From leadership and workforce development to safety, technology and industry economics, the Women In Trucking Association’s 2026 Accelerate! Conference & Expo delivered insights, connections and inspiration.
The four-day event brought together an exceptionally diverse cross-section of the trucking industry, including those with roles and responsibilities in company leadership, operations leaders, talent management specialists, sales and marketing, as well as professional truck drivers. Companies represented include companies with for-hire and private fleets, third-party logistics providers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), technology innovators, and financial service providers.
According to WIT’s interim President & CEO, the Accelerate! Conference & Expo is a "movement that drives forward careers, empowers those who work in the trucking industry, shapes the future of trucking by advancing discussions and education on important topics that impact women in the industry.”
More than a traditional industry conference, the Accelerate! Conference serves as a catalyst for professional development, meaningful connections, and important conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing transportation.
With more than 60 educational sessions featuring over 125 subject matter experts, the conference addressed some of the industry's most pressing issues.
A quick look at the content of this year’s conference can help to inform the most critical issues and emerging trends in trucking.
Recruiting, retaining and engaging women in trucking remained a central theme, with discussions exploring effective talent strategies, workplace culture, career development, and the importance of creating environments where employees can succeed. Specific topics discussed involving talent management were:
Safety and risk management, leadership development, emerging technologies, and regulatory discussions included:
Professional development and career advancement also were prominent themes in this year’s content. Topics included:
Of course, artificial intelligence (AI) and automation were recurring topics, particularly as companies explore how new technologies can improve efficiencies, enhance safety in operations, strengthen decision-making, and transform workforce requirements.
Industry economics also commanded attention. Eric Starks, Chairman of FTR Transportation Intelligence, examined five forces influencing trucking's business environment: regulatory policies, tariffs, inflationary pressures, capacity utilization, and freight rates. His insights provided perspective on current market conditions and what trucking professionals should anticipate in 2027.
Throughout the conference, speakers emphasized the importance of adapting to change, developing new skills, and preparing organizations and individuals for an increasingly complex transportation environment.
Two prominent industry leaders provided important perspectives on leadership, organizational performance, and the future of trucking.
Shelley Simpson, President and CEO of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, shared insights from her remarkable career journey, which began when she joined the company in 1994.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Administrator Derek Barrs brought a federal regulatory perspective to the conference, reinforcing the importance of safety and the relationship between industry stakeholders and government.
His participation provided attendees with an opportunity to hear directly from federal transportation leadership as the industry navigates evolving safety priorities and regulatory challenges.
Beyond the educational sessions, the Accelerate! Conference & Expo provided an important environment for building professional relationships.
Attendees connected through networking activities, interactive discussions, informal conversations, and an Expo Hall featuring nearly 150 exhibitors and sponsors. The Expo showcased technologies, equipment, products, and services designed to improve transportation operations and support industry professionals. The Truck & Technology Tour provided additional opportunities to explore new truck equipment and technology innovations first-hand.
Of course, the conference wasn't all business. Networking receptions gave attendees opportunities to build meaningful relationships, reconnect with industry colleagues, make new friends, and have some fun along the way. Sunday's "I Heart Trucking" Networking Reception kicked off the festivities, bringing attendees and exhibitors together for an evening of conversation, camaraderie, and valuable connections. The excitement continued Monday evening with the "Harvest Hoedown," where attendees traded business discussions for music, dancing, and plenty of laughter. These social gatherings reinforced one of the greatest strengths of the conference: to create a welcoming community where professional connections can grow into lasting relationships.
“These interactions were as valuable as the formal educational programming—creating opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, business development, and career advancement,” says one attendee.
Recognition and celebration remained defining elements of the Accelerate! Conference & Expo. Special events honored WIT's 2026 Top Women to Watch in Trucking and Top Companies for Women to Work in Trucking, recognizing both individual accomplishments and organizational commitments to building workplaces where women can thrive and feel included.
Throughout the conference, attendees also heard compelling HERstories from women who have built successful careers. For example, Molly Borkgren, Enterprise Account Executive, and Chelsey Johnston, Director Human Resources with XPO, Inc., shared their career stories and advice during a special Top Women to Watch luncheon. These stories illustrated the diverse career paths available throughout the industry and the importance of visibility, mentorship, and professional support.
Ultimately, the value of the Accelerate! Conference & Expo extends well beyond four days in Dallas. The conference provided attendees with practical knowledge to strengthen their organizations, fresh perspectives to navigate industry challenges, and relationships that can support their professional journeys.
It also reinforced the importance of bringing together people from different backgrounds, companies, and career disciplines to share experiences and advance common goals.
As WIT prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027, this year's conference demonstrated the continued relevance of its mission: To champion the employment and advancement of women in trucking, foster connections, and recognize achievements. Because this conference isn't simply about advancing individual careers. It's about creating connections, inspiring action, and moving forward the entire trucking industry.
As a member of the Women In Trucking Association, stay on top of emerging trends and business issues impacting transportation and logistics; learn the importance of gender diversity in the workplace and the need for more women drivers; and see best practices in encouraging the employment of women in the trucking industry. Join today! Learn More