Agenda

*Agenda is subject to change


  • Tuesday, May 12, 2026

    • 08:00 AM - 03:30 PM

      TransChicago NationaLease Training & Innovation Center

      16th Annual NationaLease Tech Challenge

    • 04:00 PM - 08:00 PM

      Concourse A

      Registration

    • 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM

      Balmoral Ballroom

      Dinner for Top Techs and Judges

      Join us for an exclusive dinner in honor of the Top Techs and Judges from the 16th Annual NationaLease Tech Challenge at the 2026 NationaLease Maintenance Managers Meeting! This special event acknowledges top-tier talent in fleet maintenance, offering a unique opportunity for the distinguished participants to connect and celebrate excellence in the industry.

    • 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM

      Flight Deck A

      First-Timer Reception

      An intimate gathering for new attendees, the First-Timer Reception offers a unique opportunity to network with our Premier Partners and Select Partners. Set in a casual atmosphere and surrounded by fellow first-timers, this reception is the perfect setting to forge connections and kick off your NationaLease experience on a high note.

  • Wednesday, May 13, 2026

    • 07:00 AM - 08:00 AM

      Concourse A

      Registration

    • 07:00 AM - 08:00 AM

      O'Hare III

      Breakfast

    • 08:00 AM - 08:15 AM

      O’Hare I-II

      Welcome and Introductions

    • 08:15 AM - 08:45 AM

      O’Hare I-II

      President's Welcome

      Attend the President's Welcome featuring Dean Vicha, President of NationaLease! In this exclusive session, Dean Vicha will delve into current and future plans and goals for NationaLease, providing valuable insights into how technology and regulations may impact our maintenance teams. Don't miss this opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge from a visionary leader in the industry and understand the strategic direction that will shape the future of maintenance.

      Dean Vicha, President, NationaLease

    • 08:45 AM - 09:00 AM

      O’Hare I-II

      Battle of the Bands: Technical Edition

      Introduction of Top Techs

      Witness the Introduction of Top Techs by Dean Vicha, President of NationaLease, showcasing the best of the best who keep our trucks moving every day! Be part of the celebration as we extend our cheers and congratulations to these exceptional Top Techs. Don't miss this opportunity to applaud and honor the individuals who excel in keeping our fleet at its peak performance.

      Dean Vicha, President, NationaLease

    • 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM

      O’Hare I-II

      The Synthesizer: Blending Tech and Talent AI in the Shop

      Join Armando Perez Carreno for a forward-looking session on how artificial intelligence is reshaping today’s maintenance shops. Learn how AI tools can support technicians, improve diagnostics, streamline workflows, and help managers better blend emerging technology with skilled talent to drive efficiency and uptime.

      Armando Perez Carreno, Principal Software Engineer,
      PerezCarreno & Coindreau

    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

      Kitty Hawk

      Spouse Event

    • 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM

      O'Hare Foyer

      Break

    • 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM

      O’Hare I-II

      Rockin' the Shop Floor: Idea Session

      Engage in creativity and innovation at the Idea Session with Lonnie Cook, Service Manager at Cargo Transporters Inc.! In this dynamic session, members will showcase their ingenious ideas and best practices that contribute to savings in money, time, productivity, improved morale, and/or increased customer satisfaction within their businesses. As an added twist, each member contributes $10 to the pool, and the top three ideas, determined by member votes, will receive cash awards. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to share, learn, and even compete for cash prizes in a session curated for fun and friendly competition.

      Lonnie Cook, Service Manager, Cargo Transporters Inc.

    • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

      O’Hare I-II

      General Session

    • 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM

      O'Hare III

      Lunch

    • 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM

      O’Hare I-II

      Reciprocal Service Review/Member Services Update

      Delve into the heart of NationaLease with the Reciprocal Service Review/Member Services Update presented by Jane Clark, Senior Vice President of Operations! Join us for a comprehensive refresher on the cornerstone of NationaLease – Reciprocal Service, the very idea that initiated NationaLease 82 years ago. Jane will guide us through the essential requirements for all members, shed light on common pitfalls, and provide insights on how to avoid them. This session is a valuable opportunity to reinforce our commitment to Reciprocal Service and ensure a seamless experience within the NationaLease network.

      Jane Clark, Senior Vice President of Operations, NationaLease

    • 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM

      O’Hare I-II

      Supply Management – Closed Session

      Gain exclusive insights into the latest in supply management during the Supply Management. Join us for an in-depth review of the performance levels year-to-date on our products and services, along with updates on the newest programs available to the membership. We will also delve into the ever-evolving sourcing environment trends, offering valuable perspectives on industry dynamics. This closed session provides a unique opportunity to stay abreast of cutting-edge developments in supply management.

