Adventure Awaits
14th Annual NationaLease Tech Challenge
The 14th Annual NationaLease Tech Challenge is set to unfold at Aim NationaLease's truck maintenance shop. Technicians will engage in a spirited competition, showcasing their exceptional skills and dedication to the craft of truck maintenance.

Registration

Dinner for Top Techs and Judges
Join us for an exclusive dinner for Top Techs and Judges from the 14th Annual NationaLease Tech Challenge at the 2024 NationaLease Maintenance Managers Meeting! This special event honors top-tier talent in fleet maintenance, offering a unique opportunity for the distinguished participants to connect and celebrate excellence in the industry.

Kindling Connections
First-Timer Reception (Invitation Only)
Designed for those attending for the first time, this intimate gathering offers a unique opportunity to network with our Premier Partners and Select Partners. Set in a casual atmosphere and surrounded by fellow first-timers, this reception is the perfect setting to forge connections and kick off your NationaLease experience on a high note.

Registration

Breakfast

Let the Adventure Begin
Welcome and Introductions
Join us for a warm introduction to the event, where Steve Shacklock will set the tone for a productive and engaging experience. This session offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow attendees and kick off the event with insights and expertise from a distinguished industry leader.
Steve Shacklock, Director of Maintenance East, Aim NationaLease

President’s Welcome
Attend the President's Welcome featuring Dean Vicha, President of NationaLease! In this exclusive session, Dean Vicha will delve into current and future plans and goals for NationaLease, providing valuable insights into how technology and regulations may impact our maintenance teams. Don't miss this opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge from a visionary leader in the industry and understand the strategic direction that will shape the future of maintenance.
Dean Vicha, President, NationaLease

Introduction of Top Techs
Witness the Introduction of Top Techs by Dean Vicha, President of NationaLease! In this special session, Dean will present the ten finalists, showcasing the best of the best who keep our trucks moving every day. Be part of the celebration as we extend our cheers and congratulations to these exceptional Top Techs. Don't miss this opportunity to applaud and honor the individuals who excel in keeping our fleet at its peak performance.
Dean Vicha, President, NationaLease

Peak Performance
Cultivating a Culture of Retention
Explore essential strategies for retaining top talent in your organization. Learn the difference between turnover and retention, understand why retaining top talent matters, and discover practical tools and tactics for improving retention. Walk away with actionable insights to foster engagement and belonging, boost productivity, and reduce turnover costs. Join us for this impactful session on building a resilient and engaged workforce.
Andrew Adeniyi, CEO & Founder, AAA Solutions

Break

Summit Soiree: Spouse Event
Take a leisurely stroll along the iconic 16th Street Mall and immerse yourself in Denver's dynamic atmosphere. Enjoy an morning of exploration as you discover the diverse array of shops, restaurants, and attractions lining the bustling promenade. Connect with fellow spouses while experiencing the vibrant energy and endless possibilities of downtown Denver's urban hub.

Trailblazing Together
Idea Session
Engage in creativity and innovation at the Idea Session with Lonnie Cook, Service Manager at Cargo Transporters Inc.! In this dynamic session, members will showcase their ingenious ideas and best practices that contribute to savings in money, time, productivity, improved morale, and/or increased customer satisfaction within their businesses. As an added twist, each member contributes $10 to the pool, and the top three ideas, determined by member votes, will receive cash awards. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to share, learn, and even compete for cash prizes in a session curated for fun and friendly competition.
Lonnie Cook, Service Manager, Cargo Transporters Inc.

Seek the Extraordinary
Reciprocal Service Review/Member Services Update
Delve into the heart of NationaLease with the Reciprocal Service Review/Member Services Update presented by Jane Clark, Senior Vice President of Operations! Join us for a comprehensive refresher on the cornerstone of NationaLease – Reciprocal Service, the very idea that initiated NationaLease 79 years ago. Jane will guide us through the essential requirements for all members, shed light on common pitfalls, and provide insights on how to avoid them. This session is a valuable opportunity to reinforce our commitment to Reciprocal Service and ensure a seamless experience within the NationaLease network.
Jane Clark, Senior Vice President of Operations, NationaLease

Navigating New Frontiers
Mastering EV Maintenance
In our next session, a seasoned trainer will guide us through an in-depth exploration of what to expect when maintaining EVs. Shaun Loftis, Trainer with Autocar Trucks, will share insights on how shops can prepare to service this type of equipment. He'll also help us navigate new frontiers in incorporating EV Yard Spotters and other electric vehicles into your maintenance fleet.
Shaun Loftis, Trainer, Autocar Trucks

Lunch

S’more Savings
Supply Management – Closed Session
Gain exclusive insights into the latest in supply management during the Supply Management – Closed Session with Rob Garcia, Senior Vice President of Supply Management at NationaLease! Join us for an in- depth review of the performance levels year-to-date on our products and services, along with updates on the newest programs available to the membership. Rob will also delve into the ever-evolving sourcing environment trends, offering valuable perspectives on industry dynamics. This closed session provides a unique opportunity to stay abreast of cutting-edge developments in supply managemen.
Rob Garcia, Senior Vice President of Supply Management, NationaLease

Adventure Is Calling
Product & Technology Fair
Immerse yourself in the expanding world of innovation at the Product & Technology Fair! This highly anticipated fair, growing each year, is your chance to explore the latest offerings from our Premier Partners, Select Partners, and exhibitors. Make the most of this opportunity to visit booths, discover cutting-edge products and services, and participate in exciting drawings for great prizes. Don't miss out on the chance to engage with industry leaders, explore advancements, and potentially walk away with fantastic rewards.

