Celebrating its 11th year, Peterson Manufacturing’s Annual Fleet Forum took place this year June 13-14th on the Peterson Campus in Grandview, Missouri. Fleet Forum was created with the goal of bringing together fleet professionals and industry experts to share industry news, learn about the latest technological advancements, and brainstorm solutions to today’s fleet equipment problems. This year’s event proved to be another success as all involved came away from the event with new relationships and shared ideas that will only prove to enhance fleet efficiencies.
This year’s Forum began with a night of baseball under the stars as the Kansas City Royals took on the Cincinnati Reds in a series opener. Although the Royals didn’t bring home the win, the atmosphere was everything that could be asked for with excellent weather, hot dogs, BBQ, and great conversation.
The next day following a tour of Peterson’s 675,000 sq foot campus, and presentations of Peterson’s innovative product lines, attention turned to two featured speakers brought in specifically to give industry insight and share new ideas with our guests.
Fresh off of his speaking engagement at the TTMA 81st Annual Convention in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Don McNeeley joined the Peterson Team and guests at Fleet Forum. As President and CEO of Chicago Tube and Iron Company and as a Professor of Economics and Applied Mathematics at Northwestern University he brought with him an ability to address the complex economic environment, social trends, and the political landscape affecting our industry in a way that was both thought-provoking and entertaining.
Samantha Lee and John DeFelice, co-Founders of Meili Technologies, then took the stage to unveil a breakthrough software technology that will soon be entering the transportation industry space that detects driver health emergencies, proactively intervenes to stop crashes, and contacts first responders with all necessary information before their arrival on scene. Meili already has entered into partnerships with automotive OEM’s, Tier 1 suppliers, and mid-size fleets. Sam and John performed demonstrations and captured the audience with the possibilities of the amazing technologies that will soon be entering the industry.
Fleet Forum wrapped this year with a tour of the legendary Armacost Car Museum right on the Peterson Campus which is home to cars ranging from a 1910 International to a Ferrari Testarossa, and a dinner in the Museum featuring authentic Kansas City BBQ.
Peterson is looking forward to hosting the next great Fleet Forum this Fall!
Peterson Manufacturing Company
Founded in 1945, Peterson Manufacturing Company is a world-leading innovator in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of a complete line of commercial vehicle/trailer safety lighting and harness systems. With headquarters in the greater Kansas City area, Peterson is a privately held company. An ISO 9001:2015 certified company, Peterson Manufacturing is a key subsidiary of Peterson Corporation, five highly specialized companies, and nearly 700 associates working in global transportation-related industries. For more information, visit PMLights.com.