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Leadership Conference

We’re Excited to Evolve from the Western Conference and Introduce the 2025 Leadership Conference

This isn’t just a rebranding—it’s a renewed focus on fostering leadership within the trucking insurance industry. While our Annual Conference will remain comprehensive, designed for a broad range of professionals, the Leadership Conference will specifically hone on leadership. This shift isn’t about an East Coast vs. West Coast difference—it’s about delivering unique value for those who attend.

What to Expect at the Leadership Conference

  • Elevate Your Insights and Expand Your Network
    Prepare for a transformative experience at our premier Leadership Conference, hosted at the prestigious Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort from October 5-8, 2025. Join forces with industry leaders for a unique blend of cutting-edge education and unparalleled business networking opportunities.

  • Unparalleled Business Networking
    Discover the power of connections as you engage with industry leaders and peers. The MCIEF Leadership Conference is more than an event; it’s a dynamic platform for fostering relationships and expanding your professional network in the heart of Arizona.

  • Secure Your Spot for Growth and Excellence
    Don’t miss this chance to shape the future of the industry. Secure your spot now for the MCIEF Leadership Conference — an extraordinary opportunity to connect and learn!

  • Where Leadership Meets Luxury: Discover the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale
    The Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort & Spa offers a stunning backdrop for the 2025 MCIEF Leadership Conference, blending sophisticated luxury with the natural beauty of the Arizona desert. Attendees will enjoy spacious accommodations, award-winning dining, and rejuvenating spa services, all nestled within 27 acres of lush gardens and water features. With top-tier amenities, scenic views of Camelback Mountain, and world-class hospitality, this resort creates an ideal setting for focused learning, meaningful networking, and relaxation

Keynote Speaker: Dennis Dellinger

ATA Chairman

Dennis Dellinger is a seasoned leader in the American trucking industry, currently serving as the 80th Chairman of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) and the President and CEO of Cargo Transporters, Inc., a prominent freight carrier based in Claremont, North Carolina. MCIEF welcomes Mr. Dellinger to the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort for the MCIEF Leadership Conference, October 5 – 8, 2025.

Career at Cargo Transporters
Dellinger began his journey with Cargo Transporters in April 1986 as a Driver Supervisor. Over the years, he ascended through various roles—including General Manager, Vice President of Operations, and Vice President—before being appointed President in 2004. In 2019, he was promoted to President and CEO, a position he continues to hold. Under his leadership, Cargo Transporters has experienced significant growth, expanding its operations with new terminals in Rocky Mount and Charlotte, North Carolina, and investing $6 million in facility enhancements. The company now operates over 500 trucks and 1,900 trailers, employing approximately 750 people. Cargo Transporters has received numerous accolades for safety and environmental stewardship, including the ATA President’s Fleet Safety Award, the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Fleet Safety Award, the EPA SmartWay Excellence Award, and recognition as one of Inbound Logistics’ 75 Green Supply Chain Partners.

Leadership in Industry Associations
In October 2024, Dellinger was elected as the 80th Chairman of the American Trucking Associations, the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. He also serves as the Immediate Past Chair of the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), where he played a pivotal role in sustaining and expanding
programs during the challenges of 2020–2021. Additionally, Dellinger holds positions on the Board of Directors and serves as Vice Chair of the Safety Policy Committee at ATA. He is a past chairman and current board member of the North Carolina Trucking Association (NCTA) and serves in an advisory
capacity with The Trucking Alliance.

Personal Background
Raised in a military family, Dellinger settled in Claremont, North Carolina, during his eighth-grade year. He resides in Hickory, North Carolina, with his wife, Sherel. They have a daughter, Dana, and two grandchildren, Lachlan and Emma. Dellinger is known for his modest demeanor, strong work ethic, and deep commitment to family and community values.

His extensive experience and leadership have made him a respected figure in the trucking industry,
advocating for safety, environmental responsibility, and workforce development.

Dellinger and MCIEF
Mr. Dellinger has spoken several times at the MCIEF Annual Conference. Always an engaging speaker, his frank and humorous conversations about hard work and family values are enlightening
for us all. We welcome Dennis as he also adds much about his travels around the Country as ATA Chair.

Speaker: Dean Croke

Principal Analyst at DAT Freight and Analytics

Prior to joining DAT Solutions, Dean was Chief Insight Officer at FreightWaves where he led the freight market intelligence team of Market Experts. Prior to that he was Vice President of Data Products at Spireon where he helped develop new telematics data products in the trucking, passenger automotive and insurance markets.

Dean also ran Lancer’s long-haul truck insurance business after spending many years as Vice President of Omnitracs Analytics (formerly Qualcomm) where he developed Data Science technologies including machine learning, complex business rules engines and data analytics for transportation companies.

Croke was one of the original founders of Atlanta-based FleetRisk Advisors (purchased by Qualcomm and now called now Omnitracs Analytics) and has 35 years of experience in data analytics, transportation, supply chain management, mining and insurance risk management. Originally from a family-owned and operated trucking business in Australia, Dean is still actively involved in the trucking business and having completed nearly 2 million miles in Australia as a long-distance truck driver, Croke also owns a 379 Peterbilt show truck known as “The Grumpy Pete” and still holds a U.S. Commercial Driver License(CDL) making him uniquely experienced in the field of data science, supply chain management, risk management and human performance.

Prior to FleetRisk Advisors Croke worked at Lancer Insurance in New York City in 2003 where he developed the widely acclaimed “Risk Never Sleeps” sleep management program for commercial drivers” – a unique approach to managing sleep as opposed to fatigue. Croke has held a number of senior positions at Boston-based Circadian Technologies Inc., global insurer Allianz, regional insurer OAMPS, and was also General Manager of the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) where he played a key role in the development of the TruckSafe and Fatigue Management Program – both alternative compliance programs which have been evidenced in the FMCSA’s recent “Beyond Compliance” initiative.

2026 Trucking Insurance Economic Forecast

Each October, the findings of the Trucking Insurance Industry Survey take center stage at the MCIEF Leadership Conference. This gathering brings together leading voices from across the industry—seasoned executives, regulatory experts, and influential thought leaders—to evaluate the survey results and engage in robust dialogue. During these sessions, attendees delve deeply into the data, contextualize the responses, and collectively identify the issues where MCIEF can make the most meaningful contribution through its educational outreach and industry engagement.
This annual review process transforms member-driven feedback into actionable priorities. By identifying trends, challenges, and opportunities, the Leadership Conference acts as a bridge between the insights and the educational strategies that MCIEF deploys in the following year.

Pricing

Attendee: $1250

Spouse: $750

Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort

Immerse yourself in a conference experience that goes beyond expectations at the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort. With its strategic location, exceptional meeting spaces, and a commitment to unparalleled comfort, this hotel sets the stage for a transformative 2025 MCIEF Leadership Conference. The hotel’s central positioning facilitates organic networking opportunities, creating an environment where industry leaders can effortlessly connect and collaborate. Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort takes pride in providing exceptional meeting spaces, ensuring that the MCIEF Leadership Conference experience is both seamless and impactful. From spacious conference rooms to intimate breakout areas, each venue is designed to foster engagement, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas.

Resources

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