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Fall is officially here, but things are heating up here at CLDA. In a little over a week we will be in Scottsdale Arizona for the next installment of our in-person regional networking series – CONNECT AZ. Join CLDA and Openforce on October 8, 2026 as we take over Sophia’s Kitchen for a great night of networking and education.
A little over two weeks ago we officially launched registration for the 2027 Final Mile Forum (FMF27) which will be held February 10-12 at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista in Orlando, FL. We’ve lowered the price of registration since last year and come up with an extra special offer that’s almost too good to be true. Join CLDA or renew your membership and register for FMF27 by November 30,2026 and save a total of $700 off of the non-member price.
Our staff has been hard at work alongside the FMF27 Committee, Education Committee, Marketing Committee and Shipper Task Force to make this year’s event something truly special.
2027 marks CLDA’s 40th anniversary, and we’re building a Final Mile Forum worthy of the occasion. FMF27 will bring together the people, ideas and opportunities that move the final-mile industry forward, with an expanded lineup of education, new structured networking experiences and more ways to connect with the partners who can help grow your business. From entering new markets and verticals to building stronger relationships with carriers, shippers and industry partners, this year’s Forum is being designed around creating real opportunities for our members.
For our Affiliate members, sponsors and industry partners, we’re also rethinking what sponsorship can look like. New year-round partnerships, event packages and standalone opportunities give your company more ways to stay visible, engage directly with attendees and put your brand at the center of the FMF27 experience. Go beyond a logo on a sign. Put your brand behind one of our signature pre-conference events, like the high-energy Fastest Courier Challenge or our second annual Women in Logistics Brunch. Create a destination attendees will seek out with experiences like the Paws & Relax Puppy Lounge or the Final Mile Rest Stop Massage Lounge. These opportunities are designed to create interaction, generate conversation and give attendees a reason to remember who made the experience possible.
With new programming, new ways to connect and plenty of surprises planned for our 40th anniversary, FMF27 is shaping up to be a Final Mile Forum you won’t want to miss.
Michael Wright
CLDA Executive Director
CLDA Final Mile Fridays with FMF27 Conference Chair, Andrew Brady
Three days away from your business.
Airfare. Hotel. Registration. And an inbox that’s probably still going to follow you to Orlando.
So what makes an industry conference worth it?
It’s a fair question, especially for small and midsize final-mile companies where the person attending the conference may also be the person customers call, employees depend on and operations still need when something goes wrong.
And with registration for the 2027 Final Mile Forum opening Monday, it’s a question worth asking now.
But maybe we’re asking the wrong question.
Instead of asking, “What am I going to get from this conference?” ask:
“What am I going to do with the opportunity of having three days outside my business?”
Because simply showing up doesn’t create ROI. What you do while you’re there does.
It’s tempting to measure networking by how many people you meet or business cards you collect.
But one strong relationship can be worth more than 50 introductions.
That’s especially true in final mile. Most carriers can’t be everywhere or do everything. Your customer may need a delivery in a market you don’t serve. A shipment may require capabilities you don’t have. A national opportunity may require reliable partners across multiple regions.
When that happens, who are you going to call?
The strongest networks are filled with people you trust enough to put in front of your customer.
So don’t just look for someone who can give you business today. Talk to the carrier from another market. Introduce yourself to the new attendee. Sit with someone you don’t know at breakfast.
Build the network your business may need tomorrow.
Most of us walk into a conference knowing what we’re looking for: a customer, a partner, a solution to a problem or maybe a new piece of technology.
But some of the most valuable opportunities are the ones you didn’t know to look for.
Maybe you learn about a vertical you’ve avoided because it seemed too complicated. Maybe technology can now solve an operational problem you’ve simply learned to live with. Or maybe a conversation makes you stop and think, “Why aren’t we doing that?”
Walk the exhibit floor even if you’re not planning to buy anything. Ask what’s changed. Attend a session that’s slightly outside your wheelhouse. Talk to people you don’t already know.
You don’t know which conversation will matter yet.
Sometimes the value is discovering the question you hadn’t thought to ask.
For some business owners, three days away may be the hardest part.
Customers are still calling. Deliveries are still moving. Problems don’t conveniently stop because you’re at a conference.
But there’s value in getting far enough outside the day-to-day to think about what’s next.
You get to spend time with other business owners who understand the same pressures you do. You hear what they’re seeing, what they’re worried about and how they’re solving problems that may be sitting on your desk right now.
Growth requires more than getting better at running today’s deliveries. Leaders also need space to think about tomorrow’s business.
Sometimes working on your business requires physically stepping outside of it.
And the value doesn’t end when you get home.
Someone you meet in Orlando may not have an opportunity for you in February, but six months later, their customer may need coverage in your market. A conversation may lead you to explore a new service. An exhibitor you meet may have the solution you need a year from now.
The Final Mile Forum may last three days.
The relationships, ideas and opportunities that start there can last much longer.
So don’t measure the ROI only by how many sessions you attended or business cards you collected.
Ask yourself what you brought home:
One relationship. One idea. One new capability. One solution. One opportunity that changes what your company does next.
