Connect. Collaborate. Lead. Inspire.

(As found on https://www.acraorg.com/event/2025-performance-and-policy-conference/)

Join the American Car Rental Association (ACRA) for a powerful two-day event where the car rental industry comes together to explore, engage, and influence the future. This annual conference brings operators, vendors, thought leaders, and policymakers together in Washington, D.C., for in-depth learning, strategic networking, and high-impact advocacy.

Conference Schedule & Events*

Sunday September 14
Attendee arrival in DC

Monday September 15

8:15 AM – 9:00 AM Key Fleet Utilization Metrics Every Car Rental Operator Should Track to Plan for Growth

Learn how successful operators use key performance indicators like utilization, downtime, and revenue-per-unit to maximize growth. Get insights into forecasting, vehicle rotation, and planning fleet mix for maximum ROI.

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Depreciation & Vehicle Turnover: Knowing When to Sell

A data-driven look at how to optimize vehicle lifecycle management. Learn how depreciation works and how and when to sell, how to evaluate depreciation vs. resale value, and how to align vehicle turnover with market conditions.

10:00 AM – 10:15 AM Break/Networking

10:15 AM – 11:00 AM Managing Fleet Expenses: Strategies That Scale
Learn scalable strategies to reduce fleet costs from purchase to remarketing. Panelists will address maintenance programs, logistics efficiencies, vendor management, and ways to control costs without compromising performance.

11:00 AM – 11:45 AM Industry Roundtable 
A structured, interactive discussion between car rental operators and industry partners. Share your biggest challenges, ask questions, and offer insights in a collaborative environment designed to foster networking and problem-solving.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Lunch (Buffet)  

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Insurance & Risk Management: What Operators Must Know

An expert panel on the evolving insurance landscape for rental operators. Topics will include liability trends, underwriter expectations, risk mitigation tools, and how to work effectively with your insurance providers.

2:30 PM – 3:15 PM Legal & Compliance Panel: 

A no-holds-barred legal discussion of top industry issues, regulatory exposure, franchise law updates, emerging litigation trends, and legal risk. Aimed at both corporate counsel and operators needing practical legal strategy.

3:15 PM – 4:00 PM Vendor Partnerships: What Every Operator Should Know

What makes a vendor relationship successful — and what gets in the way. In this candid panel, leading vendors serving the car rental industry will share what they wish every operator understood about building strong, mutually beneficial partnerships. From onboarding expectations to communication best practices, panelists will highlight common pain points, how operators can get the most value from vendor relationships, and why alignment on goals and operations matters more than just price. This session is product- and service-agnostic — focused instead on helping operators become better business partners, regardless of the technology or tool in question.

5:30 PM – 7 PM Welcome Reception (all attendees invited)

* All sessions and speakers are subject to change

Tuesday September 16*
* ACRA Members & Vendors only.

Advocacy in Action
On Day 2, we head to Capitol Hill for ACRA’s Advocacy Day, where members and partners meet directly with Members of Congress and their staff to discuss the policies shaping the future of the car rental industry.

No lobbying or policy experience is needed. Whether you are a rental operator or a vendor, you are the expert on how federal decisions impact your business and our industry. We’ll provide all the tools, talking points, and guidance you need to make an impact.

Your real-world insights help educate lawmakers on the operational, economic, and technological issues affecting our sector. By sharing your story, you help shape smarter legislation and stronger partnerships.
Join us and make your voice heard where it matters most.

8 AM – 8:30 AM      How to be an effective Advocate

8:40 AM                  Departure for House/Senate

9 AM – 5 PM           Capitol Hill Meetings (U.S. House/U.S. Senate)

6 PM – 7:30 PM      ACRA PAC Event* 

September 17
Attendees fly out.