The Forum begins Sunday evening, October 11, and runs through 5:00 p.m. Monday, October 12, at The Westin Alexandria Old Town.
Registration desk opens; early arrivals may check in before the evening networking reception.
An informal evening to meet fellow fleet leaders, speakers and sponsors before Monday's program.
Darryl Syler and Rhonda Syler, PhD
Crystal Philcox
Founder, Philcox Consulting
Former Assistant Commissioner for Travel, Transportation and Logistics, U.S. General Services Administration
Public fleets today are navigating operational demands, workforce pressures, changing technologies, sustainability goals, and increasingly complex decisions. In this conversation, we will explore where new approaches may create value and where AI could realistically fit.
Rhonda Syler, PhD Moderator
Associate Professor, James Madison University | DSA Cambridge Fellow
Graham Sheridan
Clean Communities & Economic Development Director
Virginia Clean Cities
John Wakefield
Fleet Management Information System Manager
Arizona Department of Transportation · Equipment Services
Darryl Syler
Fleet Division Chief
City of Alexandria, Virginia
Technology providers are rapidly incorporating AI into fleet systems and services. This panel explores what is possible today, what is emerging, and what public fleet leaders should be watching as capabilities evolve.
Rhonda Syler, PhD Moderator
Associate Professor, James Madison University | DSA Cambridge Fellow
Mike Brawley
Sales Architect, VP
Transit Technologies · FASTER Asset Solutions
Tara Clarke
Power Platform & Dynamics 365 Sr. Solution Engineer
Microsoft Federal
Serena Worobel
Director of Initiatives
AssetWorks
A facilitated discussion focused on real fleet challenges, potential AI use cases, barriers to adoption, and the questions public fleet leaders are working through today.
This conversation explores how public agencies can think about cybersecurity, data and policy, acceptable use, guardrails, vendor evaluation, and responsible experimentation as they move from AI opportunity to adoption.
Focused demonstrations showcasing emerging AI capabilities and practical applications relevant to public fleet operations.
Facilitated by Rhonda Syler, PhD
A guided working session to identify a real fleet challenge, explore where AI may add value, and consider the barriers, guardrails, workforce needs, and next steps required to move forward.
A final discussion highlighting key insights, emerging themes, and practical next steps from the day's conversations and working session.
How fleet leaders work within the AI, data, and procurement policies set by their city councils, city managers, and IT departments, and how to be an informed voice at the table when those policies are being shaped.
Where AI tools and software are reshaping day-to-day operations, from predictive maintenance to parts and inventory management, and how fleet leaders and their IT teams can put these tools to work to run more efficiently.
Evaluating return on investment, total cost of ownership, and long-term value under realistic public-sector budgets, and using AI to strengthen planning for the major initiatives shaping public fleets, from electrification and alternative fuels to fleet modernization and severe-weather response.
Training, change management, and labor partnerships that make technology adoption stick.
Space is intentionally limited to preserve a peer-level conversation among senior public fleet leaders.