Location: Kannapolis Ballroom

Speaker: Bob Riebe

Description: Learn about advanced applications of Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything technology, or C-V2X, highlighting innovative solutions such as school bus priority, transit signal optimization, and emergency vehicle preemption strategies.

Location: Carolina Ballroom

Speakers: Jason Corbally & Derek Graham

Description: School bus transportation has evolved significantly, with parents now expecting real-time communication and accurate updates. While parent apps have been in use for over a decade, many have struggled to provide reliable information to the true stakeholders—leading to frustration and mistrust. Inaccurate data can be more harmful than no data at all. It’s time to shift towards a connected school district and transportation department, where all stakeholders—transportation staff, bus drivers, school administrators, secretaries, and parents—collaborate to ensure precise, real-time updates. Join us to discover a comprehensive, fully integrated solution that enhances safety, efficiency and trust in school transportation.

Revolutionizing Student Transportation: How AI is Driving Efficiency and Addressing Budget Challenges for School Districts

Location: Fairway Ballroom

Speakers: Dustin Kress & Chris Wickman

Description: What would your district look like if you were never short of a driver? What would that mean for your students? How about your transportation team?

This session will explore the challenges districts and transportation teams face, such as bus driver shortages, changes in bell times, and budget cuts — while also being charged with improving operational efficiency to get more students to school safely and on time.

We are excited to present a product demonstration highlighting HopSkipDrive’s revolutionary new technology offering for student transportation planning — RouteWise AI™.

Attend this session to explore the technology first-hand and learn how RouteWise AI helps districts with:

• Routing vs. Optimization: Learn about the science behind RouteWise AI’s optimization engine and how that differs from standard time and distance routing solutions
• Bus Driver Shortages: Identify ways RouteWise AI’s optimization impacts individual routes and how that can help districts significantly reduce their total route package. One district was able to address their bus driver shortage and increase pay for their drivers.
• Changing Bell Times: Understand how RouteWise AI models shifting school schedules and transportation policies, positioning Transportation teams with data to advocate for operational efficiencies
• Cost Savings: Learn about the impact route optimization has on the long-term financial health of a department, both operating costs and capital investments.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see how HopSkipDrive’s RouteWise AI can partner with you to revolutionize student transportation for your district. We look forward to seeing you there!

Take Action Now: How First Light’s Illuminated Solutions Are Saving Lives

Location: Kannapolis Ballroom

Speakers: Stephen Climer & Graham Matthews

Description: The need for safer school buses has never been more urgent. Act now to prevent stop-arm violations and protect students on the road. First Light’s Illuminated School Bus Sign and Fully Illuminated Stop Arm are setting a new standard in school bus safety. Don’t let another day pass without protecting your students.

What You’ll Learn:

• The Critical Impact of Illumination on School Bus Safety: See how ultra-bright illumination makes school buses visible from over 1,000 feet, allowing motorist to recognize the school bus and protect students.
• Proven Results in Reducing Illegal Passings: See how our 15-month study, where 14 out of 15 schools experienced a reduction in violations—up to 88% in low-light conditions.
• Affordable Safety Upgrades: Act now and learn how districts can significantly reduce stop-arm violations for less than 1% of the cost of a new bus.
• Understanding the Differences and Benefits: Discover how First Light’s Fully Illuminated Stop Arm provides maximum visibility in low-light conditions. See firsthand how our solutions keep students safe, helping you make an informed safety decision for your district.

Don’t wait! Explore how First Light’s safety solutions are changing the game in school bus safety. Because every second counts when it comes to keeping kids safe, join us to learn how easy it is to implement First Light’s life-saving solutions in your district.

Location: Kannapolis Ballroom

Keynote: Scott Welle

Description: Today’s competition is brutal and the pressure to perform can be suffocating. What are you doing to stay ahead and keep from burning out?

Join Scott Welle, #1 Best Selling Author and Founder of Outperform The Norm, as he shares the peak performance strategies used by high achievers and elite performers to take your “game” to the next level:

• Challenge limiting beliefs about your performance standards that may be holding you back
• Build a peak performance routine by utilizing the “Vital 4%”
• Raise your influence & impact by focusing less on what you need to DO vs. who you need to BE
• Boost positivity and happiness by up to 30%
• Adapt & thrive through pressure, change, crisis and unpredictability

This dynamic, high-energy keynote will help you raise your personal standard of excellence and give you an effortless action plan to put into place immediately.

Every day in K-12 transportation is an adventure!

