GET HYPE: Diesel Connect 2025 Is Coming!

Guys. Guys. It’s that time of year again. Diesel Connect 2025 is officially just a couple months away, and we’re ready to party.

Okay, we’re also ready to learn and network and do all that…you know…professional mumbo-jumbo that makes this conference worth the price of admission. But let us not forget the party element. For while learning is good, partying is awesome.

(And we booked the Wild Horse Pass Resort at Gila River again, so you can marinate in four-star luxury while huffing diesel fumes. Guys, check out the pools. The spa. The steakhouse. Even I’m excited and I usually live under my desk. GET HYPE!)

WHAT IS DIESEL CONNECT?

If you are new to Fullbay and/or this blog, you may be forgiven for wondering what we’re yammering on about. Every year since 2023, Fullbay has hosted Diesel Connect, AKA the premier conference and networking event for diesel repair professionals.

From May 20-22, 2025, shop owners, fleet managers, and other management-level folks descend on Phoenix, Arizona, to learn from experts and each other. There are presentations around growing your shop, hiring, creating a financial plan (always a huge hit), the state of the industry, and much more; and yeah, this is a Fullbay event, so there will be some presentations geared toward helping you make the most of the app.

When you’re not learning, you’ll be hanging out with your peers at a beautiful resort — networking, chowing down on delicious food, guzzling coffee, and — you heard it here first — conquering the world via go-karting.

WHO WILL BE THERE?

So, who will be presenting at DC25? We’re still securing some folks, but here’s a partial list:

• Keni Thomas, former U.S. Army Ranger and country singer, will talk to us about leadership;
• Robby Gilbert, VP of Finance, will be talking about — you got it — creating a budget for your shop;
• Peter Cooper, CEO of Ascend Consulting, will talk about the shift from technician to shop owner;
• Bob Costello, Senior VP of ATA, will talk about the state of the freight industry…

…and more to come.

We’re updating the main DC page way faster than we update this blog, so check back to see when new faces are added!

WHO IS DC FOR?

Well, this is all very nice, Fullbay, you might be saying, but am I the target audience? Who is Diesel Connect really for?

Hey, we’re glad you asked. While we firmly believe anyone can learn something and have fun at DC25, we definitely think the folks who will get the most out of it are:

• Shop owners
• Parts and service managers
• Fleet managers
• And anyone else involved in the operations of a heavy-duty repair shop!

All of our presentations and workshops are geared toward shop leadership. Ever had trouble making a budget or financial plan? We’re on it. Wondering about the state of the economy and how that will impact freight (and therefore your repair operation?). We’re covering that, too. Pondering the mysteries of the parts matrix? There’s a workshop. Need to increase technician efficiency? Yes, that’s included, too.

If you are the slightest bit interested in growing your shop and running a more profitable operation — and you’re even passingly interested in the magnificent saguaro cactus — Diesel Connect is for you.

(Editor’s note: To be clear, we will not have a saguaro presenting at Diesel Connect. But there are saguaro in the area!)

Way to make them sound sinister, Aaron. Come to DC for the presentations, stay for the bloodthirsty cacti!

HOW MUCH ARE TICKETS & WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Each General Admission ticket is $450 (plus taxes and fees) and gives you complete access to the entire event. That’s all the presentations, talks, workshops, and networking activities, along with breakfast and lunch on the 21st and 22nd.

Hotel rooms are not included in the ticket price, although discounted accommodations at Wild Horse Pass are available upon registration. You may also choose to stay elsewhere and drive in each day — it’s up to you!

IS THERE COFFEE?

Yes.

Fullbay understands how important coffee is to our industry. We know that coffee is even called “the other diesel.”

(Editor’s note: She is making that up.)

Okay…it’s the OTHER other diesel.

(Editor’s note: Suz, come on, it’s coffee.)

Okay, fine. We know coffee is important, so we ordered even more coffee this year, so you’ll be in good shape even if you need frequent refills. The resort also has a cafe in case you have a pressing need for caffeine we cannot fill.

SHOULD I GO?

Dude, YES!

It’s the diesel event of the year! The century, even!

Where else can you hang out at a gorgeous resort and chat with folks in your industry that you might never otherwise meet? Seriously — in 2023 and 2024, we had attendees from all over the United States and Canada. These shop owners and managers would very likely never have crossed paths had they not decided to join us in the desert. And let’s not forget that epic karaoke session—

(Editor’s note: There was not a karaoke session.)

OK, the line dancing session—

(Editor’s note: There was also no line dancing. That is a Diesel Connect urban legend.)

Yeah, that’s right. This event is so epic it generates its own mythology.

So come! Join our wacky diesel adventure on May 20-22nd, 2025. Join the mythos. Drink the coffee. And remember, HAMMER DOWN!