2024 Frequently Asked Questions

Who can attend the Conference and Trade Show?

The annual STN EXPO welcomes transportation professionals nationwide who want to learn the latest trends in training, products, and services as well as how to produce better, more quantifiable results from their transportation team and operations. 

Attendees include Transportation directors and supervisors; purchasing agents; school bus association members; superintendents; fleet managers; mechanics and technicians; driver/safety trainers; administrators; special education professionals; private fleet operators, Head Start/childcare professionals; executives and CEOs; and school bus dealers. 

What does Main Conference Attendee registration include?

As a main conference attendee, you will have access to ALL breakout sessions, general sessions, keynote sessions, social events, and STN EXPO Indy trade show as well as the Green Bus Summit. 

You may sign up for additional courses such as the National School Bus Inspection Training Program on for $249 (Early bird rate of $199) or apply for our Transportation Director Summit on May 31 and June 1, or any of the Unique Experiences available (pre-registration required). 

What does Guest registration include?

Guest registration includes access to the Welcome Party on Saturday evening, June 1, as well as theSTN EXPO Trade Show + Reception on Sunday, June 2, and the Green Bus Summit Outdoor Experience on Monday, June 3. 

What does Trade Show Only registration include?

Trade Show Only registration includes access to the STN EXPO Indy Trade Show on Sunday, June 2, and the Green Bus Summit Ride & Drive Experience on Monday, June 3, only.  

How do I register for the conference?

You can register by visiting our conference website atwww.stnonline.com/expo/east. Click on the “Register Now” button. This will take you to the conference registration page, powered by Cvent. For more information on registration types and conference access, please visit the “Pricing and Registration” page under the Attendee tab on the top right corner of the web page. 

How do I know if I am registered?

Once you have completed the registration, you will receive an email confirmation with your confirmation number for the conference. You must receive a confirmation number in order to be considered registered. If you do not receive an email upon submitting your completed registration, please contact the events team atevents@stnmedia.com. 

*As Cvent is a third-party registration system, we find that some email servers will recognize emails from Cvent as spam/junk mail or will block the sender all together. Many school district firewalls may block this email confirmation from being delivered to your inbox. If you do not receive your confirmation email, please also check your spam or junk folder before contacting the Events Team. 

Can I register for training programs but not the conference?

Training programs are available to main conference attendees only as add-ons. The National School Bus Inspection Training is available for Main Conference Attendees to add as an optional session. It will not be available for non-main conference attendees to add as a solo class this year.

If you would like to attend the conferenceANDattend one of the training seminars, then you would register as aMain Conference Attendee, and add the desired session in the Optional Sessions section in the registration process. 

Please visit thePricing & Registrationpage for more details on the different registration types. 

How can I register for the NHTSA Child Passenger Safety Course?

The NHTSA Child Passenger Safety on School Bus National Training is not offered at the STN EXPO Indy Conference this year.

How can I register for the National School Bus Inspection Training Program?

If you are interested in registering for this training, you will first select the registration type called “Main Conference Attendee” and follow instructions to complete the required pages. Once you arrive at the Optional Session page, check the box next to National School Bus Inspection Training Program, and then click on Next. The additional registration fee for the course will reflect on the Payment page. Please make sure that the name of the course appears on the payment page under ORDERS > Sessions before finalizing your registration. 

If you have first registered as a main conference attendee and decide later that you would like to add the National School Bus Inspection Training Program, you may modify your registration by logging back into your registration portal. First visit www.stnexpo.com/east and click on the “Register Now” button. When you arrive to the Cvent registration page, click on the Already Registered? Log into Registration Portal” link under the “Register Now” button. A window will appear asking for your information. Please type in the email address you used to register with, and your confirmation number to access your registration portal. Once you are logged in,  you will see a white “Modify Registration” button. Here you can edit your contact information and add the Inspection Training to your agenda on the Optional Session page.

If you need assistance, please contact the events team with your request at events@stnmedia.com.  

How do I submit my application for the Transportation Directors Summit?

If you are interested in registering for the Transportation Director Summit, you will first select the registration type called “Main Conference Attendee” and follow instructions to complete the required pages. Once you arrive at the Optional Session page, check the box next to the “Transportation Director Summit (Apply for Approval)”, and then click on Next. You will then be prompted to answer a few questions in order to qualify for acceptance to the Summit. Once completed, click on Next to finish the registration process. Please make sure that the application appears on the payment page under ORDERS > Session before finalizing your registration. 

If you have first registered as a main conference attendee and decide later that you would like to add the Transportation Director Summit, you may modify your registration by logging back into your registration portal. First visit www.stnexpo.com/east and click on the “Register Now” button. When you arrive to the Cvent registration page, click on the Already Registered? Log into Registration Portal” link under the “Register Now” button. A window will appear asking for your information. Please type in the email address you used to register with, and your confirmation number to access your registration portal. Once you are logged in,  you will see a white “Modify Registration” button. Here you can edit your contact information and add the summit to your agenda on the Optional Session page.