Good Friends, Great Adventures
Dinner and Entertainment
Lace up your boots and join us for an unforgettable evening at Improper City, conveniently located near the Maintenance Managers Meeting venue. After a day of forging new paths in maintenance management, kick off your hiking boots and relax with fine dining, craft beverages, and entertainment. Whether you're a seasoned trailblazer or just getting your feet wet, this event promises to be a summit of camaraderie and outdoor exploration.

Breakfast

Campfire Chats
Regional Breakouts – Closed Session
Tailored exclusively for Maintenance Managers, this session provides a platform for connecting with counterparts in your region. Dive into discussions addressing issues specific to your area, explore strategies for enhancing our best-in-class Reciprocal Service network, and share insights on the current challenges at the forefront of your concerns. This closed session is designed to foster regional camaraderie and facilitate meaningful conversations that contribute to the collective success of our maintenance teams.

Break

Uncharted Territory
Beware of the Environmental Tidal Wave
The number of new federal and state emission and greenhouse gas standards has reached an all-time high. Politics, environmentalism, health advocacy, and sustainability are all contributing to this regulatory frenzy. Join Glen Kedzie who will share updates and his views on how these and future regulations will impact your operations, your bottom-lines, and how to avoid drowning in this new sea of change.
Glen Kedzie, Principal, Energy & Environmental Strategies, LLC, and TRALA Consultant

Explore More
Shop Efficiencies: Going Paperless, Diagnostic Efficiency, and Warranty Management Best Practices
Discover how members are leveraging new technology and best practices to optimize maintenance workflows. Learn from member best practices to streamline operations, reduce downtime, and boost productivity. Gain actionable insights to implement in your organization for enhanced efficiency and success.
Moderator: Joe Puff, Vice President of Truck Technology and Maintenance, NationaLease Panel: Matt Starkey, Vice President of Maintenance, Hogan Truck Leasing, Inc., a NationaLease Member; AJ Stachowiak, Maintenance Director Airoldi Brothers NationaLease; Chris Disantis, Vice President of Maintenance, Aim NationaLease

Lunch

Expedition to Excellence
Tech Training Program: Recruit and Train Your Team Your Way
Explore how shops can transform into educational hubs through apprenticeship programs by attending the session. Participants will uncover the four keys to success: hiring suitable mentors, tailoring curricula to fleet requirements, recruiting apprentices from various backgrounds, and providing comprehensive training. Don't miss this chance to revolutionize workforce development strategies and secure skilled teams for the future.
Bradley S. Chubb, Director of Maintenance, Brown NationaLease

Escape the Ordinary
10 Strategies for Recruiting (and Retaining) Diesel Technicians
According to projections, demand for diesel technicians will generate 25,000 new diesel positions by 2030. That number refers to “new” positions. The real number, including replacements for currently working and soon to retire technicians, is 163,000 open positions by 2030. There are steps and strategies you can take to attract and retain the right candidates. Jane will share some proven techniques you can use to help make sure your shops have enough technicians to take good care of your customer.
Jane Clark, Senior Vice President of Operations, NationaLease

Break

Take a Hike
The Leased of Your Problems
Explore the legal intricacies surrounding the Graves Amendment, a pivotal law reshaping liability in the transportation industry since 2005. Discover how this amendment shields rental and leasing companies from automatic blame for accidents, and explore its exceptions, from negligence to criminal wrongdoing. Uncover the latest tactics used by trial lawyers to circumvent this protection, with a focus on maintenance violations and other vulnerabilities in CMV leasing. Stay ahead of the game and protect your interests in an evolving legal landscape.
Steven G. Bryan, CEO/Co-Founder, Bluewire

The Final Frontier
Engine OE Breakouts – Closed Session
Join us for an insightful session where you'll have the exclusive opportunity to engage directly with leading Engine OEM representatives. In these tailored breakouts, you'll delve into the specifics of how these esteemed companies are navigating and addressing the latest industry requirements.
Cummins: John Campbell
Detroit Diesel: Adam Mesker

Happy Campers
Cocktail Reception & Awards Dinner
Celebrate excellence at the Cocktail Reception & Awards Dinner! This event is a tribute to our Exceptional Service Award winners and the announcement of the NationaLease Tech Challenge winners. Join us in expressing gratitude to those who have demonstrated exceptional service and applaud the achievements of the outstanding individuals in the NationaLease community. Indulge in great food, raise a toast to success, and take this opportunity to extend your heartfelt congratulations to your fellow NationaLease winners.