When Geotab first launched its Connect conference in 2014, the focus was firmly on technology under the bonnet.
Fast forward to 2026, and the conversation has shifted decisively from what telematics can do to how it is being used to solve real-world problems.
With more than 3,500 attendees expected in Las Vegas, Geotab Connect 2026 marks both a milestone event and a clear statement about where fleet management is heading next.
Now in its ninth iteration, Geotab Connect has evolved alongside the company itself. What began as a relatively small, technically oriented gathering has become Geotab’s flagship global conference, bringing together customers, partners and industry leaders from across the fleet and mobility ecosystem.
According to David Brown, Associate Vice President – APAC at Geotab, that growth reflects a deeper shift underway across the industry.
“In the early days, telematics was largely about collecting vehicle data and turning it into actionable, but mostly reactive, insights,” says David.
“Scheduled maintenance, driver scorecards and post-event reporting were the norm. Today, we’re firmly in what we describe as second-generation telematics.”
That second generation is defined by data intelligence, advanced analytics and AI-driven capability.
Instead of simply telling operators what has already happened, modern platforms are increasingly designed to anticipate risk, optimise performance and prevent incidents before they occur.
Predictive maintenance, collision reconstruction, AI video telematics and advanced driver safety programs are now operational realities.
This evolution is front and centre in the Geotab Connect 2026 agenda. The conference places a strong emphasis on practical outcomes, peer learning and real-world use cases, supported by a significantly expanded Marketplace showcasing partner solutions.
For fleet operators, the message is clear: technology is no longer just a reporting tool, but a decision-making engine.
Across the global fleet sector, several themes are converging. Operators are under sustained pressure to improve safety outcomes, manage costs, lift productivity and meet growing sustainability expectations — often simultaneously.
At the same time, resourcing constraints mean fleets are looking for simpler, more integrated ways to manage complexity.
“There’s a growing demand for all-in-one, single-pane-of-glass solutions,” says David.
“Fleets want safety, maintenance and operational data brought together in a way that reduces workload, not adds to it. AI plays a key role here, turning complex data into practical actions that support faster, better decisions.”
Geotab Connect 2026 is designed to address these pressures head-on. The core focus of the event is on building smarter, safer, more efficient and more reliable fleets through applied technology.
Customer stories will demonstrate measurable improvements in cost control, safety performance and operational efficiency, highlighting the value of Geotab’s ecosystem, including its SDK, Marketplace partners and AI-driven capabilities such as Geotab Ace.
Hosting the event in Las Vegas reflects both the scale and ambition of the conference. With more than 3,500 attendees expected from around the world, Geotab Connect has become a genuine global meeting point for the fleet industry.
For Australian operators, that global perspective is particularly valuable.
“The challenges facing fleets in Australia, road safety, productivity, emissions reduction and operating costs, are front of mind everywhere,” says David.
“The insights shared at Geotab Connect are directly applicable locally. While operating environments differ, the underlying problems and solutions are remarkably consistent.”
Sustainability is another pillar of the 2026 agenda. Fleets are increasingly expected to measure, manage and reduce emissions without compromising operational performance, and technology is central to that task.
“For Australian fleets, this is especially relevant,” David says.
“Decarbonisation, electrification and sustainability reporting are all progressing against the backdrop of vast distances and diverse operating conditions. The focus at Geotab Connect is on grounded, real-world experiences. What works, what doesn’t and how fleets can move forward with confidence.”
Policy and regulation also feature prominently, particularly in relation to road safety and compliance.
As regulatory expectations continue to evolve, data and technology are playing a growing role in supporting safer outcomes and more informed decision-making.
The conference provides a forum to explore how connected vehicle data can help fleets meet compliance obligations while also improving driver wellbeing and public safety.
Geotab’s goals for 2026 are closely aligned with these themes. The company is focused on continuing to help fleets operate more safely, efficiently and sustainably by unlocking the full value of high-quality data.
Central to that ambition is supporting customers as they integrate AI-driven tools into everyday operations, moving from insight to action with greater speed and confidence.
While Geotab Connect is not simply a product launch platform, it does offer a clear window into how Geotab’s technology, partnerships and ecosystem are evolving to meet real-world industry needs.
More importantly, it reflects how far the fleet sector itself has come.
“Geotab Connect 2026 is about bringing the global fleet community together,” says David. “It’s about sharing knowledge, exploring innovation and focusing on practical solutions that deliver real impact for not just today, but well into the future.”