If you need assistance, please contact the events team with your request at events@stnmedia.com.  

 

In order to qualify, you must be registered as a Main Conference Attendee, check the box next to the Transportation Director Summit application and answer qualifying questions during the registration process. Please note that this summit is designed exclusively for qualified transportation directors. Applicants in other positions may not qualify for this event. If you initially qualify, a representative from our team will reach out to you to complete the application process. 

 

*Please note that attendees MUST check in and attend the Transportation Director Summit on Friday, May 31 in order to attend the summit off site on Saturday, June 1. 

 

Have a question about the Transportation Directors Summit? Contact Ryan Gray at ryan@stnonline.com or Tony Corpin at tony@stnonline.com

 

How am I accepted to attend the Transportation Directors Summit?

In order to qualify, you must be registered as a Main Conference Attendee, check the box next to the Transportation Director Summit application and answer qualifying questions during the registration process. Please note that this summit is designed exclusively for qualified transportation directors. Applicants in other positions may not qualify for this event. If you initially qualify, a representative from our team will reach out to you to complete the application process.

*Please note that attendees MUST check in and attend the Transportation Director Summit on Friday, June 2 in order to attend the summit off site on Saturday, June 3.

Have a question about the Transportation Directors Summit? Contact Ryan Gray at ryan@stnonline.com or Tony Corpin at tony@stnonline.com.

My school district needs to add you as a vendor. How do I obtain a W-9?

Please Contact Lisa Douglas, accounting executive, at lisa@stnmedia.com or 310.802.7816.

What types of payments are accepted?

All major credit cards are accepted (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express). You can also pay by check or purchase order checks. You can select “P.O. Check” as your payment method even if you do not have the P.O. number at the time you register. 

If paying by check or P.O., please make it out to: 

STN Media Group 
ATTN: STN EXPO Indy 
5334 Torrance Blvd., 3rd Floor 
Torrance, CA 90503 
*Please note to include your full name and confirmation number with the payment* 

I need to cancel my registration. How do I do that?

The following policy applies to STN EXPO Indy registrants. 

Registration Policy: Cancellations & Refunds 

For the full Conference Registration Policy and Terms & Conditions, please visit www.stnexpoeast.com.  

All registration fees must be paid in full before attending the conference. Registrants using Purchase Orders must provide proof of payment before gaining on-site conference access. Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to events@stnmedia.com. Cancellations and refunds adhere to the following terms:

  • Refund Period: Cancellation requests received by 11:59 p.m. PT on Friday, April 26, 2024, will qualify for a refund, minus the non-refundable administrative fee. Please note: Unpaid registrants are still responsible for paying the non-refundable administrative fees.
  • No Refund Period: Cancellation requests received after April 26, 2024, are not eligible for a refund. Any unpaid registrations will remain due and payable within 30 days from the conference’s conclusion.
  • No-show Policy: No-shows or failure to attend the conference without prior notification disqualifies registrants from receiving a refund or credit transfer. In the event of a no-show, the registered individual is still obligated to fulfill the payment as per the registration terms, regardless of attendance. Any unpaid registrations will remain due and payable within 30 days from the end of the conference.
  • STN will not issue refunds past the cancellation period. Payments made to STN are non-refundable after April 27 for any reason, including but not limited to illness, acts of God, travel issues, terrorism, job loss, or duplicate purchases.
  • Cancellation requests submitted after April 26, citing exceptional circumstances, may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the organizers to determine a suitable resolution. Exceptional circumstances may include, but not limited to, death in family, documented proof of a positive COVID-19 test, etc.
  • By completing the registration process, all registrants acknowledge and agree to the registration policies outlined above, understanding the obligation to fulfill the payment terms, even in cases of non-attendance without prior cancellation.
  • In the event that STN postpone or cancels a hosted conference for any reason, refunds will not be issued. Registrants may request to transfer paid registration fees as payment towards a future STN hosted conference.

STN Media Group reserves the right to refuse any refunds, cancellation, or transfer requests. 

I am registered, but unable to attend the conference. Can my colleague replace me?

Yes, we accept substitutions. Please submit your request to our events team at events@stnmedia.com with the email subject: SUBSTITUTION REQUEST – STN EXPO INDY. Please specify the full name of the attendee who will be replaced, as well as the following required information for the substitute attendee:  

 

Full Name: 

Job Title: 

School District/Company Name: 

Work Address: 

Email Address: 

Work Phone Number: 

 

Can I register on site?

