Transportation Director Summit Provides Exclusive Leadership, Networking

By: Ruth Ashmore

31 January 2026 at 00:57

The Transportation Director Summit hosts student transportation leaders from across the country for a two-day event at STN EXPO East, focused on collaborative problem-solving and targeted training.

The Transportation Director Summit begins Friday, March 27 at the Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord in North Carolina with a “Transportation Director Leadership Discussion” hosted by STN Publisher and President Tony Corpin. The event includes a networking mixer with appetizers and beverages provided. Discussion prompts will be based on the top challenges and changes facing the student transportation industry, as reported by participants via a survey.

On Saturday, the Transportation Director Summit participants head to Topgolf for an exclusive presentation from STN EXPO East keynote speaker Jim Knight. He will explain how to create “Leadership That Rocks” and build strong organizational culture. The day’s schedule will include multiple focused roundtable discussions as attendants are matched with different vendors to discuss the most pressing needs of their operations.

Participants will be provided with food, drinks and open golf bays as they network with other transportation directors and vendors.

Applicants must hold the position of transportation director or a qualified equivalent and be able to attend both days of the Summit. Email kristine@stnmedia.com for more information about qualifying for the Transportation Director Summit.

Register by Feb. 14 to save $100 off full conference registration. Browse conference agenda and explore other unique experiences at stnexpo.com/east.

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WATCH: National School Bus Inspection Training Returns to STN EXPO East

School Transportation News

By: Ruth Ashmore

27 January 2026 at 20:55

The annual school bus inspection training that goes above and beyond state and federal Department of Transportation requirements brings back OEM training and looks to add post-crash inspection criteria in addition to hands-on detection of defects

Developed by school bus maintenance and inspection expert Marshall Casey for the South Carolina Department of Education, the in-depth training at STN EXPO East starts with classroom instruction on Friday, March 27. The eight-hour training will also include a written exam.

On Saturday, mechanic and technician participants will be transported to a local school district in Charlotte, North Carolina for the hands-on training. The day starts with an overview of high-voltage school bus electrification followed by instruction on finding real defects on real school buses. Class attendees will learn how to avoid costly repairs with early detection, which also leads to less vehicle downtime and a more efficient school bus maintenance schedule in the garage.

OEM training on propane-autogas systems inspections, wheelchair lift inspections, and more will follow the hands-on portion. Blue Bird, IC Bus, RIDE and Thomas Built Buses confirmed their participation.

New this year is a planned Sunday half-day seminar on school bus inspections following a crash to determine cause.

Meanwhile, the inspection training is designed based on best practices from the South Carolina Department of Education, which operates the only state-owned and operated fleet in the country. The department’s maintenance team, which serves as the hands-on inspection and classroom instructors at STN EXPO East, was recognized as one of the nation’s top 10 Garage Stars last August by School Transportation News. Participants of the training will be learning directly from some of these recognized student transportation professionals.

School bus inspection training class size is limited to 50 participants to ensure the instructors will be able to provide a thorough training experience for everyone registered. Separate registration and fee are required to attend.

Save $100 on conference registration by registering before Feb. 14. Find the full conference agenda, list of unique trainings and experiences, exhibitor lists, and hotel information at stnexpo.com/east.

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Industry Veteran to Address Student Transportation Funding Uncertainty at STN EXPO East

School Transportation News

By: Ruth Ashmore

21 January 2026 at 19:14

STN EXPO East speakers will not only speak to present day challenges, but how today’s changes could affect student transportation, most notably a potential redirection of educational funding.

The Fall 2025 Fiscal Survey of the States conducted by the National Association of State Budget Officers found that expected fund spending in 23 states will either drop or stay flat in fiscal year 2026. Tim Ammon, owner of Ammon Consulting Group with 25 years experience in the student transportation industry, will present “Navigating the Funding Cliff” session on Friday, March 30 during the STN EXPO East conference. He plans to address the reassessment, realignment and expiration of funding options by the federal and state government and how they will directly impact the funds used for transportation.

Another hot topic in the industry is enrollment changes, which Ammon will discuss regarding how they specifically affect transportation due to funding models, zoning changes, and school site closures. Being aware of these trends as well as economic shifts can aid transportation as Ammon will explain how any necessary budget redesigns and cuts may look different based on district needs and unique situations.

In an era of constant change and oftentimes a feeling of “doom and gloom,” Ammon plans to provide a candid view of potential impacts, how they could affect various states, and what districts might need to do to trim budgets or allocate funds differently. Industry professionals won’t want to miss this informative session to prepare their budgets for the 2026-2027 school year.

