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April 2026. Fairmont, Dubai, UAE

CRTF Dubai 2026

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Gain knowledge and discover new trends

The Car Rental Tech Forum is a networking group that connects car rental companies with tech providers to explore and promote technology that benefits the car rental industry.

Prepare for the change in a digital era

The forum also addresses the peripheral matters surrounding the adoption of technology by inviting input from major insurers, OEM’s, fleet suppliers, franchisors and brings top brokers and aggregators into the discussion.

Discover new products

Discover the latest technology products driving business growth. As technology rapidly evolves so must the car rental industry to stay competitive.

First Car Rental Technology Focused Forum in History

The Car Rental Tech Forum (CRTF) is a symposium that brings together technology providers, car rental companies, OEMs, brokers, and insurance providers from around the world. This first-of-its-kind event aims to educate the industry on the latest products and services through insights and expert advice from experienced and knowledgeable speakers.

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Forum discussions at 2026 event

How can AI personalize the car rental experience?

Keyless entry advances and fleet security impact

Forecasting demand and adjusting pricing in real-time

How can technology speed up the rental check-in process?

Helping international drivers stay compliant with local laws

Super Apps – challenges and opportunities

Join us for CRTF Dubai on April 2026

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Enhance your knowledge

Increased awareness

Increase your awareness of the latest developments in technology both current and upcoming, and how they will affect the car rental industry

Increased knowledge

Increase your knowledge of the purpose and functionality of the existing technology available in today’s marketplace

Learn more about the industry

Learn more about the companies selling and manufacturing technology pertinent to the car rental industry and meet their representatives

Meet and network

Meet and network with other likeminded executives in the car rental industry interested in applying technology to benefit and grow their business

Program 2026

Theme: Enhancing Customer Experience Through Technology

13:00-13:30

Opening Keynote: Alison Lee

  • Welcome and introduction to the event.
  • The role of technology in improving customer service in car rentals.
  • Key trends shaping the future of the industry.

13:30-14:00

Panel: Personalization, AI & Chatbots – The Future of Customer Interaction

  • How AI-driven chatbots and data analytics create hyper-personalized rental experiences.
  • The role of apps, voice assistants, and automated messaging in customer support.
  • Panellists: Experts in AI, chatbot technology, and customer experience.

14:00-14:30

Panel: Telematics & Keyless Entry – The Game Changers

  • How telematics optimizes fleet management and reduces downtime.
  • The latest advancements in keyless entry and remote vehicle access.
  • Balancing security, convenience, and customer trust in digital rentals.
  • Panellists: Experts in telematics, IoT, and mobility tech.

14:30-15:00

Panel: Pricing & Revenue Management – Striking the Right Balance

  • How technology is shaping dynamic pricing strategies.
  • Forecasting demand and optimizing fleet utilization.
  • Balancing automation with human expertise in pricing decisions.
  • Panellists: Experts in revenue management and pricing strategy.

15:00-15:30

Panel: Speed, Convenience & Frictionless Check-ins

  • How digital ID verification, pre-filled contracts, and mobile payments streamline the rental counter experience.
  • The role of automation in reducing wait times and improving customer satisfaction.
  • Panellists: Leaders in digital identity verification, fintech, and automation.

15:30-16:00

Coffee Break & Networking

16:00-16:30

Panel: Keeping International Drivers Safe & Legal Through Technology

  • How tech solutions help international drivers navigate local laws, road regulations, and toll systems.
  • Using telematics and digital alerts to prevent unintentional violations (speed limits, toll roads, restricted areas).
  • Enhancing customer confidence by offering real-time compliance assistance via in-car tech and apps.
  • Panellists: Experts in telematics, navigation, and compliance solutions.

16:30-17:00

Panel: Chauffeur Tracking & Customer Satisfaction

  • How real-time tracking improves safety, reliability, and transparency in chauffeur services.
  • The role of driver behaviour monitoring and performance scoring.
  • Improving customer experience through app-based booking, live tracking, and ride history.
  • Panellists: Experts in fleet tracking, AI monitoring, and luxury transport services.

17:00-17:30

Panel: The Role of Super Apps & Aggregators in Car Rental

  • How aggregators are changing are re-segmenting customer and their expectations
  • Panellists: Representatives from leading aggregator platforms.

17:30-19:30

Networking, Drinks & Snacks

Paul Hayes

Paul Hayes is a seasoned car rental industry consultant with over 20 years of experience. He began his career at Holiday Autos and later advanced to a senior role at Expedia Group, managing key accounts. During the COVID-19 lockdown, he founded phaYes Consulting to help regional suppliers grow through partnerships with brokers and OTAs. Paul is passionate about leveraging technology, such as keyless entry and autonomous vehicles, to drive industry growth.

Gren Pendleton

Greg Pendleton is the Vice President of Partner Development at Zubie, with over 20 years of experience in sales and business development in the automotive industry. He began his career at Mazda North American Operations and later spent 8 years at ibex CX, focusing on global business development in the automotive OEM sector. At Zubie, Greg leads partnerships with automotive OEMs, commercial fleets, and rental companies, driving growth and revenue. He holds a BSBA in Business Management from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania.

