In a radical change from the seminar programme of previous years, the organisers have opted for a new format in which experienced fleet managers will pass on their knowledge and expertise in a series of interactive sessions where audience participation will be actively encouraged.

The team of fleet managers – including Andrew Houston from Altro Group plc, Jan Kozlowski from Tristar Worldwide Services, Dennis Dugen from professional consultancy WSP, Glenn Ewen from Clear Channel UK and Richard Marmoy from Chiltern International Ltd – have all agreed to give up some of their time in order to help inform those who are new to the profession.

The three sessions will cover the formulation and implementation of fleet policy, environmental management, and risk management. Each session will be presented by two or three fleet managers and will last approximately 30 minutes.

Fleet Show organiser Jerry Ramsdale commented: ‘We’re really looking forward to introducing the new “workshop-style” training sessions into this year’s Fleet Show. We have four leading experts already on board with several more hoping to join the team in order to cover the widest possible range of skills.

‘Previous “lecture-style” seminars have been very popular. But we felt the time had come for a major change and the idea of getting a team of fleet management experts to pass on some of their skills was too good to miss.

‘And by involving a number of presenters we aim to ensure that everyone in the audience gets involved in the session, rather than just sitting back and listening,’ added Ramsdale.

The new seminar format is just one of a number of changes to Fleet Show 2014, which is being backed by the three main trade bodies, the Association of Car Fleet Operators (ACFO), the Institute of Car Fleet Management (ICFM) and the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), who have all booked stands at this year’s event.

For example, for this year’s Show, the organisers have split the Grand Prix circuit in two, using the National circuit for faster laps, and the International Circuit for road speed drives. There is also an off-road circuit for those wishing to try one of the many 4x4s on offer.

At the same time, the infield Stowe Circuit will be branded as an “eco-driving hub” for those manufacturers with strong low-CO2 sub-brands. This will allow them to not only prove the fuel efficiency of their cars, but also to demonstrate how to drive them in the most economical fashion.

There will also be a strong presence of manufacturers with electric vehicles, including BMW, Nissan, Vauxhall, Citroën, Renault, Infiniti, Volvo, Peugeot, Lexus, Toyota, Honda and Hyundai. All are expected to have their latest low emission and EV offerings at the event on display and available for test driving.

And, at the same time, electric charging companies, including ABB and Charging Solutions, will be exhibiting at the Show to allow fleet decision-makers to compile a complete overview of the charging infrastructure available.

A team of eco-driving experts will also be available on the day to help fleet managers understand how they can achieve, or even exceed, the published fuel consumption figures for popular fleet cars.

As well as the test driving element, the Show will again feature an indoor exhibition in halls 1-3 of the Silverstone Wing, with up to 60 exhibitors demonstrating some of the latest developments, products and services in the fleet arena. This will provide Show attendees with the chance to hold face-to-face meetings and network with exhibitors and other visitors alike.

For more details of the Fleet World Fleet Show 2014 please phone 01727 739160, visit www.thefleetshow.co.uk or click here to register: www.thefleetshow.co.uk/visiting

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