*Agenda is subject to change
07:00 AM - 08:00 AM Bayside Terrace
Bayside Terrace
Breakfast
08:00 AM - 08:15 AM Terraza Ballroom
Terraza Ballroom
Call Meeting to Order & Introductions
Join us as we open this year’s meeting. Lucy Boujaklian, CFO of Suppose U Drive Truck Rental & Leasing, a NationaLease Member, and this year’s meeting chair, will get things started.
Lucy Boujaklian, CFO, Suppose U Drive Truck Rental & Leasing, a NationaLease Member
08:15 AM - 09:15 AM Terraza Ballroom
Battery Materials for the Electric Era
Materials chemistry underlies the transition to electrified transportation and stabilization of power generation on the grid. The battery materials must be as diverse as the range of applications. We cannot be reliant on a single technology. Millions of tons of battery metals such as nickel, cobalt, manganese, iron, and lithium will be consumed annually by 2030. Kent will give an overview of some key classes of batteries and how they relate to vehicle electrification and how the technology and supply chain must adapt to unique demands and extraordinary growth.
Kent Griffith, Assistant Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry, UC San Diego
09:15 AM - 10:15 AM Terraza Ballroom
Maintaining Information and Network Security: Cyber Hygiene
Promoting proper cyber hygiene on networks is essential in today's interconnected world. By implementing strong security measures, individuals and organizations can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks. Additionally, educating network users about the importance of avoiding suspicious emails, clicking on unfamiliar links, and downloading files from untrusted sources is crucial to maintaining a secure digital environment. By practicing diligent cyber hygiene, we can safeguard sensitive data, protect against malware and phishing attempts, and ensure a safer online experience for everyone.
O’Dell Hobson, Information System Security Manager, NAVWAR
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM Terraza Foyer
Terraza Foyer
Break
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Terraza Ballroom
Member Services Update
Find out what’s happening at the NationaLease home office. Jane Clark provides an update on new programs and services available through NationaLease, as well as an introduction of new members.
Jane Clark, Vice President of Member Services, NationaLease
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM Terraza Ballroom
Planning for a Sea of Change from New Environmental Regulations
Federal agencies, California, and other states are advancing environmental regulations at a record pace unlike anything ever seen before. Some of these regulations will take effect as early as next year. If you are not preparing for the changes on the horizon, the time to start is now. Join us for an in-depth look into the new environmental challenges that lie ahead and their financial impacts.
Glen Kedzie, Environmental Consultant, TRALA
12:00 PM - 01:00 PM Bayside Terrace
Lunch
01:00 PM - 02:00 PM Terraza Ballroom
The Future of AI: What Do the Next Five Years Look Like?
Because of ChatGPT, AI has burst onto the world-wide scene, almost seemingly from nowhere. This is not the quite the case, as AI has been consistently developing over the past few decades. However, the recent developments in generative AI have revealed some surprising use cases and could have some significant impacts on the global economy. This session will look at the trends in AI, explain in understandable ways how the new technology works and then more importantly, offer some insights into the next five years. Contrary to common perception, it might be that the future of AI may be clearer than we realize. Industries that pay attention can take advantage of this.
Vince Kellen, PhD, CIO of UC San Diego
02:00 PM - 03:00 PM Terraza Ballroom
Navigating the Evolving Landscape: A Comprehensive Review of Employment Law Trends
Delve into the complex arena of employment law of 2023-2024 We will explore current trends, recent amendments, and updates delivering practical insights to help your organization navigate its legal responsibilities effectively. Key topics include the interplay between federal DOT regulations and state law on drug testing in the workplace, with a particular focus on marijuana, best practices for drafting employee handbooks, with emphasis on evolving aspects such as social media usage and bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies, and a forecast of upcoming laws on the horizon, preparing attendees for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Scott Ruygrok, Principal Attorney, Jackson Lewis P.C.
03:00 PM - 03:15 PM Terraza Foyer
03:15 PM - 04:15 PM Terraza Ballroom
Business Insurance Challenges and Opportunities
In this session, you will learn how to tackle today’s biggest insurance challenges. Gain an understanding of how to reduce the impact of insurance company limitations. Acquire insights on why “contingent means contingent” as respects vehicles leased and rented to others. Take advantage of opportunities to implement critical loss prevention strategies to drive down premiums. Learn how to use multiple insurance broker competition to successfully reduce premiums.
Richard J. Leibfried, ARM, President, RJL Insurance Services
04:15 PM - 05:00 PM Terraza Ballroom
Best Practices Roundtable
Here's your chance to hear from the real experts-your peers! Bring your questions and ideas for an open discussion on challenges you're facing and solutions that are working for your company.
06:00 PM - 08:00 PM Casa de Reyes
Casa de Reyes
Mexican Fiesta in Old Town
Join us for a taste of Old San Diego! We will provide transportation to San Diego’s famous Old Town, site of the first European settlement in California. There, we will enjoy traditional Mexican food with flair at Casa De Reyes, and have time to walk around the unique atmosphere of Old Town.
08:00 AM - 08:30 AM Terrazza Ballroom
Terrazza Ballroom
NationaLease State of the Union
Dean Vicha will discuss the current and plans and goals for NationaLease, and how changing conditions may impact not just our members, but their customers as well.
Dean Vicha, President, NationaLease
08:30 AM - 09:15 AM Terraza Ballroom
The Outlook for the U.S. Economy
There is still some energy left in the economy in 2023 as consumers and the labor market remain resilient, and headline inflation appears to have peaked. However, the economy may enter a recession later in 2023, largely caused by the Federal Reserve Bank. The Fed waited far too long to fight inflation and as a result has had to raise rates far too aggressively and will continue to keep monetary policy tight throughout 2023. The housing market may be recovering, but manufacturing will continue in its recessionary state, and the labor market will unwind as well. In its efforts to strangle inflation, the Fed is likely to strangle the economy along with it. Dan North will share his thoughts on the current economic situation and his insights into the future.
Dan North, Senior Economist, Allianz Trade North America
09:15 AM - 10:00 AM Terraza Ballroom
Employee Benefit Trends & Best Practices
Join us for a discussion around how employers are adjusting their benefits strategies to cope with rising health care costs and a challenging labor market. We will explore current trends within the industry and best practices that employers are using to impact their employee benefit plans.
Brian Hirko, Employee Benefits Segment Leader, High Street Insurance Partners
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM Terraza Ballroom
Employee Fraud
In today's rapidly evolving business environment, fraud is an ever-present threat, lurking in shadows both inside and outside an organization. Business executives hold a critical role in protecting the financial integrity of their companies, and a solid understanding of fraud prevention and detection is paramount. This enlightening session will equip executives and managers with the essential tools and knowledge to shield their organization against financial malfeasance.
Jim Vogt, CEO and founder of the Fraud Protection Institute
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM Terraza Foyer
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Terraza Ballroom
Electric Truck Show and Tell
Join us for an electrifying showcase of cutting-edge automotive technology at the Electric Truck Show and Tell event. In this interactive session, participants will have the opportunity to explore the latest advancements in electric truck technology and witness the sustainable future of transportation. As an exciting addition to this event, there will be an electric truck on display for all attendees to examine and appreciate. Don't miss this chance to get up close and personal with the future of eco-friendly and efficient transportation solutions.
Velocity Truck Rental and Leasing, Inc., a NationaLease Member