The Fall 2026 Commercial Vehicle Business Summit returns November 4–5 with two days of practical insights, industry conversations, and networking for commercial vehicle professionals.
In Episode 223 of the Commercial Vehicle Pro Podcast, host Steve Henning speaks with Kathryn Schifferle, Founder and Chief Vision Officer of Work Truck Solutions, about the Summit’s “Agents of Change” theme. They preview the topics, speakers, and experiences attendees can expect—and explain how the event will help commercial vehicle businesses turn rapid industry change into practical opportunities.
Fall 2026 CVB Summit at a Glance
- Dates: November 4–5, 2026
- Format: Live virtual event
- Cost: Free for commercial vehicle industry professionals
- Audience: Dealers, fleets, upfitters, OEMs, manufacturers, suppliers, technology providers, and other commercial vehicle professionals
- Featured topics: Artificial intelligence, operational improvements, market trends, technology, networking, and business strategy
- Recordings: Registered attendees will receive access to sessions on demand after the event
Register free for the Fall 2026 Commercial Vehicle Business Summit.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Steve and Kathryn discuss:
- Why “Agents of Change” was selected as the Fall 2026 Summit theme
- How businesses can evaluate and adopt technology more intentionally
- Practical ways artificial intelligence can support commercial vehicle operations
- Who will benefit most from attending the Summit
- What attendees can expect from each day’s programming
- How the event connects dealers, fleets, upfitters, OEMs, and solution providers
- Opportunities to ask technical questions and meet other industry professionals
- Why registering is worthwhile even if you cannot attend every session live
For a closer look at the conversations and ideas that have shaped previous events, explore the highlights from the Spring 2025 Commercial Vehicle Business Summit, including discussions about collaboration, artificial intelligence, market uncertainty, and emerging technology.
A Theme Built on Practical Results
The official theme for this fall’s event is “Agents of Change.” While the title brings to mind secret agents and high-tech gadgets, the actual focus is grounded in practical tools, artificial intelligence, and daily operational fixes. Technology is moving fast, but adopting software or digital tools simply to follow a trend misses the point. The Summit aims to deliver clear, usable steps that commercial vehicle businesses can put to work immediately.
Schifferle explained that every session is designed to give participants actionable ideas rather than generic presentations.
“My favorite t-shirt is if you want to be terrific, you’ve got to be specific,” Schifferle shared during the interview. “Our goal is to give people things to walk away with, things that they haven’t thought of before that could help them, or ideas about working with certain types of companies or areas that they maybe hadn’t considered.”
Artificial intelligence is already moving from theory into practical fleet workflows. For example, Geotab’s AI Connector for fleets demonstrates how live vehicle data can support maintenance scheduling, alerts, reporting, asset utilization, and operational decision-making.
Built for Everyone in the Industry
When asked who should attend the Summit, whether it’s executives, frontline sales professionals, or industry newcomers, Schifferle had a simple answer. In her view, the event is designed for “anyone who cares about the [commercial vehicle] space.”
Because commercial vehicle decisions involve vocational upfits, fleet uptime, and total cost of ownership, looking at the entire ecosystem makes a real difference. Whether someone manages fleet operations, sells work trucks on a dealership lot, or builds truck bodies, this virtual event provides a clear line of sight into how every part of the industry connects.
These issues are already changing the way fleets and dealerships operate. Kathryn Schifferle’s analysis of uptime, data, and heavy-duty market demand in 2026 examines how replacement cycles, technical expertise, service support, and new technology are reshaping industry priorities.
What to Expect Across Two Days
The two-day virtual schedule is structured to fit around a busy workday, running for approximately five hours each day. Day one focuses on current market realities and practical operations, while day two shifts more into forward-thinking strategies and new ideas.
Industry veteran Jim Press returns to host his popular fireside chats with key figures from across the commercial vehicle space. Beyond traditional presentations, attendees can join open technical chats to ask questions or participate in randomized “Commercial Connection” speed-networking sessions to meet others from across the country.
Clear Direction in a Fast-Moving Market
Between economic shifts and new technology, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant noise in the market. The CVB Summit aims to give participants the clarity and confidence needed to make smart choices for their businesses.
“I think what I want people to come away with is a path and a comfort level that whatever the change is that’s happening, they can manage it, that they can have it help them,” Schifferle noted.
Professionals interested in the market forces behind these changes can also read what Q2 2026 work truck data is telling dealers and fleets. The analysis expands on an earlier conversation between Steve Henning, Kathryn Schifferle, and Work Truck Solutions CEO Aaron Johnson about inventory, pricing, electrification, uptime, and commercial vehicle demand.
Register for the Fall 2026 Commercial Vehicle Business Summit
The Fall 2026 Commercial Vehicle Business Summit takes place virtually on November 4 and 5, 2026. Registration is free for commercial vehicle industry professionals.
Each day includes approximately five hours of programming focused on current market conditions, practical operations, emerging technology, artificial intelligence, and forward-looking business strategies.
Unable to attend every session live? Registering will also give you access to the complete collection of on-demand recordings after the Summit.
Register free for the Fall 2026 Commercial Vehicle Business Summit.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Fall 2026 Commercial Vehicle Business Summit?
The virtual Summit takes place November 4–5, 2026. Programming runs for approximately five hours each day.
Is the CVB Summit free?
Yes. Registration is free for commercial vehicle industry professionals.
Who should attend the Commercial Vehicle Business Summit?
The event is designed for people throughout the commercial vehicle ecosystem, including dealers, fleet operators, upfitters, OEMs, manufacturers, suppliers, technology providers, sales professionals, executives, and industry newcomers.
What topics will the Summit cover?
Sessions will explore commercial vehicle market conditions, practical operational improvements, artificial intelligence, new technology, business strategy, fleet uptime, networking, and other changes affecting the industry.
Is the Fall 2026 CVB Summit virtual?
Yes. The event is completely virtual, allowing commercial vehicle professionals to attend from anywhere.
Will recordings be available after the Summit?
Yes. Registered attendees will receive access to on-demand recordings after the live event concludes.
How do I register?
Register through the official Fall 2026 Commercial Vehicle Business Summit event page. Registration is free.
Want more conversations with the people shaping the commercial vehicle industry? Browse the latest Commercial Vehicle Pro podcast episodes and CVB Network videos.
About the Podcast Guest
Kathryn Schifferle is the Founder and Chief Vision Officer of Work Truck Solutions. She works across the commercial vehicle ecosystem to help dealers, fleets, manufacturers, upfitters, and solution providers connect more effectively and respond to changes in technology, data, operations, and customer expectations.
About the Host
Steve Henning is the Executive Editor of CVB Network and host of the Commercial Vehicle Pro Podcast. The podcast features conversations with leaders and innovators shaping the commercial truck, work truck, fleet, and upfitting industries.
