Alternative fuel, connected fleets and vehicle management are the overarching themes to be highlighted in the upcoming Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference and Expo at the Durham Convention Center August 22-23.

The two-day event, organized and hosted by NC State’s Clean Energy Technology Center, will feature an array of organizations and projects operating in this space, and the agenda will be headlined by speakers representing both public and private sectors.

The expo will showcase more than 40 vehicles and technologies on display from exhibitors based in North Carolina and nationally, including the Southeast Government Fleet Managers Association, USAT Corp, Piedmont Natural Gas, Carolina Golf Cars, Carolina Industrial Equipment, the National Association of Regional Councils Fleets for the Future and the U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities.

Clean Energy Technology Center Senior Communications Director Shannon Helm points out: “We support fleets and transportation professionals [in improving] efficiency and sustainability while reducing emissions and costs. This year our agenda will highlight 50+ expert speakers who will share the tools and techniques that support their fleet operations.”

The conference is one of a series of events this fall that will highlight these vehicles and technologies, Helm added. Vehicles will be showcased at two Fall football tailgates at North Carolina State University and Wake Forest University.

Helm said organizers expect a turnout of 300 attendees at the Sustainable Fleet Conference.

A day-long pre-conference event will begin on Aug. 21 at 8 a.m. The day will feature a workshop on domestic fuel and carbon emission reduction, with an opportunity for participants to test drive a propane vehicle. There will also be a workshop on green fleets, followed by awards for the best green fleet projects. The pre-conference will end with an alternative fuel showcase at the Durham Bulls baseball game in the evening.

On Aug. 22, the main event will begin at 8:30 a.m. with a keynote from Tony Posawatz, CEO and President of Invictus iCAR LLC and former exec at General Motors.

A breakout session will cover three topics within the three conference tracks—predictive analytics (connected fleets track), electric vehicles (alternative fuel track) and port and flight solutions (deployment and management track).

Next is a panel on the future of sustainable transportation, featuring Stuart Weidie of Alliance AutoGas, Loreana Marciate of Paul Allen Philanthropies, Scott Phillippi of UPS and Scott Curran of Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The next track-oriented breakout session includes smart mobility, propane, and government policies and resources. Another breakout session covers fleet efficiency management, biofuel and sustainable facilities.

The expo hall will be open between breakout sessions and through an evening networking reception.

Day two will feature breakout session covering grids and smart cities, natural gas and idle reduction. A panel will follow, featuring Michael Abraczinskas of the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Alexa Voytek of the Tennessee Office of Energy Programs and Joe Annotti of Gladstein, Neandross & Associates (moderator).

The conference will end with awards given to North Carolina smart fleets, with an accompanying keynote from NC Department of Transportation Chief Engineer Tim Little.

If you’re interested in learning more about the program, the NC Clean Energy Technology Center will be holding a webinar on August 1 from 2-3 p.m. to preview the technologies and speakers featured in the event.

Tickets to the conference, available here, are priced as follows:

  • Pre-Conference (August 21)
    • Autogas Answers: $15
    • Green Fleet Forum and Awards: $59
    • Durham Bulls Game (+ Dinner): $34
  • Students: $75
  • Group: $50 per person (groups of four or more)

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