Because the goal isn’t simply to spend three days at a conference.
It’s to make those three days matter during the other 362.
What will those three days actually look like in Orlando?
Watch CLDA Final Mile Fridays: “Inside the Final Mile Forum,” featuring CLDA President Lorena Camargo and FMF27 Conference Chair Andrew Brady, for a behind-the-scenes look at what’s being planned for FMF27.
The 2027 Final Mile Forum is heading to Orlando, where CLDA will also celebrate its 40th anniversary.
Register here.
We’ll see you in Orlando.
CLDA Final Mile Fridays brings together industry leaders and experts for practical conversations about the issues affecting final mile businesses. Follow CLDA for upcoming episodes and conversations designed to help move the final mile industry forward.
The information shared in this article and the accompanying Final Mile Fridays conversation is intended for general educational purposes and should not be considered legal or insurance advice. Companies should consult with their own insurance, legal and risk-management professionals regarding their specific operations.
How Roslyn Ellerbee turned mentorship, relationships and involvement into business growth—and a commitment to help others do the same.
Roslyn Ellerbee’s story is one of growth, resilience and the power of community. A three-time entrepreneur, logistics industry leader, mentor and 2024 Enterprising Women of the Year Award recipient, Ellerbee has built her success by embracing opportunities, investing in relationships and helping others do the same. In this CLDA Education Feature, she reflects on the lessons that shaped her journey and shares her vision for the future of logistics.
For Ellerbee, the mission of helping people “manifest greatness” began with her own experiences. She understands what it feels like to have a vision but not always know the path forward. Along the way, mentors, relationships and access to knowledge expanded what she believed was possible and inspired her commitment to do the same for others. She believes greatness comes not only from having a vision, but from doing the work, building meaningful connections and continuing to grow.
Ellerbee’s entrepreneurial journey began with Express Errands, an errand-running company that evolved into Express Errands & Courier. Entering the logistics industry with limited experience required adaptability, curiosity and a willingness to learn. One lesson she continues to share is that business owners do not need to have every answer before they begin. They do, however, need to be willing to seek knowledge, ask questions and surround themselves with people whose experience complements their own strengths. That mindset is valuable in any business, but especially in logistics, where the industry moves quickly and continues to evolve.
Beyond logistics, Ellerbee has developed a reputation as a marketing strategist and brand builder through Dream Team Digital Marketing. She believes businesses are navigating one of the most significant shifts in marketing in decades. Traditional search engine optimization remains important, but AI-driven search and recommendation platforms are changing how customers discover and evaluate businesses.
She encourages business owners to pay attention to emerging concepts such as Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), Large Language Model Optimization (LLMO) and AI Optimization (AIO), while continuing to focus on fundamentals that never go out of style.
For Ellerbee, successful marketing starts with understanding customers and meeting them where they are. Whether that is online, at industry events, through networking organizations, referrals or CLDA connections, businesses should focus on where their customers spend their time rather than simply where they are most comfortable marketing. She also encourages owners to view branding and marketing as investments rather than expenses, noting that strategic professional support can create stronger long-term results than trying to do everything alone.
A pivotal chapter in Ellerbee’s career began when she joined CLDA. Express Errands & Courier was already growing, but she was looking for something that revenue alone could not provide: access to people who had already navigated the challenges of the logistics industry. Through CLDA, she found mentorship, industry education, relationships and a community of experienced professionals willing to share what they knew.
What began as a search for mentorship eventually became a commitment to leadership and service. Ellerbee became more involved in the association, built authentic relationships and stepped into leadership, including serving on the CLDA Board of Directors and chairing the Marketing Committee. Her journey within CLDA reinforces one of the messages she shares most often: membership creates access, but involvement creates opportunity.
Her advice to members is simple: do not just join—get involved. Attend the events. Introduce yourself. Volunteer. Ask questions. Build relationships before you need something. The value of an association grows when members actively participate in the community around them.
Having benefited from mentors earlier in her career, Ellerbee is equally passionate about reaching back. Through CLDA, Big Brothers Big Sisters and her ongoing coaching efforts, she wants her experience to shorten the learning curve for others and help entrepreneurs see possibilities they may not yet see for themselves.
“Membership creates access, but involvement creates opportunity.”
As a logistics leader, Ellerbee sees technology as one of the forces reshaping the industry. She is particularly interested in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies that improve operational efficiency. AI automation, predictive analytics, robotics and route optimization can help businesses of all sizes operate more efficiently and compete more effectively. At the same time, she emphasizes that technology should enhance—not replace—the customer service and relationships at the heart of the industry.
For smaller courier companies in particular, she sees technology as an opportunity to level the playing field, provided leaders are willing to learn, adapt and use those tools strategically.
The message Ellerbee hopes fellow CLDA members take away is the value of community. Seeking mentorship, building authentic relationships and actively contributing to the organizations you join can accelerate both personal and business growth. Her own journey is proof that sometimes the right room, the right mentor and the willingness to get involved can change the direction of a business—and a career.
In the coming months, Ellerbee will be part of an Ask the Expert column where CLDA members can submit questions about community, business growth, marketing and more. Have a question for Roslyn? Reach out and join the conversation.
