The NAFA 2012 Institute & Expo: So Much To Do And See

NAFA’s 2012 Institute & Expo will take place April 21-24 at the America’s Center in St. Louis, MO. NAFA reserved more than 62,000 square feet of exhibit space for the Expo Floor and, until recently, had expected the space to be sold out by the end of February. Instead, the space was sold far earlier and the Association now finds itself accepting applications for a waiting list should any additional space be made available. NAFA expects to have the best attendance for its annual conference in seven years (back before the recession affected business travel and overall budgets).

What Will You Find? - Combining elements of business, education, and entertainment might seem a hard task, but the organizers of the 2012 I&E have proven up to the challenge. Alongside a full slate of educational sessions and presentations designed to make you a more informed fleet professional, many events have been planned to provide you with more networking opportunities, more access to products and services, and to accomplish these in an atmosphere of fun.

The I&E features more than 60 hours of fleet training, education, and workshops including many brand-new sessions designed specifically for veteran corporate fleet managers. The Expo floor is filled with over 250 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services within the fleet industry. In addition, popular events such as the Public Safety Roadeo and the Green Zone return.

Several of the fleet industry's most important awards including NAFA's Sustainability Award and the Larry Goill Quality Fleet Management Idea Award will be presented during the conference as well.

The Expo Hall is a Two-Day, Must-See Activity for I&E Attendees - See and experience the latest in fleet products and services assembled under one roof from national exhibitors. Visit the Green Zone, where vendors will feature the latest technology for clean diesel, alternative/renewable fuels, hybrid cars and trucks, electric cars, and other advanced technology designed for a cleaner, more environmentally-friendly fleet – the sustainable fleet. With more than 100 types of services and product categories to choose from, the Expo Floor is sure to reach all of your fleet needs. Categories include everything from:

Accident Management Systems
Vehicle Lifts
Tires
Security Devices
GPS/Tracking
Manufacturers
Equipment
Safety Management
Fuel Systems
Brake Parts and Systems

In It To Win It - Our rendition of the popular NBC television show, contestants from NAFA chapters will have mere seconds on the clock to accomplish fun challenges using random household items. In our version, several contestants compete at once, racing not only the clock but each other. Several rounds will be played during Expo hours, each round resulting in a winner!

Scratch Off and Win - Your chance to win a prize begins by visiting the booths of NAFA sponsors. You will receive a roadmap at registration to find the booths. The sponsor will give you a scratch-off card which may be a winner! Try your luck and win one of the many prizes available!

Ladies and Gentleman...Place Your Bids - NAFA's third Annual Silent Auction on the Expo Floor gives you a chance to bid on great prizes! More than 25 items will be on display in individual booths on the Expo Floor on both Sunday and Monday. Bidding will begin on Sunday at 12:00 p.m. (when the Expo Hall opens) and concludes at 2:00 p.m. on Monday. An even better reason to bid? Proceeds from the Silent Auction will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases.

Are you an exhibitor that is interested in participating? Contact Gladys Reyes at greyes@nafa.org or visit the webpage here before the March 30 cutoff date, and be a part of this worthwhile charity event.

Be Our Guest, Be Our Guest! - The Networking Reception is NAFA’s premier networking event presented the Affiliates and Manufacturers. The event will be held on Sunday, April 22 5:00-6:30 p.m. in the second floor atrium. Here's your time to do business, make connections, or just spend time with your fleet industry colleagues while relaxing in a spacious area with lots of seating, great food, and drink. All fleet managers, guests, and exhibitors are invited to attend and enjoy!

NAFA's 2012 PSG Roadeo To Take Place At Busch Stadium - NAFA offers fleet managers the opportunity to get behind the wheel and see how the vehicles truly handle, test their brakes, and evaluate whether the vehicle’s acceleration will get the job done, while competing against their colleagues at the Public Safety Group (PSG) Roadeo -- an annual highlight of NAFA’s 2012 Institute & Expo. This year’s Roadeo will take place on Saturday, April 21 from 10:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., inside and around Busch Stadium - home to the World Champion St. Louis Cardinals!

How Will You Find It? - Navigate NAFA's Institute & Expo Wherever You Are! - NAFA's 2012 I&E is now accessible in the palm of your hands with NAFA's Map Your Show mobile app (www.nafa.org/map), sponsored by ARI. Attendees benefit from an easy-to-use, on-the-go resource that they can carry to help navigate the show floor. Gone are the days of getting lost and being unable to find a favorite exhibitor!

Unique features include: