Agenda

Saturday, March 28

As of 8/26/25. 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. – 9 a.m.

Transfinder Integrating Technology to Fleet Maintenance Operations

Location: Kannapolis Ballroom

Description: Effective fleet maintenance is a critical component of safe and reliable student transportation. In this session, discover how cutting-edge software and connected technologies can streamline maintenance procedures, reduce downtime, and extend the life of your vehicles. We will explore best practices for automating service reminders, integrating real-time GPS data and vehicle diagnostics, and centralizing maintenance records for easy tracking. Learn how an integrated approach to fleet operations not only improves efficiency and compliance but also provides long-term cost savings and safer journeys for students.

Encouraged for all Inspection Training Attendees

Presented by

transfinder
Special Training

Day 2: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

National School Bus Inspection Training - Day 2

Instructors: Mike Bullman, Luke Patrick, Alan Fidler, Harley Pinson, Jannet Malig

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 Cabarrus County Schools and with lunch and transportation provided.

(Maximum of 50 participants. Separate registration is required.)

General Session

9 a.m – 10:30 a.m.

General Session
Breakout Sessions

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

General Session
Lunch

12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Lunch On Your Own
Breakout Sessions

1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

General Session
Breakout Sessions

3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

General Session
Networking

5:30 p.m – 7:30 p.m.

Road to the Championship Networking Reception

Location: Embassy Suites Concord

Description: Step into the excitement of our networking reception at the Rocky River Lounge and outdoor patio, where the spirit of competition and college basketball meets the joy of connection. Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with fun, engaging conversations, networking opportunities as attendees cheer for there favorite teams in the NCAA Basketball Tournament. This is your chance to build relationships, and enjoy a night of camaraderie, food and fun at Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord.

Additional Session Topics

Subject to change.

  • Green Bus Market and Trends Overview
  • Security & Emergency Preparedness for Student Transportation

  • Cost-Efficient & Effective Employee Recruitment Strategies

  • Free Emergency & Security Training for Student Transportation Professionals

  • Creating Electric School Bus Standards

  • Hurricane Recovery Lessons Learned

  • Shop Management Strategies

  • Thomas Electrical Training

  • Upgrading GPS for Student Transportation
  • Roush Propane Training
  • Bus Captain Program
  • Comparing Cost/Service of Vans & School Buses
  • Fire Safety
  • Danger Zone Safety
  • Winning Elements of a PBIS Program on the School Bus
  • Overview of Special Needs Transportation
  • NHTSA illegal Passing
  • School Bus V2X