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 21 at the Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord and continuing all day Saturday, March 22 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 22.

ELEVATE: How Exceptional Leaders Inspire Peak Performance

Leadership is not a role; it’s a responsibility. It’s not a selfie; it’s service. It’s not just talking the talk; it’s walking the walk. 

Join Scott Welle, #1 Best Selling Author and Founder of Outperform The Norm, as he shares insights from his book, “Outperform The Norm for Leaders,” on what the most influential leaders do to inspire peak performance in an ever-changing world.

• Recruit great people by being a leader others WANT to follow
• Retain these great people by cultivating the four levels of the “growth elevator”
• Boost your personal productivity by turning lengthy to-dos into limited strategic priorities 
• Deal with “difficult” people by balancing empathy, direction & accountability
• Enhance communication style and feedback to challenge and motivate team members

This content-rich session will give you tangible tools for your leadership toolbox that you can use to get the best out of you AND the best out of others. 

Applications will be reviewed once submitted and our team will reach out to confirm approvals. Pre-event survey is required to be completed prior to the event in order to gain entry.

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

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.)

Location: Kannapolis Ballroom

Speaker: Bret Brooks

Location: Carolina Ballroom

Speaker: Denise Donaldson

Description: The tiniest school bus occupants need special attention to ride safely. It’s hard for them to sit still, and even if somehow seated properly, compartmentalization cannot adequately protect their small bodies in a crash. NHTSA has long acknowledged that these children should ride in CSRS on a school bus… so why do so many pre-school age kids ride without safety restraints? This session will address some common misunderstandings and point attendees on the right path to properly protect preschoolers, toddlers, and infants.

Location:Fairway Ballroom

Speaker: Katrina Morris

Location: Kannapolis Ballroom

Speaker: Derek Graham

Location:Carolina Ballroom

Speakers: Dana Rosen

Description: Join this leadership duo as we explore the “real leadership stories from the trenches”. Learn how to hone in on your leadership skill set; set yourself up for success (and succession!) and take the challenge to create change and improvement for your team back home.

Location: Fairway Ballroom

Speakers: Paul Hasenmeier

Location: Kannapolis Ballroom

Speakers: Barbara Duffield

Location:Carolina Ballroom

Speaker: Denny Coughlin

Location: Fairway Ballroom

Facilitator: Paul Hasenmier

Panelist: Peggy Stone & Katrina Morris

Location: Kannapolis Ballroom

Speaker: Dick Fischer

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.