BRENTWOOD, TENN., October 1, 2025 - ConversionU (the education and training division of Conversion Interactive Agency), the American Trucking Associations (ATA), and Transport Topics announced today that registration is now open for the twenty-third annual Recruitment and Retention Conference. The event is scheduled for February 25-27, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee.

This year’s theme, ARISE, challenges industry professionals to rise above today’s obstacles and embrace the transformative power of data, strategy, and AI to strengthen recruiting and retention in a competitive marketplace.

“In today’s transportation landscape, every recruiting and retention leader faces new challenges, from evolving driver expectations to the impact of emerging technologies,” said Brian Johnston, President of Conversion Interactive Agency. “This year, we are not just looking at where the industry is; we are focused on where it is going. ARISE represents our industry’s opportunity to move forward with purpose, using data and technology to create more connected, resilient, and successful teams. This conference is where those next steps begin.”

The 2026 conference will feature an exceptional lineup of general sessions designed to empower industry professionals with actionable insights and strategies. Attendees will kick off the event with “AI is No Longer an Experiment – It’s a Competitive Advantage,” a keynote exploring how AI has moved from a testing phase to a critical differentiator for companies looking to fuel growth and strengthen driver relationships. The session will reveal how adopting AI today can transform recruiting and retention for the long term.

Building on that momentum, “The AI Discovery Roadmap: Turning Disruption into Action for Recruiting and Retention” will take attendees on an interactive journey to uncover where AI can make the greatest impact. Participants will learn from real-world examples and leave with a customized roadmap for implementation tailored to their organization’s needs.

With an eye on broader industry forces, “The Economic Road Ahead: Insights for Recruiting & Retention Leaders” will help attendees understand how evolving market conditions influence driver availability and expectations, giving leaders the knowledge to adapt and respond with confidence.

The conference will also celebrate innovation and excellence within the industry through the Transport Topics Recruiting Professional of the Year panel and award presentation. Finalists will share the strategies that set them apart in 2025, offering valuable lessons and inspiration to peers across the industry. The winner will be announced live during the event.

Rounding out the agenda, the Recruitment and Retention Roundtable will bring together professionals from across the country to collaborate, benchmark, and connect on the latest trends and strategies shaping driver recruitment and retention today.

In addition to the general sessions, the 2026 event will feature breakout sessions that allow attendees to take a deeper dive into specific topics shaping the future of driver recruiting and retention.

“ARISE is about leadership. It’s a call for all of us to come together, share what’s working, and shape the next era of recruiting and retention,” said Johnston. “This conference is where ideas turn into action, and where the leaders driving our industry’s future connect, collaborate, and rise together.”

Now in its 23rd year, the Recruitment & Retention Conference continues to be the must-attend event for transportation leaders, offering exclusive access to top industry experts, cutting-edge insights, and the largest networking and benchmarking opportunity for recruiting and retention professionals in transportation. Participants will leave inspired and equipped with actionable strategies to recruit smarter and retain better in the year ahead.

Registration for the 2026 Recruitment and Retention Conference is now open. Recruiting and retention professionals can register by visiting annualrrconference.com

To find out more about Conversion Interactive Agency, visit www.conversionia.com.