Historically, ACFO has tackled key issues with a line-up of speakers at its annual conference, held in conjunction with the organisation’s annual general meeting. 

However, in the last two years it has held a number of seminars and already this year a day-long event focused on electric vehicles has proved hugely popular, with over 125 attendees. Meanwhile over 100 members have already pre-registered to attend a seminar on Tuesday 3rd June 2014 in Loughborough tackling parking tickets. 

ACFO is now planning further seminars in the second half of 2014 and into 2015 on industry issues that potentially include: employee fuel reimbursement strategies, end of vehicle lease issues, accident management, tyre management best practice, effective fleet insurance management and best practice grey fleet management. 

Due to the overwhelming success of the seminar programme and understanding the increasingly challenging time constraints on its members, the ACFO board has decided to reduce the frequency of meetings held by its eight regions from four per year to two. 

ACFO chairman Damian James said: ‘We have been both delighted and surprised by the number of fleet decision-makers from across the country attending the seminars. 

‘Feedback indicates that managers are quite prepared to attend a day-long seminar where they can obtain a wealth of comprehensive information on a major issue impacting on them, their organisation and their drivers and additionally quiz knowledgeable speakers and network with colleagues.’ 

Simultaneously, fleet decision-making attendance at regional meetings has been shrinking. Now it is anticipated that each of the regions will host two meetings a year typically in the spring and autumn. 

ACFO intends to reach out to its national membership by hosting some seminars outside of the major conurbations centred on the South of England and the Midlands. 

James said: ‘We will ensure that the seminar programme is member inclusive on a national basis, while also utilising technology to enable the membership to access key aspects of speaker presentations online.’ 

He concluded: ‘The decision to increase the number of national seminars held each year focusing on major fleet industry issues via a line-up of expert speakers marks a new strategy for ACFO and continues to see the organisation evolve. 

‘The board’s workload continues to increase and that is reflective of a vibrant and forward-thinking organisation that is playing a major role in fleet-related decision-making at the highest level. 

ACFO members can book their place at the “Another Fine Mess?’” seminar by emailing the ACFO Membership Services’ Organisation at [email protected] or going to www.acfo.org. Non-ACFO members wishing to attend the seminar can do so by joining the organisation before 3rd June.