DALLAS — Get ready to shift your career into high gear: From thought-provoking discussions about trucking’s biggest challenges to opportunities for professional growth\ the Women In Trucking Association (WIT) is preparing to roll out the red carpet for its annual Accelerate! Conference & Expo. Of course, there’ll be plenty of fun along the way!
Scheduled for Oct. 25-28 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas, the four-day event will bring together professional drivers, fleet executives, transportation professionals and industry leaders for education, networking and a celebration of the people who keep America’s freight moving.
More than 1,000 attendees are expected, with over 50 educational sessions, presentations by more than 125 industry thought leaders and an expo featuring more than 160 sponsors and exhibitors.
No matter what your role or goals in the trucking industry, Accelerate! offers something for everyone, from the driver’s seat to the executive suite. And while creating opportunities for women is at the heart of WIT’s mission, there’s plenty for men to learn, experience and enjoy, too!
This year’s agenda addresses issues affecting the entire industry, including highway safety, regulatory compliance, freight market conditions, emerging technologies and workforce development.
Industry leaders take the stage
A lineup of keynote speakers will share insights on leadership, regulatory priorities, economic conditions and the challenges facing women in transportation.
Shelley Simpson, CEO of J.B. Hunt Transport, knows a thing or two about building a career in trucking. After joining the company as a customer service rep in 1994, she worked her way up the ranks. In 2022 she was named president of J.B. Hunt, and in 2024 she took the reins as CEO. On Monday, she’ll draw on more than three decades of industry experience during her 9 a.m. opening keynote, “Future-Ready Leadership.” Along the way, she’ll share insights on embracing change, overcoming challenges and preparing the next generation of industry leaders for success.
Derek Barrs, administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), is no stranger to the challenges of keeping America’s highways safe. With nearly 35 years in law enforcement and roadway safety — including more than 25 years focused on commercial motor vehicles — Barrs brings plenty of firsthand experience to his role. Before being confirmed as FMCSA administrator in October 2025, he served as chief of the Florida Highway Patrol and held leadership positions with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). He also served on the American Trucking Associations’ Law Enforcement Advisory Board. Barrs will take the stage Tuesday at 9 a.m. for his opening keynote.
Eric Starks, chairman of FTR Transportation Intelligence, knows that when it comes to the freight market, there’s no shortage of questions about what lies ahead. During Wednesday’s 8:15 a.m. general session, “The State of Freight: Forces Reshaping Trucking and Supply Chain,” he’ll take a closer look at the trends driving the industry, from freight volumes and trucking capacity to rates and operating costs. He’ll also explore how tariffs, regulatory changes and other economic pressures could affect trucking in the months ahead — and what signs to watch for as the industry heads into 2027.
Montiqua Mathers-Pettway, founder of People First Consulting, will tackle a question many women in leadership have faced: How do you earn respect without feeling pressured to make everyone like you? A TEDx speaker and human resources executive with more than 20 years of experience, Mathers-Pettway will explore the challenges of balancing confidence, authority and workplace expectations during Wednesday’s 10 a.m. closing keynote, “Respect vs. Likability: The Leadership Tightrope Women in Trucking Navigate.” She’ll also share insights on recognizing the difference between constructive criticism and unrealistic expectations — and finding success without compromising who you are.
Opportunities to learn and grow
Whether you’re looking to move up the career ladder, tackle challenges on the job or simply learn something new, Accelerate! has you covered. With dozens of educational sessions on the agenda, there’s no shortage of opportunities to pick up practical tips, exchange ideas and discover new ways to succeed in trucking.
Monday’s breakout sessions will cover recruiting and retaining drivers, artificial intelligence in fleet safety and performance, and strategies for improving highway safety.
Other sessions will address freight fraud, legal challenges facing motor carriers, and innovations designed to make professional drivers’ jobs easier, safer and more productive.
Tuesday’s programming includes discussions about aligning fleet safety strategies with FMCSA priorities, managing risk, improving operational efficiency and integrating new technologies.
