Conference Agenda
September 5, 2026
The Countdown Has Begun
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)
Registration Opening Soon
April 1, 2027
REGISTRATION
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Registration Check-in + Welcome Reception
Description: Join us as we kick off the 2027 STN EXPO Conference with an exciting evening filled with networking opportunities, refreshing drinks, and delicious appetizers. This vibrant gathering is not only a fantastic way to ignite the event but also offers the opportunity to connect with fellow attendees, share ideas, and build valuable relationships that will enhance your conference experience. Socialize and set the stage for what promises to be an incredible conference ahead.
April 2, 2027
SPECIAL TRAINING
Day 1: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
National School Bus Inspection Training Program - Day 1
Location: Fairway Ballroom
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 and follow-up training by school bus manufacturers, hosted by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and with lunch and transportation provided.
Registration Fee: Early Bird Pricing: $199/ Regular Pricing: $249
(Maximum of 50 participants. Separate registration is required.)
GENERAL SESSIONS
8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
General Sessions
LUNCH
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Lunch on your Own
Enjoy paid lunch options at the Embassy-Suites Atrium Buffet or any restaurants in the area.
LEADERSHIP TRAINING
3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Transportation Director Summit - Day 1
Location: Concord Ballroom (F)
Speaker: Tony Corpin
Top Challenges, Procurement Discussion & Peer-to-Peer Networking
This exclusive session of the Transportation Director Summit brings together school transportation directors and industry leaders for candid, collaborative dialogue. Led by STN Publisher Tony Corpin, participants will examine the most pressing operational challenges facing student transportation today, explore practical approaches to procurement and vendor partnerships, and engage in structured peer-to-peer networking. Attendees will share real-world insights, exchange proven strategies, and build valuable connections that support stronger leadership, more efficient operations, and better outcomes for students and districts.
April 3, 2027
LEADERSHIP TRAINING
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Transportation Director Summit - Day 2
Transportation Pickup: Departs at 8 a.m.
Location: Topgolf Charlotte – Southwest
Keynote Speaker: Larry Long Jr.
Description: The Transportation Director Summit at STN EXPO is a signature event designed exclusively for qualified transportation directors. Participants will network with peers. Transportation, breakfast and lunch provided.
4-Part Leadership Series:
- JOLT!⚡️Your Leadership: DRIVE Results with Intentional Energy
- JOLT!⚡️Your Relationships: From Contacts to Cont’R’acts
- JOLT!⚡️Your People: Re-Energize, Retain & Elevate Your Team
- JOLT!⚡️ Your Communication Skills: Connect Clearly, Collaborate Effectively & Create Stronger Outcomes
SPECIAL TRAINING
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
National School Bus Inspection Training - Day 2
Instructors: Derek Bryant, Mike Bullman, Wayne Southard & Luke Patrick
Location: Charlotte–Mecklenburg Schools
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 and follow-up training by school bus manufacturers, hosted by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and with lunch and transportation provided.
Registration Fee: Early Bird Pricing: $199/ Regular Pricing: $249
(Maximum of 50 participants. Separate registration is required.)
This program requires separate registration and fee.
GENERAL SESSIONS
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
General Sessions & Special Trainings
LUNCH
12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Lunch on your Own
Enjoy paid lunch options at the Embassy-Suites Atrium Buffet or any restaurants in the area.
GENERAL SESSIONS
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
General Sessions & Special Trainings
NETWORKING
5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Embassy Suite Nightly Evening Reception
Location: Embassy Suites Lobby
Description: Embassy Suites treats 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 and non-hotel guests.
April 4, 2027
OPENING
8:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Opening Welcome
Location: Kannapolis Ballroom
GBS & BTS SESSIONS
9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Green Bus Summit & Bus Technology Summit Sessions
LUNCH
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Lunch & Learn
Location: Kannapolis Ballroom
GBS & BTS SESSIONS
1:15 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Green Bus Summit & Bus Technology Summit Sessions
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
2:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Breakout Sessions
NETWORKING
Shuttles: 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Technology Demonstrations and Ride & Drive + Reception
This high-energy, racing-inspired event brings the Green Bus Summit and Bus Technology Summit to life with up-close bus and technology showcases with hands-on demos and training stations featuring the latest in clean fuels, AI, routing, and fleet management, plus a lively networking reception and dinner with great food, drinks, and entertainment.
April 5, 2027
OPENING
8:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Opening Welcome
Location: Kannapolis Ballroom
GBS & BTS SESSIONS
9 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Green Bus Summit & Bus Technology Summit Sessions
KEYNOTE
10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Keynote: JOLT!⚡️Your Life & Your Future: Reconnect With What Truly Matters and Lead with Greater Intentionality Through Technology, Innovation & Change
Keynote Speaker: Larry Long Jr.
In this high-energy keynote, motivational speaker, author, and Chief Energy Officer Larry Long Jr. delivers a powerful “JOLT” designed to help school transportation professionals reconnect with purpose and lead more intentionally amid rapid industry change. Drawing from his book JOLT! Get Zapped into Intentionality, Larry shares relatable stories, practical strategies, and actionable insights on navigating technology, innovation, and transformation—while staying grounded in what truly matters for students, teams, and communities. Attendees will leave recharged, refocused, and equipped to turn everyday challenges into opportunities for greater impact, resilience, and results in student transportation.
KEYNOTE
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Lunch & Learn
Location: Kannapolis Ballroom
GBS & BTS SESSIONS
1:15 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Green Bus Summit & Bus Technology Summit Sessions
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Breakout Sessions
TRADE SHOW
3:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Trade Show + Networking Pit Stop Reception
Location: Concord Ballroom
Description: Rev up your engines for an exhilarating evening at our Tradeshow + Networking Pit Stop Reception, where the thrill of NASCAR meets the excitement of connection! Join us on March 30 for a high-octane experience as industry leaders and innovators gather to share insights and forge meaningful partnerships. With engaging exhibits and dynamic networking opportunities on the tradeshow floor, this is your chance to swap ideas and strategies while celebrating the spirit of teamwork and competition. So don your favorite racing gear, grab a pit pass, and prepare for a night filled with collaboration, inspiration, and a lively atmosphere that will leave you racing toward new opportunities in the school transportation industry. Don’t miss out on the chance to fuel your professional journey at STN EXPO!