Yes. Please come to the registration desk to register on site. Please note that payment is due upon arrival. If paying with a P.O. on site, you will have up to 30 days after the conference ends to submit your balance. 

Can I register for the NHTSA Course or the National School Bus Inspection Training Program on site?

Yes, however, this training has limited seating. We recommend attendees to register for the course ahead of time, as materials must be purchased before the conference. If additional seating is available upon your registration on site, you may add the desired course to your agenda. Please note that payment is due upon arrival. If the training is at full capacity, you may stand by day of to see if there are any cancellations or no shows which will open up seats for the class.

How do I pay my balance?

To submit payment via Credit Card: 

  1. Visit our STN EXPO Indy Website at https://stnexpo.com/east/
  2. Click on the “Register Now” button on the home page. This will open a new page to Cvent.
  3. Click on Already Registered? Log into Registration Portal” link under the “Register Now” button on the registration page
  4. Input your email address and your confirmation number (sent to your email after you submitted your registration), click OK.
  5. You are now in your registration portal. Here you can submit payment, add members to your group, and review your registration details.
  6. Click on Submit Payment and you’ll be able to pay the balance with your credit card.

Are you paying by check or P.O.? Please make it out to: 

STN Media Group 
ATTN: STN EXPO Indy 
5334 Torrance Blvd., 3rd Floor 
Torrance, CA 90503  
*Please note to include your full name and confirmation number with the payment* 

Are meals included?

Food and drinks are provided only during specific events at the STN EXPO. Refreshments will be provided for registrants who qualify and will attend the Transportation Directors Summit on Friday, May 31, as well as breakfast and lunch on June 1. Drinks and light appetizers will be sponsored and served at STN EXPO Welcome Party at Punch Bowl Social, sponsored by Safety Vision, on Saturday, June 1. Dinner and drinks will be provided during the STN EXPO Trade Show + Reception on Sunday, June 2, on the Trade Show Floor. Lastly, lunch and drinks will be served at the Green Bus Summit Outdoor Experience at Victory Field on Monday afternoon.  

Additional sponsored Lunch and Learn sessions will be announced as the agenda develops. These lunch sessions are available to main conference attendees who are attending the sponsored sessions. Lunches are first come, first served and may be a limited amount. See agenda on the conference website for updates.

On days without meals being served, attendees are encouraged to have lunch on their own. To see a list of the restaurants in Downtown Indianapolis, check out theVisit Indy Dining Guide or STN’s Indy Restaurant guide.  

Do I get a certificate of attendance?

Upon the conclusion of the STN EXPO Indy Conference, you will receive a Certificate of Participation via email from Cvent. You will be able to download your certificate directly from the email. If you do not receive your certificate within a week after the conference concludes, please contact us at events@stnmedia.com for assistance.  

Can I get a record of my attended sessions?

The STN registration staff will be scanning each attendee’s conference badge at the entrance prior to the start of each class. Once you are scanned in, we will have a record of your attendance. Please note that our staff will only scan for entry. If you need a timestamp record of you checking out of a class, please see the registration staff for assistance.  

Upon the conclusion of the STN EXPO Indy Conference, please contact us at events@stnmedia.com to request a full record of your attended sessions. 

 

When will the workshop schedule be published?

The workshop schedule will be announced around two months before the conference begins. Notifications will be sent via marketing email, as well as our social media accounts and event news at STNOnline.com. Be sure to frequently visit our website for the latest updates, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Do I have to sign up for workshop classes?

We have designed the curriculum so that you are free to attend any general or breakout sessions, on any given day. This means that you are welcome to attend all General Sessions and Keynote Sessions, breakout sessions, on any day of the conference week, as long as you are registered as a Main Conference Attendee. 

While regular breakout sessions are open to all main conference attendees, pre-registration for the following Optional Sessions is required:   

  • National School Bus Inspection Training Program(Additional registration fee required)
  • Transportation Director Summit
  • Green Bus Summit Ride & Drive*
  • Cummins Experience Tour hosted by Cummins Engines (TBD) 

*If requesting to be included in the Ride & Drive event on site, Riders must complete the liability waiver on site and receive a wrist band prior to boarding. See registration staff for more information.  

Please note that Trade Show Only registrants and Guests are only allowed to specific events. They will not have access to any of the workshops or educational sessions. 

Which breakout session should I add to my schedule?

As a Main Conference Attendee, you are free to attend any breakout sessions you find most suitable to your interest and needs. You are not required to follow any one track or time slots, and you are free to attend any general sessions, keynotes, or breakout sessions.  

For hands-on training, additional registrations and fees may apply.  

When does registration open on site?

Attendee and exhibitor registration will begin on Thursday, May 30 in the late afternoon at the Georgia Street Ticket Office next to Exhibit Hall J at the Indiana Convention Center. Hours of operations will be announced later. Please check back for more details soon. 

