Don’t miss Australia’s best fleet event! The IPWEA Fleet Conference returns in 2026 with a powerhouse program, and now that the speakers are confirmed, it’s clear this will be a standout year. Held from 23–25 March at The Timber Yard in Port Melbourne, the conference brings together fleet leaders from across Australia and New Zealand for three days of learning, connection and inspiration.
From strategic presentations to hands-on technical sessions, real-world case studies and energising roundtables, the program is designed to educate, challenge, and entertain. But as every returning delegate knows, the best part of the conference is the opportunity to network – reconnect with familiar faces, meet new peers, and share the stories that shape the fleet profession.
Here’s what to expect in Melbourne.
A Strong Start: Site Tours and a Uniquely Melbourne Cocktail Event
The conference begins on Monday 23 March with the ever-popular Site Tour, taking delegates off-site to explore fleet management best practice in action. These tours always spark lively conversations, and often influence fleet plans long after the event.
That evening, the Opening Cocktail Function sets the tone for the week. Hosted in true Melbourne style, it’s an atmosphere-rich opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and suppliers ahead of the main program.
Tuesday: Strategy, Leadership and Future Thinking
Tuesday opens with two high-impact keynotes:
- Emad Loka, Director Fleet Management at Fire and Rescue NSW, on Applying Asset Management Principles to Fleet Management
- Matt Campbell, automotive commentator and creator of The Right Car?, on Fit-for-Purpose vehicle selection — a masterclass shaped by thousands of vehicle tests
A series of presentations, panels and case studies follow, covering themes including:
- Financing in a tightening capital environment
- Electrification beyond light vehicles
- IVMS integration for operations and fleet
- Procurement innovation and whole-of-life costing
- Continuous improvement across large, complex fleets
The afternoon roundtables offer delegates the chance to dive deep into specialist topics such as AI in fleet reporting, EV fire safety, advanced CoR approaches, decarbonisation strategies, staff engagement in fleet policy, and leadership development.
Tuesday night’s Dinner and Awards will be a major highlight, a chance to celebrate innovation, share insights from the day, and recognise excellence across the fleet community.
Wednesday: Technical Mastery and Best Practice
Wednesday focuses on the operational heart of fleet. Delegates can move between technical sessions hosted by leading organisations including Formbird, Geotab, Autorola, Hino and Kia.
Featured sessions include:
- Building and leading diverse teams with Louise Azzopardi
- Telematics and analytics for data-driven decision making
- Performance management and benchmarking
- Workshop productivity and maintenance best practice
A final plenary will draw the program together before the conference closes mid-afternoon — with a dedicated airport transfer bus available for delegates.
Why You Should Be There
No other event brings together this mix of strategic insight, hands-on learning and real-world fleet expertise in one place. Whether you manage a light vehicle fleet, heavy transport, plant and equipment, or support services such as finance, procurement or sustainability, the program offers value at every turn.
And beyond the sessions, the networking is truly unmatched. Delegates consistently tell us that the conversations over coffee, during site tours, and at the awards dinner are where ideas evolve, partnerships form and solutions emerge.
This is the one event that brings the entire fleet community together.
Don’t miss out! Registration is essential and places will fill fast.
See you in Melbourne!
