, with everyone on their feet, I asked the crowd to give themselves a standing ovation to celebrate their number, their diversity, and all that they represent for NAFA. "YOU ARE NAFA! NAFA is strong because of you!" I said, as the applause reached a crescendo and audience members cheered in agreement.

There is strength in numbers, and nobody can come close to NAFA’s numbers. More than 2,300 people (2,365 to be exact) attended I&E 2015. That’s strength. That’s NAFA.

To those that attended and made I&E 2015 the success it was, I thank you. To those who were not able to take advantage of this opportunity, I encourage you to mark your calendars now for next year’s I&E in Austin, Texas: April 19-22, 2016. Everything is bigger in Texas, and I&E will be no exception!

Thank you!

Phil

P.S. Don’t take my word for it alone. Here’s what some attendees had to say about I&E 2015:

"I did have a great experience at the I&E. The educational sessions I attended were excellent. This was my 29th consecutive I&E." - Mike Antich, Automotive Fleet Magazine

"Great job on the design of the I&E app. Pretty cool! Please let your team know that the I&E was once again exceptional." - Steve Saltzgiver, Republic Services

"...you still pulled off a wonderful event [Welcoming Reception]. Really well attended, lots of networking, perfect food and seating options...thanks so much." - Joe McDonald, Wheels, Inc.

"Great conference!" - Erin Gilchrist, Safelite Group

"The conference continues to outdo itself year after year and is without a doubt the premiere event for any fleet professional." – Jim McGonagle, CAFM^®, City of Boston