Deemed a success by all I have spoken with. Positive interactions with USPS, a vibrant exhibit hall, great sessions, and networking opportunities.
We heard a major shift in USPS messaging this year. “This is YOUR Post Office”.
Postmaster General David Steiner NPF Address
In his keynote address at the 2026 National Postal Forum (NPF) in Phoenix, Postmaster General David Steiner detailed the U.S. Postal Service’s transformation into a modern, agile “economic platform.”
The address focused on four primary pillars of the USPS growth strategy:
Modernizing the Network
Steiner highlighted significant investments in processing, logistics, and transportation. The goal is to move away from outdated systems to a streamlined network that can handle the modern demands of e-commerce.
Digital and AI Innovation
A major focus was placed on tech-enabled tools to improve customer experience and operational efficiency, including:
- Predictive Analytics: AI-driven tools for more accurate arrival times and route optimization.
- Customer Touchpoints: Improvements to Informed Delivery, the USPS API Marketplace, and the deployment of “Smart Lockers” and self-service kiosks.
- Security: Using AI for advanced fraud detection and improving contact center responsiveness.
Strengthening Product Offerings
The PMG emphasized that the USPS is actively evolving its mail and shipping products to stay relevant in a marketplace shaped by digital shifts. He framed the USPS not just as a delivery service, but as the center of a $1.9 trillion mailing and shipping industry that supports nearly 8 million jobs. (As quoted from the EMA Foundation’s Institute of Postal Studies Job and Revenue Study.)
Market Responsiveness
The PMG stressed the need for the USPS to be “market-responsive” and “transparent.” By aligning the postal network more closely with business needs and reducing friction in partnerships, the USPS aims to become the preferred partner for American commerce.
One of my favorite themes was the USPS changing from expecting its business customers to adjust to the USPS network, and instead that the USPS needs to adjust to its business customers network.
NPF Numbers
While still preliminary the results look very promising. These are not final confirmed numbers, but as of Friday May 8th it was clear that this was the second best attended NPF since 2008, just behind last year’s Nashville NPF25.
- Estimates for registrants is at 5,039 (current tally, likely to increase)
- Most exhibitors, 213
- Over 100 sponsors
NPF is hoping to exceed 6,000 (over Nashville numbers) at the Orlando, FL NPF in May, 2027.
