Agenda
Saturday, March 28
As of 2/24/26. Subject to Change.
TD Summit
8 a.m – 5 p.m.
Transportation Director Summit - Day 2
Location: Topgolf Charlotte – Southwest
Description: The Transportation Director Summit at STN EXPO is a signature event designed exclusively for qualified transportation directors. Participants will network with peers throughout two days, starting the afternoon of Friday, March 27 at the Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord and continuing all day Saturday, March 28 at Topgolf Charlotte Southwest, prior to the start of the regular STN EXPO conference. Successful applicants will gain high-level insights from experts within the student transportation industry and beyond, on how to implement true leadership and innovation practices into their local operation. Both days attendance required. Transportation, breakfast and lunch provided on Saturday, March 28.
Leadership That Rocks: Set List to Develop Brand Ambassadors with Practical Initiatives and Get Iconic Results
Today’s leadership is not a role; it’s a responsibility. It’s not about a selfie; it’s about service. It’s not just talking the talk; it’s walking the walk.
Keynote speaker and best-selling author, Jim Knight will act as a thought-starter for the session. He will use the visceral backdrop of Rock ‘n Roll and several well-known brands, including Hard Rock International—via his 21-year run with that brand as the head of Global Training & Development—to discuss key strategies to transform any organization’s culture, regardless of the company’s cultural history or status
Special Training
8 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Transfinder Improving Technician Workflow and Shop Organization
Location: Kannapolis Ballroom
Description: Technicians learn how to use Servicefinder to improve shop organization and reduce reliance on paper or manual processes. Learn how technology supports better planning, communication, and consistency in daily shop operations.
Encouraged for all Inspection Training Attendees
Presented by
Special Training
Day 2: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
National School Bus Inspection Training - Day 2
Instructors:Derek Bryant, Mike Bullman, Wayne Southard & Luke Patrick
Description: Developed by school bus maintenance and inspection expert Marshall Casey, STN EXPO offers the National School Bus Inspection Training Program to fully train technicians on how to conduct regular vehicle inspections, above and beyond state or federal Department of Transportation guidance. The program is derived from best practices used in overseeing the maintenance of school buses in South Carolina, the only completely owned and operated state fleet in the nation. Attendees will learn how to discover more defects prior to failure, which allows for expedited repairs, increased vehicle uptime, and a more efficient maintenance program. Friday’s agenda includes eight hours of classroom instruction, including preparation for a written exam, with a second day of hands-on identification planned for defects on real school buses, hosted by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and with lunch and transportation provided.
(Maximum of 50 participants. Separate registration is required.)
Special Training
9 a.m – 12 p.m.
What's the Difference?! CSRS Use in School Buses versus Alternative Vehicles
Location: Kannapolis Ballroom
Instructor: Denise Donaldson
Description: These days, student transporters need to know how and when to use CSRS in both school buses and alternative vehicles—while being aware of the many important differences between the two. Using hands-on demonstrations, this session will compare and contrast those differences and explain why they matter for student safety and risk management. This is a session that any transporter using or considering alternative vehicles will not want to miss!
Lunch
12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Lunch On Your Own
Special Training
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Focused Driver 111: Proper Mirror Adjustment and Distracted Driving
Instructor: Dave McDonald
Location: Kannapolis Ballroom
Description:
The first segment will cover FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard) 111 as it relates to school buses.
1. History and evolution of the standard.
2. Driver responsibilities regarding proper mirror adjustment.
3. Hands on bus demonstration.
The second segment will cover distracted driving.
1. Identifying types of distraction.
2. Preventative measures and practices.
3. Consequences.
Networking
5:00 p.m – 6:30 p.m.
Embassy Suite Nightly Evening Reception
Location: Embassy Suites Lobby
Description: Embassy Suites treats hotel guests to a complimentary nightly Evening Reception with a variety of beer, wine, and spirits paired with light appetizers. The Evening Reception is the perfect way to end the day or start the night with friends, family and co-workers.
Complimentary beverages during the Evening Reception are for registered hotel guests only. A cash bar will be available for all other attendees.