Location: Carolina Ballroom

Speakers: Weston Bartlett, Crystal Duchane, & Jason Riley

Description: Every day in K-12 transportation is an adventure! Join us as  the Tyler team runs the fast break on a difficult ‘Day-In-The-Life’ of a transportation professional. This interactive presentation will showcase how challenging situations become as routine as a layup for everyone involved in school transportation. From teachers to mechanics, students, guardians, drivers, and more, Tyler’s integrated solutions can address everyday issues in real-time and with ease, keeping your team on top of their game.

Empowering Schools Across the US

Location: Fairway Ballroom

Location: Kannapolis Ballroom

Speakers:Gregory Baze & Marc Truby

Description: The student transportation industry faces numerous challenges, including fleet management, safety, and funding. Learn how solutions like advanced remote diagnostics, online parts ordering, and purchasing tools can help improve uptime, reduce costs, and ensure a seamless transportation experience for students.

Location: Kannapolis Ballroom

Facilitator: Stephen Whaley

Panelist: John Jessup, Dennis Ryan, & Trey Studstill

Description: This panel discussion will offer insights into simplifying the transition from diesel buses, highlighting real-life savings of operating alternative-fueled buses. Transportation directors and officials, and infrastructure and alternative-fuel subject-matter experts will share their experiences and operating alternative-fuel fleets from the cold regions of the north to the rough terrain of the south. Attendees will learn their secrets to success in replacing diesel buses.

Next-Gen School Bus Safety: Tech Innovations and Cloud Solutions for a Safer Ride

Location: Carolina Ballroom

Facilitator: Mike Hagan

Panelists: Chris Dutton, Chris Fox, & Julian Jimenez

Session Description: In this forward-thinking session, industry experts will explore the cutting-edge technologies transforming school transportation safety. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how to implement and potentially fund an integrated view of bus safety and security with a roadmap to enhance bus safety, address the illegal passing epidemic, improve bus and driver visibility, leverage proactive notifications and enforcement strategies, and manage video evidence in the cloud for greater student safety insights.

Connected, Protected, Perfected: Transportant’s Evolution of Bus Safety

Location: Fairway Ballroom

Facilitator: Paul Gandrud

Panelists: Robyn Pickard & Jeff Shackelford

Description: Join us for an engaging and insightful session where we unveil how Transportant is revolutionizing school bus safety and efficiency through cutting-edge technology. In this 50-minute presentation, transportation directors and industry leaders will discover how our latest innovations are connecting fleets, protecting students, and perfecting transportation operations like never before.

What You’ll Learn:

Seamless Connectivity – Explore how real-time GPS tracking, live video streaming, and advanced data analytics keep transportation teams, drivers, and parents informed with instant, accurate updates.

Enhanced Safety & Security – Learn how AI-powered onboard cameras, automated incident detection, and student ridership tracking are setting new industry standards for protecting students and drivers.

Operational Perfection – See how an intelligent fleet management system helps optimize routes, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency with actionable insights from real-time and historical data.

New & Upcoming Features – Be the first to see Transportant’s latest innovations that are redefining the future of student transportation.

Real-World Success Stories – Hear how districts across the country are using Transportant’s solutions to increase efficiency, enhance safety, and create a better experience for students, parents, and transportation teams.

Who Should Attend?

This session is designed for transportation directors, fleet managers, school administrators, and industry professionals looking to stay ahead in an evolving transportation landscape. Whether you’re already using Transportant or looking to modernize your fleet, this session will provide the insights and tools you need to make smarter, safer, and more efficient decisions.

Why Attend?

Exclusive First Look at our latest technology advancements
Live Demo of Transportant’s real-time tracking and safety features
Q&A Session with Transportant’s team of experts
Join us and discover how Transportant is driving the future of bus safety and technology—one smart solution at a time!

Location: Kannapolis Ballroom

Facilitator: Jim Crowcroft

Panelists: Daoud Chaaya, Francisco “Paco” Lagunas, Luke Patrick, & Kelly Rivera

Description: Hear from a panel of experts, including a school bus fleet operator, an engine manufacturer, a school bus vehicle OEM, and a school bus dealer, as they discuss how traditionally fueled school buses fit into the future of school transportation.  Learn how alternative fuels like bio-diesel (renewable), gasoline, and propane can help operators meet future emissions requirements as our industry transitions toward electrification.

Location: Concord Ballroom

Location: Concord Ballroom

Description: Embrace the College Basketball Madness spirit with our basketball-themed dress code. Show off your team pride by wearing your favorite basketball jerseys, team colors, or sporty chic attire. Get ready for an evening of exciting networking opportunities, engaging trade show exhibits, and a slam dunk of fun!