    • 02:30 PM - 05:00 PM

      O’Hare IV-V

      Backstage Expo: Product and Technology Fair

      Immerse yourself in the expanding world of innovation at the Product & Technology Fair! This highly anticipated fair, growing each year, is your chance to explore the latest offerings from our Premier Partners, Select Partners, and exhibitors. Make the most of this opportunity to visit booths, discover cutting-edge products and services, and participate in exciting drawings for great prizes. Don't miss out on the chance to engage with industry leaders, explore advancements, and potentially walk away with fantastic rewards.

    • 06:00 PM - 10:00 PM

      Pete's Dueling Pianos

      Dinner and Entertainment

      Wrap up the day with a night of dinner, drinks, and dueling pianos at the iconic Pete’s Dueling Pianos in Rosemont. This high-energy experience puts you in the driver’s seat as musicians battle it out on the keys for a one-of-a-kind interactive show. It’s the perfect mix of great food, lively entertainment, and relaxed networking as we unwind after a long day.

  • Thursday, May 14, 2026

    • 07:00 AM - 08:00 AM

      O’Hare III

      Breakfast

    • 08:00 AM - 10:00 AM

      O’Hare I-II

      Jam Session: Regional Breakouts – Closed Session

      Tailored exclusively for Maintenance Managers, this session provides a platform for connecting with counterparts in your region. Dive into discussions addressing issues specific to your area, explore strategies for enhancing our best-in-class Reciprocal Service network, and share insights on the current challenges at the forefront of your concerns. This closed session is designed to foster regional camaraderie and facilitate meaningful conversations that contribute to the collective success of our maintenance teams.

    • 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM

      O’Hare Foyer

      Break

    • 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM

      O’Hare I-II

      Manufacturers Maintenance Intervals

      Manufacturer-recommended maintenance intervals play a critical role in maximizing uptime, controlling costs, and extending asset life. This session explores how to apply OEM guidelines in real-world operating conditions, balance compliance with efficiency, and identify opportunities to fine-tune service schedules without over-maintaining equipment.

      John Campbell, Technical Support Manager, Cummins Inc.

      Adam Mesker, Field Sales Engineering Manager, Daimler Trucks North America

    • 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

      O’Hare I-II

      General Session

    • 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM

      O’Hare III

      Lunch

    • 01:00 PM - 01:45 PM

      O'Hare I-II

      General Session

    • 01:45 PM - 02:15 PM

      O’Hare I-II

      Engine Updates

      Stay current on the latest engine developments impacting today’s fleets. This session covers recent updates, performance considerations, and maintenance implications, helping maintenance managers anticipate changes, address common challenges, and keep equipment operating at peak efficiency.

      John Campbell, Technical Support Manager, Cummins Inc.

    • 02:15 PM - 02:30 PM

      Break

    • 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM

      O’Hare I-II

      Bonus Track: Managing the Younger Generation in the Workforce

      The workplace has shifted in ways few could have predicted. Between the global disruption of the pandemic and the rapid generational turnover reshaping our teams, many leaders are realizing just how quickly the ground has moved beneath their feet. A new generation, Gen Z has stepped into the workforce, yet their arrival has often gone unnoticed. Virtual onboarding, remote work, and Zoom-based relationships muted the usual energy of new beginnings, but not the impact of their presence.

      Gen Z enters with a worldview shaped by digital fluency, constant change, and a deep desire for authenticity and purpose. They’re not looking for surface-level engagement, they’re seeking meaning, connection, and workplaces where they can contribute with clarity and confidence.

      This workshop explores what it truly takes to engage today’s multi-generational workforce. We’ll move beyond stereotypes to uncover the individual strengths, values, and motivations that drive performance and belonging. Participants will learn how mentorship can fuel engagement, why purpose matters more than ever, and how to create a culture where every generation feels seen, valued, and inspired to excel.

      Mary Erlain, President, Peak Development Strategies

    • 05:30 PM - 09:00 PM

      O’Hare I-II

      Cocktail Reception and Awards Dinner

      Celebrate excellence at the Cocktail Reception & Awards Dinner! This event is a tribute to our Exceptional Service Award winners and the announcement of the NationaLease Tech Challenge winners. Join us in expressing gratitude to those who have demonstrated exceptional service and applaud the achievements of the outstanding individuals in the NationaLease community. Indulge in great food, raise a toast to success, and take this opportunity to extend your heartfelt congratulations to your fellow NationaLease winners.