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Leadership Conference

Conference Guide & Sponsorship Opportunities

Georgia Trucking Leadership Conference

NOVEMBER 19–20, 2026  |  OMNI HOTEL AT THE BATTERY ATLANTA

Leadership. Practical solutions. Meaningful connections.

Built for the people moving Georgia trucking forward

Two focused days with the people shaping Georgia trucking.

Practical business education, timely policy insight and high-value conversations for leaders at every level who want useful ideas—and relationships they can put to work immediately.

Leadership doesn’t happen by chance—it happens by choice.

01

Lead Your People

Build stronger teams, culture and engagement.

02

Protect Your Business

Address cyber risk, cargo theft and operational exposure.

03

Understand Your Environment

Translate political, regulatory and infrastructure changes into business decisions.

04

Prepare for What’s Next

Strengthen profitability, talent strategy and long-term resilience.

Leadership panel discussion at a Georgia Trucking Association event
Industry leader presenting on stage
Leadership fireside conversation
Trucking industry leaders attending a conference session

Who Should Be in the Room

Designed for Leaders Across Georgia’s Trucking Industry

Trucking company owners and senior executives
Fleet, operations and safety leaders
Human resources and people leaders
Emerging leaders and Executive Development Program participants
Affiliate partners serving Georgia’s trucking industry

The Conference Experience

Stay Where the Leaders Stay

The experience extends beyond the meeting room. Staying at the Omni Hotel at The Battery Atlanta puts you at the center of the conversations—from breakfast networking and hallway introductions to the Thursday evening reception and everything in between.

Some of the most valuable connections happen over coffee, between sessions and after the day’s programming concludes. Make the most of the conference by staying where peers, speakers and industry leaders will be.

Omni Hotel at The Battery Atlanta beside Truist Park
Omni Hotel at The Battery Atlanta
Guest room at the Omni Hotel overlooking The Battery
Stay at the center of the conference experience
Aerial view of the Omni Hotel and Truist Park
Steps from Truist Park and The Battery

Attendee Value

  • Practical leadership education with actionable takeaways
  • National, state and industry leaders
  • Peer networking in an intentionally focused setting
  • A conference experience centered at the Omni and The Battery Atlanta

Omni Hotel at The Battery Atlanta

Meeting space:
Battery Ballroom A & B

Parking:
Valet or the Red Deck at The Battery

Book Your Room

Reception at Good Game

Thursday, 5:00–7:00 PM

Continue the day’s conversations with food, drinks and relaxed networking before dinner on your own.

Sponsored by
Pinnacle Financial Partners
Moore Colson

Plan Your Conference

Conference Agenda

Thursday, Nov. 19 — Leading Your Organization

Registration & Networking Breakfast
Welcome, GTA Updates & Introduction of the Executive Development Program Cohort
The DNA of a Highly Profitable Trucking CompanyChris Henry
The 95% Rule: Why Your Best Employees Deserve More of Your AttentionTodd Stanton
Networking Break
Building Brand Ambassadors: Every Driver, Every DayLisa Bataglia
Beyond the Firewall: Leading Through Cyber RiskSerket Tech Panel
Networking Lunch
The New Georgia: Politics, Policy & Business After the 2026 ElectionJay Morgan
Fireside Chat: The Intersection of Trucking & PoliticsNathan Goolsby & Senator Jason T. Dickerson
Networking Break
Executive Fireside: The Future of RetirementTed Benna & Bryon Wiebold
Cargo Theft: From the Boots on the GroundKeith Lewis & Doug Braund
Closing Remarks / Transition to Reception
Leadership Conference Reception at Good Game
Dinner on Your Own

Friday, Nov. 20 — Moving Georgia Forward

Breakfast with Barrs: Partnering for a Safer FutureDerek Barrs, Administrator, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Networking Break / Transition
Keeping Georgia Moving: Transportation, Infrastructure, and the Road AheadRussell McMurry, Commissioner, Georgia Department of Transportation
Networking Break
Atlanta Moves Freight: The Critical Connection Between Georgia’s Capital City and the Trucking Industry
Conference Adjournment

Featured Sessions

Practical Ideas You Can Put to Work

The DNA of a Highly Profitable Trucking Company

Chris Henry

A practical opening conversation about the operating disciplines that separate consistently profitable trucking companies from the rest. Examine the decisions, measurements and leadership habits that create durable margins and stronger businesses.

The 95% Rule: Why Your Best Employees Deserve More of Your Attention

Todd Stanton

Leaders often spend most of their energy managing a small number of problems. This session challenges that pattern and shows how investing in dependable, high-performing employees can strengthen culture, retention and results across the organization.

Building Brand Ambassadors: Every Driver, Every Day

Lisa Bataglia

Every driver interaction shapes how customers and the public see a company. Learn how clear expectations, communication and recognition can help drivers represent the brand with consistency and pride—on the road, at customer sites and in the community.

Beyond the Firewall: Leading Through Cyber Risk

Serket Tech Panel

Cybersecurity is a leadership and business-continuity issue, not simply an IT responsibility. This panel will help executives understand today’s risks, strengthen internal readiness and make better decisions before, during and after a cyber incident.

The New Georgia: Politics, Policy & Business After the 2026 Election

Jay Morgan

A timely briefing on Georgia’s post-election political landscape, leadership shifts, legislative priorities and the business issues trucking leaders should watch as the state prepares for 2027.

Fireside Chat: The Intersection of Trucking & Politics

Nathan Goolsby & Senator Jason T. Dickerson

A candid conversation about how public policy affects trucking companies, how legislation moves, why relationships matter and how industry leaders can engage constructively.

Executive Fireside: The Future of Retirement

Ted Benna & Bryon Wiebold

The creator of the modern 401(k) joins a practical conversation about how retirement benefits have evolved, what employers may be getting wrong and how financial wellness can support recruiting, retention and long-term workforce strength.

Cargo Theft: From the Boots on the Ground

Keith Lewis & Doug Braund

A real-world look at organized cargo theft, emerging tactics and the operational vulnerabilities criminals exploit. Grounded in frontline experience, the session will help leaders recognize risk, improve prevention and respond more effectively when incidents occur.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Put Your Company in the Room with Georgia’s Trucking Leaders

Support meaningful moments and gain appropriate visibility with owners, executives, decision-makers, safety professionals, HR leaders and emerging leaders.

All sponsor recognition may include: conference agenda and event app recognition, on-site signage where applicable, event slideshow recognition where applicable, and social media recognition before and during the conference as applicable.