Well, that went fast! I was informed in our regular internal team meeting last Monday that I have now been in this role for a year.
I can’t believe how much ground we have covered in only 12 months. From getting around the states to meet members, to delivering ACAPMA’s 2025 conference (APFI), to managing the many regulatory changes (like cash mandates and fuel price lock schemes), to an international fuel crisis. All while state governments continue going off on frolics like what we saw during COVID.
One of the things I have learnt over the past year is that every day is another adventure. Just when you think you have your day planned out, something completely unexpected arrives. You learn to be ready for anything.
Despite this, I have really enjoyed my first year. It is fast paced and allows me to learn something every day.
The other observation I have made is how great this industry is. It is diverse, entrepreneurial, and inter-generational across all the wholesale, distribution and retail fuel sectors. It also has a complex ecosystem of suppliers who support the industry.
I still haven’t got around to meeting as many members and stakeholders as I would have liked, but hopefully when things settle down, I can complete that mission. Also regarding members, I would like to thank the so many people who have been generous with their help, knowledge and support over the past year.
On a final note, planning is well underway for ACAPMA’s 2026 Conference which will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of ACAPMA. We plan for our conference to be a celebration of the people and businesses that have built this great industry.
We look forward to welcoming back our sponsors and exhibitors and aim to break our delegate number record.
Rowan Lee
CEO
ACAPMA
