For professionals with fewer than 10 years in the commercial vehicle industry, it can be easy to focus only on what’s right in front of you — managing projects, building technical skills, and navigating early career steps. But now is also the perfect time to look further ahead.
That’s where the Executive Leadership Summit comes in.
Hosted by NTEA, the Summit is designed to help current and aspiring leaders understand the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of the work truck industry. While the audience includes senior decision-makers and company executives, the content holds tremendous value for those still climbing the ladder. This year, Generation Next encourages you to take a closer look — and consider how attending (or even just following the event) could help accelerate your growth.
Seeing Leadership-Level Insight Through a Gen Next Lens
Each session at ELS offers unique, high-level insight — and many provide direct or indirect value to early-career professionals who want to grow their strategic thinking. Here’s what’s on the agenda and how it relates to you:
Driving the Future: Chassis OEM Insights on What’s Next and How We Get There
Hear directly from chassis OEM leaders on where the industry is headed — from advanced fuels to automation and strategic partnerships.
Why it matters to Gen Next: It gives a glimpse into how your current role may evolve and what capabilities will be needed in the years ahead. You’ll better understand the “why” behind decisions impacting the vehicles you work with daily.
State of Emissions Regulations
This session tackles the complexities of emissions policies and their impact on manufacturing, upfitting, and fleet operations.
Why it matters to Gen Next: Regulatory literacy is a hidden superpower. Understanding how rules shape vehicle specs and operations can make you a stronger contributor and a future-ready problem-solver.
Economic Overview and Implications for the Work Truck Industry
Gain macro-level insight into how economic trends influence business planning and industry health.
Why it matters to Gen Next: This helps connect the dots between global events and what’s happening in your workplace. Learning how economic forces ripple through the industry prepares you to speak the language of leadership.
Commercial Vehicle Industry Market Trends
Dive into chassis shipments, sales patterns, and body type trends across North America.
Why it matters to Gen Next: If you're in sales, ops, engineering, or marketing, these insights help you anticipate customer needs and market shifts.
Leading Through Disruption: How Simplicity in Leadership Drives Strategic Growth
This session offers a fresh approach to navigating chaos and complexity in a fast-changing industry.
Why it matters to Gen Next: Leadership begins before you have a title. This framework empowers you to focus, adapt, and act with purpose — skills every rising professional should master.
Receptions
The welcome reception (Sept. 22) and evening reception (Sept. 23) are more than just two social events — they make space to meet decision-makers, spark conversations, and grow your network.
Why it matters to Gen Next: Relationships matter. This is where mentorships begin and reputations are built.
Your Leadership Journey Starts Now
The Executive Leadership Summit isn’t just for senior execs — it’s a launchpad for anyone eager to grow into leadership. Attending (or even just understanding what’s being discussed) positions you to anticipate change, think strategically, and build the mindset of tomorrow’s leaders.
Learn more and register at ntea.com/executivesummit.
Whether you're attending with your team or exploring the idea for the future, the Summit is a reminder that leadership isn't a destination — it’s a process that starts with awareness, insight, and initiative.