Green Truck Summit to become Future Truck in 2027
Green Truck Summit, the commercial vehicle technology conference that kicks off Work Truck Week, is growing and will become Future Truck Summit in 2027. NTEA – The Work Truck Association is collaborating with NAFA Fleet Management Association to develop an expanded curriculum focused on the fuels, software, hardware and on-vehicle technology that is rapidly evolving and driving improvements in commercial vehicle efficiency, safety and durability.
Emily Korns, NTEA Board member, chair of NTEA’s Education Committee and president of J&J Truck Bodies and Trailers, announced the changes at the recent Green Truck Summit.
“This evolution reflects a broader and more forward-looking mission,” Korns said. “The commercial vehicle industry is at a pivotal moment. Vehicle technology is advancing quickly. Customer expectations are rising. Regulatory and market pressures are accelerating change. Events like this bring together the leaders, engineers, fleet professionals and innovators who are navigating that transformation—and defining what comes next.”
Since its 2009 debut as a daylong event focused on hybrid vehicles and alternative fuels, Green Truck Summit has evolved to cover any technology that may impact the commercial vehicle industry’s drive toward increasing vehicle sustainability, productivity and efficiency. This year’s Summit added sessions on leveraging data, connected vehicles and artificial intelligence (AI). As Future Truck Summit, the event will place increased emphasis on vehicle-specific technology like sensors, ADAS, lightweighting, advanced composites and power management.
“As we evolve the content, we are also evolving the name to reflect that the Summit has become about much more than alternative fuels,” says Steve Carey, NTEA president & CEO. “Future Truck Summit will provide attendees with fresh perspectives and insights into rapidly changing vehicle technology, hardware and fuel types so they can successfully position their businesses to capitalize on the opportunities that will be presented over the next five years and beyond.”
Future Truck Summit will continue to be held at JW Marriott Indianapolis on the Tuesday of Work Truck Week, the day before The Work Truck Show exhibit hall opens. It will maintain the format of a keynote address and general sessions in the morning followed by lunch and a choice of breakouts in the afternoon. The number of afternoon breakout sessions is expected to increase dramatically as both associations bring their respective expertise to session development.
“The collaboration between NAFA and NTEA will result in an unmatched educational program for anyone involved in the work truck industry,” says Bill Schankel, CEO of NAFA. “Combining our fleet knowledge and experience with NTEA’s deep connections to the manufacturer and upfitter segments of the industry will enable us to create sessions that deliver cutting-edge technical information, real-world applications and actionable steps for fleet managers, upfitters, truck dealers and other commercial vehicle industry professionals.”
Future Truck Summit debuts March 9, 2027. Registration opens this fall.