Leadership development will also be a major focus, with workshops exploring communication skills, mentorship, career advancement and strategies for overcoming barriers in transportation.
Interactive roundtable discussions will give attendees opportunities to exchange ideas and learn from peers facing similar challenges.
For professional drivers, Wednesday’s “Ask the Driver: Real Conversations with the WIT Image Team” will offer firsthand perspectives from women working behind the wheel.
The conference will also recognize women and companies making a difference in transportation, including WIT’s Top Companies for Women to Work in Transportation and Top Women to Watch.
Something for everyone on the expo floor
Trucks, trailers, technology and so much more! Whether you’re shopping for equipment, looking for ways to improve your business or exploring services designed specifically for women in trucking, you’ll find plenty to check out at the Accelerate! Expo.
More than 160 sponsors and exhibitors will showcase products and services covering just about every aspect of the industry. Along with truck and trailer manufacturers, motor carriers and technology providers, attendees can connect with companies offering insurance, legal services, driver recruiting and screening, fuel cards, financial services, truck stop amenities and other resources. Exhibitors will also include businesses offering products and services tailored to women working in transportation.
One of the highlights will be the Truck & Technology Tour, featuring more than 20 tractors and trailers along with demonstrations of emerging technologies.
Attendees can explore equipment up close, ask questions and learn about innovations ranging from advanced safety systems and artificial intelligence to connected fleet technologies.
The expo will be open during designated hours Sunday through Wednesday, providing plenty of opportunities to visit exhibitors between educational sessions.
All work and no play? Not at Accelerate!
At Accelerate! you won’t spend all your time sitting in meetings. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to kick back, have some fun and make a few new friends along the way.
The festivities begin Sunday with attendee orientation, speed networking and a special “Rolling Together” mixer for professional drivers. An evening “I Heart Trucking” networking reception on the expo floor will give attendees an opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new industry colleagues.
And don’t forget to pack something red! Monday is “Rock the Red” day, when attendees are encouraged to show their WIT spirit by sporting the association’s signature color. Whether it’s a red shirt, jacket, scarf or a favorite pair of shoes, it’s a fun way to join the celebration. And when the day’s sessions wrap up, it’s time to trade business discussions for some Texas-style fun at the Harvest Hoedown, scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m.
The fun continues Tuesday and Wednesday, with networking opportunities, recognition celebrations and plenty of chances to connect with fellow trucking professionals. Whether you’re catching up with old friends or making new ones, there’s no shortage of opportunities to mix, mingle and share a few laughs.
For early risers, morning walks with Project 61 are scheduled Monday through Wednesday.
Whether you’re looking to expand your professional network, reconnect with old friends or simply enjoy the company of others who share your passion for trucking, there should be plenty of opportunities to do just that.
There’s still time to register!
Haven’t signed up yet? There’s still time to join the action in Dallas. Registration remains open for the 2026 Accelerate! Conference & Expo, with full-conference and single-day options available.
For registration information, the complete agenda, hotel details and other conference updates, visit womenintrucking.org/accelerate-conference.
Professional drivers attending in their own trucks can also take advantage of designated complimentary semi parking at the Hilton Anatole.
Hope to see you there!
Members of The Trucker Media Group team will be on hand throughout the conference, covering industry news, visiting with attendees and exhibitors, and catching up with friends from across the trucking community.
We’ll be looking for the stories, innovations and people making a difference in the industry — and we’d love to hear from you. We’ll see you in Dallas!
Linda Garner-Bunch has been with The Trucker since 2020, picking up the reins as managing editor in 2022. Linda has nearly 40 years of experience in the publishing industry, covering topics from the trucking and automotive industry to employment, real estate, home decor, crafts, cooking, weddings, high school sports — you name it, she’s written about it. She is also an experienced photographer, designer and copy editor who has a heartfelt love for the trucking industry, from the driver’s seat to the C-suite.