By Tina Angelone
Customer Experience & Marketing, Intact Insurance Accident & Health | CLDA Marketing Committee Member
The conversations may have ended, but the connections made at CLDA CONNECT PHL continue to leave a lasting impact. From valuable industry insights to meaningful networking, the Philadelphia Connect event was a powerful reminder that some of the best opportunities in our industry begin with simply showing up.
Hosted at Maggie’s Waterfront Café, CLDA CONNECT PHL brought together members from across the United States for an evening of education, collaboration, and meaningful business connections. The room quickly filled to standing room only, creating an atmosphere filled with energy, conversation, and opportunity. It was a clear reminder that when logistics professionals come together, great things happen.
A special thank you goes to our event sponsor, Key Software Systems (KSS), whose commitment to the customized logistics and delivery industry helped make this event possible. KSS didn’t just sponsor the event—they showed up in a big way. Their entire team was on-site, connecting with members, sharing insights, and demonstrating what true partnership looks like. Thank you to Chris Miller, Heather Vacca, Charlie V. Pisciotta, Dave Fajerman, Brian Montibello, Raymond Yuen, and Gary Kellstrom for investing your time, sharing your expertise, and supporting the CLDA community.
Before the evening’s educational session began, CLDA President Lorena Camargo welcomed attendees and shared a few remarks about the importance of bringing our industry together through education, advocacy, and networking. Her message set the tone for an evening centered on collaboration, professional growth, and strengthening the relationships that make our association so valuable.
The evening featured an outstanding panel discussion moderated by Charlie V. Pisciotta of Key Software Systems (KSS). Charlie led an engaging conversation around technology, innovation, and the future of final-mile logistics. Joining him on the panel were Harold Boyett of Blue Streak, Tim Kravitz of Logistics Technology HQ, and Adam Autera of CDL Last Mile. Together, they shared practical insights, real-world experiences, and actionable strategies that attendees could immediately apply within their own businesses. It was another example of CLDA’s commitment to delivering education that helps members grow and stay ahead in an evolving industry.
Beyond the educational session, attendees also had the opportunity to experience a little Philadelphia culture. Maggie’s Waterfront Café served up local favorites, and I have to admit, my personal favorite was the Philly cheesesteak eggrolls—they definitely lived up to the hype.
What made the evening even more memorable was the timing. With the World Cup match playing on every screen throughout the venue, you might have expected everyone’s attention to be fixed on the game. Instead, something remarkable happened. As more CLDA members and guests arrived, the conversations took over. The focus shifted from the televisions to the relationships being built around the room. Business cards were exchanged, ideas were shared, partnerships were discussed, and new friendships were formed. It was a perfect reminder that while sporting events may bring people together, meaningful networking is what keeps our industry moving forward.
One of the highlights of the evening was seeing so many CLDA leaders together in one place. Members had the opportunity to connect with CLDA Board Members, Committee Chairs, committee volunteers, and fellow members from across the country. The event truly became a meet-and-greet, giving attendees the chance to ask questions, exchange ideas, and build relationships with the leaders helping shape the future of our association.
As the CEO of Express Errands & Courier and a CLDA Board Member and Marketing Committee Chair, I’ve experienced firsthand the value of being involved in this association. Some of the most meaningful relationships I’ve built—and some of the greatest opportunities for my business—have come from showing up, volunteering, serving, and engaging with fellow members. That’s one of the many reasons I’m so passionate about encouraging others to take advantage of everything CLDA has to offer.
If you’re looking to maximize your CLDA membership, my advice is simple: show up.
Networking is the new currency. People do business with people they know, trust, and remember. You can’t sit behind a computer waiting for opportunities to find you—you have to be intentional about getting into the room, making introductions, asking questions, and building genuine relationships. Your next client, referral partner, mentor, strategic alliance, or lifelong friend may be just one conversation away.
One of the greatest benefits of CLDA CONNECT events is that they are free for CLDA members. They provide an incredible opportunity to learn from industry experts, engage with solution providers, meet association leadership, and expand your professional network—all at no additional cost. Whether you’re a longtime member or attending your very first Connect event, these gatherings are one of the most valuable benefits of CLDA membership.
Philadelphia was an incredible success, and the momentum continues.
We’re already looking ahead to our next CLDA CONNECT event on October 8 in Scottsdale, Arizona, proudly hosted by OpenForce. If you’ve been thinking about attending your first Connect event—or if you’ve attended before and know the value these gatherings provide—I encourage you to join us. I look forward to seeing familiar faces, welcoming new members, and continuing to strengthen the relationships that make CLDA such an incredible community.
Thank you to everyone who attended, our outstanding panelists, our dedicated volunteers, the CLDA Board of Directors, Committee Chairs, and especially Key Software Systems (KSS) for helping make Philadelphia a memorable success.
Because at the end of the day, our industry moves packages—but our association moves people. And it’s those relationships that continue to move our businesses, our careers, and our industry forward.
See you in Scottsdale!
By Roslyn Ellerbee
CEO, Express Errands & Courier | CLDA Board Member | Marketing Committee Chair
