Australia’s fleet community is gearing up for one of the biggest events on next year’s calendar, with the 2026 IPWEA Fleet Conference program now confirmed — and it’s shaping up as a must-attend for anyone serious about fleet performance, technology, and future planning.
Held 23–25 March at The Timber Yard in Port Melbourne, the conference blends strategic insight, technical know-how and real-world case studies with the networking opportunities the fleet community value most. This year’s theme — Driving Best Practice: From Strategic Vision to Technical Excellence — sets the tone for three busy days of learning and industry connection.
Big Topics, Big Voices
The speaker lineup is stacked with experts who live and breathe fleet.
Kicking things off on Tuesday is Emad Loka from Fire and Rescue NSW, discussing how asset management principles can sharpen fleet decision-making and strengthen the fleet manager’s influence across the wider organisation.
Then Matt Campbell, well known for his extensive vehicle testing and YouTube channel The Right Car?, brings a practical perspective on fit-for-purpose selection. For fleets juggling safety, whole-of-life cost and operational needs, this session will strike a chord.
The rest of the day dives into the issues shaping the industry’s future:
- Financing in a tighter capital market
- Electrification beyond passenger cars, including heavy vehicles, plant and equipment
- Telematics and IVMS integration
- Procurement innovation and the rise of whole-of-life costing
- Continuous improvement stories from high-performing local governments
Roundtables in the afternoon offer smaller-group discussions on AI, EV fire safety, CoR, fleet decarbonisation, staff engagement and fleet leadership — giving delegates the chance to tap into the thinking of respected managers who are leading the way in their organisations.
Technical Deep Dives for the Hands-On Fleet Professional
If your job requires turning data, maintenance, or workshop operations into real results, Wednesday’s program delivers.
Technical demonstrations and masterclasses from Formbird, Geotab, Autorola, Hino and Kia will give delegates a close look at tools and practices shaping today’s fleet operations.
The day also includes sessions on:
- Telematics analytics and data-driven decision making
- Performance measurement and benchmarking
- Building and leading diverse technical teams
- Optimising workshop productivity
This is where operations managers, workshop supervisors and technical coordinators find the ideas that actually move the needle.
Networking That Matters
While the program is loaded with learning opportunities, the social events remain a major drawcard — and a big part of why the IPWEA conference consistently sells out.
The Monday afternoon Site Tour gives delegates a practical look at fleet innovation in action, before everyone comes together for an Opening Cocktail Function that embraces Melbourne’s food and culture.
On Tuesday night, the Dinner and Awards celebrate standout achievements in fleet innovation — and, just as importantly, bring the industry together to trade stories, share challenges, and strengthen professional networks.
For suppliers and OEMs, it’s a rare chance to connect directly with decision-makers. For the fleet community, it’s an opportunity to expand network and gather ideas from peers facing the same pressures and opportunities.
A Conference Designed for Today’s Fleet Reality
From emissions reduction to cost pressures, from telematics adoption to staffing challenges, fleet management is rapidly evolving. The 2026 IPWEA Fleet Conference recognises this, offering a program that is broad enough for executives yet deeply practical for operational teams.
If you read Fleet Auto News, this event is firmly in your wheelhouse.