Julio Valcarcel

Julio Valcarcel, Portfolio Manager at Sofiac Travel, oversees the car rental business, focusing on clients using Sofiac’s digital key technology, white-label apps, and Rentanium software. With a background as a software engineer, he now leads private sector projects, helping car rental companies adopt self-service models. Julio is passionate about technology’s role in transforming the industry, especially through contactless rentals, making car rental more customer-centric and scalable.

Kenneth Pohl

Kenneth, founder of Movitronic, specializes in digital key and telematics solutions for the car rental industry. After developing Rentalmoose.com, he identified a market need for streamlined rental technology, leading to Movitronic’s creation. Kenneth is passionate about reducing customer frustrations with innovative, frictionless solutions, shaping the future of Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS). Outside work, he’s an avid cyclist, motorsport fan, and Mount Kilimanjaro conqueror.

Frank Vesper

With over 35 years in the mobility industry, Frank Vesper has held roles from entry-level to General Manager and now serves as a consultant in digital mobility. He began as Managing Director at InterRent, then moved to Europcar as International Project Manager, and later Buchbinder Rent a Car. As Director of Van Sharing at Europcar Mobility Group, he advanced rental technology, then led Business Development at Mobitec. Now a consultant, Frank focuses on helping businesses integrate sustainable, digital solutions for the evolving mobility sector.

Paul Sykes

Paul Sykes is a Motor Fleet Risk Consultant at Zurich Resilience Solutions, where he helps clients implement risk management strategies. With 15+ years in the car rental industry, Paul has held senior roles like Operations Director at Onto, managing 7,500 vehicles, and EU Fleet Maintenance Director at Hertz. His expertise spans car rental, EV subscription, and car sharing, focusing on optimizing assets and enhancing driver experiences. A car enthusiast, Paul enjoys motor boating and traveling in his free time.

Paula Vercollone

As President of DAMAGE iD, Paula M. Vercollone leads the company in offering digital inspection solutions for independent car rental companies, helping them improve returns with clear proof of vehicle condition. Since joining in 2015, Paula has driven innovation, working with top developers to launch an iOS version and a contactless inspection tool. Passionate about contactless and remote rentals, Paula also enjoys beach walks, skiing, and spending time with her 11 children and 28 grandchildren.

Tom Stacey

om Stacey is Deputy Head of School at Anglia Ruskin University, overseeing research, teaching, and industry engagement. With a background in IT, he led projects for the BBC and Channel 4 before transitioning to the automotive industry, supporting OEMs across Europe. Now focused on low-carbon transportation, Tom researches electrification, the sharing economy, and autonomous driving. As Outreach Coordinator for Tesla Owners UK, he promotes EVs and entertains with “Tommy Tesla,” a radio-controlled Model S. A longtime EV advocate, Tom earned the Essex County Council Award for contributions to education.

Alan Thompson

Alan Thompson is a Motor Fleet Risk Consultant at Zurich Resilience Solutions, focusing on managing motor risk for clients. With over 35 years in law enforcement, primarily in roads policing and multi-agency investigations, Alan led road death investigations for eight years, gaining expertise in collision causes and prevention. After transitioning to consultancy, he developed fleet safety interventions to improve safety and inform underwriting. In 2023, Alan joined Zurich, excited by how technology can enhance fleet safety and efficiency.

Nick DiPrima 

Nick DiPrima is a Senior Associate at The Merlin Group, where he leads demand generation and go-to-market strategies to drive sustainability and profitability in the fleet industry. With 20+ years in SaaS technology, Nick has transformed the automotive sector, working with companies like TSD, Wunder Mobility, and UFODRIVE, helping expand automated van rentals across 300 Amazon depots. His global work spans B2B leasing, OEM programs, and lifecycle management. A Marco Polo Award recipient, Nick enjoys playing piano and guitar at open mic nights.

Richard Chahine

Richard Chahine leads the development and scaling of Bolt’s car rental business alongside key partners. With extensive experience across sales, operations, procurement, financing, and engineering in the automotive and mobility sectors, Richard has held roles at Scania, Öhlins Racing, Porsche Sweden, LeasePlan, and Allego. Passionate about the digitalization of the car rental industry, Richard enjoys all things car-related, home renovations, and practicing taekwondo in his spare time.

Stefan Schösser

Stefan Schösser is Managing Director of Decurade Consulting, offering strategic consulting to car rental companies worldwide with a focus on business analysis and pricing. Formerly a Senior Executive Pricing Manager for a global rental company, Stefan enhanced pricing capabilities across 110 countries and later held pricing roles in the packaging and automotive sectors. At Decurade, he helps clients leverage digital tools for competitive operations. Outside work, Stefan enjoys rural life with his family, a large garden, and a few animals.

Speakers

Announcement coming soon

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