by Women In Trucking Staff, on Aug 03, 2026
It’s more than a conference about how to champion the employment and advancement of women in trucking. It’s a career-changing experience.
Every year, professionals gather for this unique event that consistently delivers something difficult to find elsewhere: practical education, authentic relationships, and inspiration from people who understand the opportunities and challenges of today's trucking industry.
From October 25-28, the Women In Trucking Association (WIT) will welcome industry professionals to the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas for the 2026 Accelerate! Conference & Expo. It’s four days designed to help attendees strengthen their careers, expand their professional networks, and discover the innovations shaping the future of trucking.
Whether you're attending for the first time or returning as a veteran participant, here's what you can expect.
Learn From the Industry's Best
The educational experience at Accelerate! is intentionally broad because the trucking industry itself is incredibly diverse, says Jennifer Hedrick, WIT’s President and CEO. Attendees can customize their conference experience by choosing from dozens of educational sessions led by company executives, fleet leaders, professional drivers, HR specialists, safety experts, technology innovators, and other respected subject matter experts.
According to Co-Chair of the WIT Content Committee Jerri Baez, Fleet Safety Manager for Colony Hardware, topics this year span every major business function, including:
- Leadership and executive development
- Professional growth and career advancement
- Safety and risk management
- Human resources and talent development
- Operations and fleet management
- Sales and marketing
- Professional driver education
- Emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, and innovation
“Rather than theoretical discussions, many sessions focus on practical strategies attendees can implement immediately within their organizations,” says Brian Everett, a member of the WIT team who helps to orchestrate content of the event. “The conference also provides on-demand access to many educational sessions after the event, allowing participants to continue learning long after they return home.”
Hear from Inspiring Keynote Speakers
General sessions bring the entire conference together to hear from nationally recognized leaders who are helping shape the future of transportation.
The 2026 keynote lineup includes Shelly Simpson, President and CEO of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, and FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs, who will share leadership perspectives, industry insights, and their vision for the future of trucking. Their presentations promise to provide valuable takeaways for professionals at every career stage.
Build Relationships That Last
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Ask nearly any past attendee what they value most about the Accelerate! Conference & Expo, and the ability to build unique and invaluable relationship quickly rises to the top of the list, says Laura Duryea, Director of Driver Recruitment & Professional Growth for Boyle Transportation, who is Co-Chair of the WIT Content Committee.
Throughout the four-day conference, participants have opportunities to connect during receptions, interactive roundtable discussions, meals, facilitated networking sessions, and informal conversations throughout the venue. The environment encourages meaningful discussions between professionals representing every corner of the industry — from professional drivers and technicians to CEOs, suppliers, carriers, shippers, logistics providers, manufacturers, technology companies, and government agencies.
Many attendees leave with new mentors, future business partners, customers, and lifelong friends.
In addition, the Accelerate! Expo showcases products, services, and technologies that are transforming trucking today.
Exhibitors represent nearly every transportation market segment, giving attendees an opportunity to compare solutions, ask questions directly to product experts, and discover new ways to improve safety, efficiency, recruiting, driver experience, compliance, and operational performance.
Because the exhibit hall is integrated with the conference experience, attendees enjoy multiple opportunities to interact with exhibitors throughout the event rather than during limited exhibit hours.
One of the Accelerate! Expo’s signature experiences is the Truck & Technology Tour, where attendees can explore today's newest commercial vehicles and trucking technologies firsthand, right on the expo floor.
From advanced truck designs and safety innovations to emerging industry technologies, the tour offers a unique opportunity to see how the industry continues to evolve while speaking directly with manufacturers and technology providers.
Celebrate the Industry
Beyond education and networking, Accelerate! celebrates the people who make trucking successful. Throughout the conference, attendees recognize outstanding leaders and organizations that reinforce WIT's mission to champion the employment and advancement of women in trucking, foster meaningful connections, and recognize excellence across the industry. Specific recognition programs integrated into the program include:
- Influential Woman in Trucking annual award
- Top Companies for Women to Work in Trucking
- Top Women to Watch in Trucking
An Investment That Continues Paying Off
Many conferences end when attendees board their flights home. WIT’s Accelerate! Conference & Expo is different.
The ideas, professional relationships, and practical strategies developed during the conference often continue generating value for months (and even years!) after the event concludes. Whether someone is looking to develop leadership skills, recruit talent, improve operations, explore new technologies, or simply become better connected within the industry, the Accelerate! conference offers opportunities to accomplish all of those goals in one place.
For professionals in the trucking industry who are committed to continuous learning and building a stronger industry, the WIT’s 2026 Accelerate! Conference & Expo promises to be an event worth experiencing. Register today!