When will the workshop schedule be published?

The workshop schedule will be announced around two months before the conference begins. Notifications will be sent via marketing email, as well as our social media accounts and event news at STNOnline.com. Be sure to frequently visit our website for the latest updates, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

What hotel should I stay in? Can you help me arrange that?

For your convenience, we have reserved a block of rooms at a discounted rate at the Omni Severin Hotel and the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Downtown Indianapolis. Room nights are limited, so we recommend making your reservations as soon as possible. STN does not and will not reserve a room on an attendee’s behalf, however, you canreserve your own room now through the STN EXPO Indy website.  

Visit www.stnexpo.com/east and click on the Hotel & Travel tab at the top right of the menu bar, and then click on the “Book a Room” button under the desired hotel.  

 

Beware of Travel Scams 

STN Media Group is the official event host for the 2024 STN EXPO Indy Conference & Trade Show, and it does not work with an outside third-party vendor for hotel and travel. The Omni Severin Hotel and Crowne Plaza Hotel and Resort are the official host hotels for the STN EXPO Indy Conference & Trade Show. Any offers from other hotels and/or travel agencies are neither endorsed by nor affiliated with STN Media Group nor are they honored. Don’t be fooled by offers from other parties using the STN EXPO Indy or STN Media Group name—they are NOT affiliated with the STN EXPO Indy Conference & Trade Show or STN Media Group. 

For your safety, ONLY book a room through the links on the Hotel & Travel page on the STN EXPO Indy website or call directly to the respective hotels. Never provide payment information via email or text.  

Can I bring my friend/spouse to the Conference and Trade Show?

You may bring a friend or a spouse to the STN EXPO, however, they must pay and register as a Guest. Guests can only be registered on-site. Please note that Guests are only allowed to specific events. They will not have access to any of the workshops or educational sessions. 

Please see registration staff for more details. Questions and concerns? Please email our events team at events@stnmedia.com 

While your family is welcome to experience Indy at your own leisure, please note that this is a professional conference and therefore we ask that you do not invite children to attend any general sessions, workshops or social events with you. We also ask that you do not invite children to attend the STN EXPO Welcome Party, STN EXPO Trade Show, or the Green Bus Summit Outdoor event, due to liability and safety issues since alcohol is served during the events and many heavy equipment are on display from various exhibit booths. We appreciate your cooperation and thank you for your understanding. 

What do you recommend for spouses to do while the conference is going on?

Indianapolis is known for the Speedway and other great venues, like the world-renowned Zoo. But it’s also being recognized for new or new-to-you fun things to do, such as great restaurants, museums, cool neighborhoods, and more.

For ideas on what to do during your stay, please visit the website www.visitindy.com and explore their Travel Tools to discover what Downtown Indy has to offer!

Do I need to rent a car? How far is the airport from the conference?

The Indiana Convention Center is a roughly 20- to 30-minute drive from the Indianapolis International Airport. While the hotels do not provide complimentary airport shuttles, there are many ways to get to the hotels and convention center. 

Driving to the conference?

Both the Omni Severin Hotel and the Crowne Plaza Hotel offer daily and overnight parking. While there is no parking offered at the Indiana Convention Center, there are plenty of parking lots around the venue.

Denison Parking operates all Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium parking lots. Arrangements for specialty and long-term parking can be made. Visit www.denisonparking.com for more information.

Downtown Indianapolis Parking

Downtown Indianapolis hosts more than 70,000 parking spaces. Click the link below to download a parking map. For pricing, hours, and more, you may also want to visit the interactive downtown map at Downtown Indy, or find and reserve parking online at Arrive.

Parking for persons with disabilities is available in surrounding lots and garages. This is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Spaces are marked accordingly, as well as spaces designated for van access only. Metered on-street parking spaces for disabled surround the facility. 

Downtown Parking Map 

Please visit the Hotel-Travel page on our conference website at https://stnexpo.com/east/hotel-travel/ for updates.

Other Transportation Options:

AmtrakGreyhound, and Megabus all have hubs in the downtown area. You are more than welcome to choose other options, such as car rental or rideshare services such as Uber, Lyft or Taxi. Please visit www.ind.com/transportation-car-rental/car-rental to discover rental car options, or visit www.ind.com/transportation-car-rental to explore other taxis, limousines, and rideshare services. Super Shuttles is another affordable option for transportation to and from the Indianapolis International Airport.

How can I get a subscription to School Transportation News magazine?

As a Main Conference Attendee, your registration includes a FREE subscription to School Transportation News. During the registration process, please specify which format you would like to receive. If you have already registered, or would like to send a colleague or friend a subscription to School Transportation News, please visit https://stnonline.com/new-subscriptions/ and complete the form to subscribe!