Why the McLeod User Conference is a Must for Fleet & Logistics Leaders

As the Vice President of Marketing at Pedigree Technologies, I get the privilege of representing our team at some of the industry’s most impactful events. One that consistently stands out is the McLeod User Conference, a premier gathering that brings together the best minds in transportation, logistics, fleet management, and telematics technology. 

This is not just another conference. It is where fleet leaders exchange ideas, explore innovations, and build long-term relationships. Each year, I leave energized by the conversations, the connections, and the clear vision of where our industry is heading. 

A Hub of Fleet Knowledge and Innovation 

The McLeod User Conference is known for its high-value sessions. From keynote insights on freight market trends to hands-on workshops about using fleet data analytics, the content is both practical and forward-thinking. 

As fleets look to balance operational efficiency, compliance, and driver safety, it is invaluable to hear directly from leaders who are solving these same challenges. 

For me, the most powerful takeaway is always seeing how technology is evolving to meet the real-world needs of fleets. Whether it is predictive maintenance software, ELD compliance tools, AI-powered safety cameras, or driver coaching scorecards, the conference highlights the solutions shaping the future. 

The Value of Face-to-Face Networking for Fleet Leaders 

Technology may drive the industry, but nothing replaces the human element in logistics and fleet management. The McLeod User Conference creates space for the conversations you simply cannot replicate over email or Teams. 

Whether it is a quick chat in the expo hall, a networking dinner, or a spontaneous discussion between sessions, the relationships built at industry conferences matter. Many of our strongest partnerships and customer success stories began with introductions at events like McLeod. 

Three Key Takeaways for Telematics Providers Looking Toward 2026 

One theme was clear at this year’s conference. The telematics industry is evolving rapidly, and the providers who thrive will anticipate, not just react to, customer needs.

Here are the three biggest takeaways: 

1. Safety is Non-Negotiable 

Fleets are doubling down on driver safety technology as a core business driver. Telematics providers must continue to innovate in AI-powered dash cameras, driver coaching tools, and tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) to proactively reduce risk. Fleets want partners who make safety measurable and actionable. 

2. Data Must Drive Decisions 

Fleets are inundated with information, but they do not need more dashboards. They need actionable insights. The winners will be providers who can simplify complex telematics data into predictive, real-time intelligence, such as alerting maintenance teams before downtime occurs or helping fleet managers pinpoint efficiency gains. 

3. Customer-Centric Support is the Differentiator 

In a crowded fleet technology market, service and support matter just as much as the platform itself. Fleets are seeking telematics partners who understand their operations, offer flexible fleet solutions, and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them long after implementation. Heading into 2026, customer relationships and responsiveness will be the ultimate competitive advantage. 

Why Pedigree Technologies Shows Up 

At Pedigree Technologies, we believe in meeting customers where they are. We listen first, then craft fleet and asset management solutions that fit their operations. The McLeod User Conference allows us to do just that.

It is a chance to hear directly from fleets about the challenges they face and the opportunities they see, while showcasing how our technology can make an immediate impact on fleet safety, compliance, predictive maintenance, and operational efficiency. 

For me personally, it is also about growth. As marketers, we need to understand not just our own solutions but the full ecosystem of fleet technology our customers rely on. Spending a few days immersed in that environment provides a fresh perspective, new ideas, and deeper empathy for the people we serve. 

Crafting the Future of Fleet Technology 

Walking away from this year’s McLeod User Conference, one thing is clear. Fleets do not just want software; they want trusted fleet and asset management partners who can help them prepare for the future. 

For Pedigree Technologies, that means delivering crafted telematics solutions, not one-size-fits-all tools, that solve today’s challenges while anticipating tomorrows. As we look toward 2026, the way we tell our story is just as important as the technology we provide. 

By leading with safety, data-driven insights, and customer-first service, we cut through the noise, earn trust, and help fleets run smarter. That is why Pedigree continues to show up and why we will keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible in fleet and asset management technology. 

About Jessica Slyter

Jessica is the Vice President of Marketing at Pedigree Technologies, where she blends creativity and data to drive smarter fleet and asset management solutions. A storyteller at heart and strategist by trade, she’s passionate about helping transportation leaders cut through the noise and focus on what really moves the industry forward — safety, uptime, and people. When she’s not leading marketing initiatives, you’ll likely find her

cheering at a ballfield, swapping ideas at an industry event, or chasing

down the next big trend in telematics.