Register by Feb. 14 to save $100 on conference registration. The STN EXPO East conference will be held March 26-31 at Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa in North Carolina. Find the conference agenda, exhibitor lists, and hotel information at stnexpo.com/east.

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Ride and Drive, Technology Demo Return to Charlotte Motor Speedway in March

School Transportation News

By: Ruth Ashmore

16 January 2026 at 20:21

STN EXPO East attendees will experience “A Day at the Track” as the Charlotte Motor Speedway is transformed into an immersive student transportation event.
The Ride and Drive and Product Demo is scheduled for Sunday, March 29 during the STN EXPO East conference and trade show held at the nearby Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord in North Carolina. The Ride and Drive and demo networking events are featured as part of the Bus Technology Summit and Green Bus Summit.

Bus Technology Summit will begin with product labs presented by individual vendors that are creating cutting-edge technology options to address student transportation industry needs. The Green Bus Summit starts the same day and features panel discussions with industry manufacturers and clean energy organizations as they provide an overview of green fuel and energy options available. Both Summits continue Monday, March 30.

At the Charlotte Motor Speedway Sunday evening, attendees will take part in a racing inspired event held in the NASCAR Cup Series Garage. The reception will feature dinner, drinks and entertainment. Attendees can then visit the sponsor stations to demo different products and ride different school bus models around the quarter-mile oval track. This iconic venue provides an unforgettable experience centered around connection, collaboration and innovation.

Ride and Drive and Technology Demo title sponsor Zonar will showcase its product line is joined by platinum sponsors Blue Bird, First Light Safety Products, IC Bus, Micro Bird, RIDE, Southeast Propane Alliance (SEPA), and Transfinder. A full list of sponsors is available online.

Register by Feb. 14 to save $100 on conference registration. Find the conference agenda, exhibitor lists, and hotel information at stnexpo.com/east.

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STN EXPO East to Feature Timely Discussion on Managing Stress

School Transportation News

By: Ruth Ashmore

12 January 2026 at 18:47

Uncertainty with transportation funding, policies and federal changes can make the future seem foreboding for the student transportation industry. Security consultant Bret Brooks plans to outline ways to manage stress without being overwhelmed by today’s challenges.

The opening general session “How to Care Less Without Being Careless: Modern Stress Management,” is scheduled for Friday, March 27 at STN EXPO East. Brooks will explain the “Law of Reversed Effort” that reveals the impact of lowering anxiety to increase openness, creativity and problem-solving abilities.

Through a combination of real-life examples and interactive exercises, attendees will learn how to evaluate their triggers and stressors, and manage stress by realigning priorities. Brooks plans to show attendees how to see through the noise and identify “What’s Important Now,” through contemporary methods such as the Care-O-Meter, the 30,000-foot perspective and the recommendations of Stephen Covey, author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.”

This dynamic session will not only provide educational instruction but equip attendees with the steps to remove avoidable stress and focus their energies in a targeted and efficient way. Attendees will not only be able to reflect on their personal and professional challenges but discover the secrets to reducing stress and living a healthy, balanced life.

Brooks’ military and law enforcement background — he is a major in the U.S. Army and a retired member of the Missouri State Highway Patrol — provides a unique take on stress management as someone with decades of experience in high-stress situations. He is the chief operating officer for Gray Ram Tactical, LLC, a Missouri-based international training and consulting firm specializing in transportation safety and security issues, as well as an author of books and articles.

STN EXPO East will be held March 26- 31, 2026 at Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa. The Early Bird Savings Deadline is Feb. 13, register today at stnexpo.com/east.

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STN EXPO East Agenda Addresses Industry Challenges, Outlines Innovative Solutions

School Transportation News

By: Ruth Ashmore

2 January 2026 at 16:00

School districts are facing steep budget cuts amid the continued need to provide the safest rides to and from school are among the topics planned for the STN EXPO East conference March 26-31 near Charlotte, North Carolina.

The packed agenda also features specialized training as well as additional insightful education and networking opportunities, to facilitate the conversations that are making a difference in the industry.

The conference opens Friday, March 27 with school security expert Bret Brooks of Gray Ram Tactical tackling an issue all people — school transporters especially deal with. His general session will discuss strategies for better management of stress, which is currently sky high for many attendees.

Friday also includes exclusive limited space events, the National School Bus Inspection Training and the Transportation Director Summit. Both two-day events require pre-registration.

Leadership and workplace culture will take center stage with Jim Knight’s Transportation Director Summit presentation and keynote address as well as sessions on stress management, handling multi-modal and alternative transportation, fleet replacement and student behavior.

Safety will be the common theme throughout the educational agenda. In addition to navigating the upcoming funding cliff, sessions are expected to look at trends in multimodal vehicle operations, illegal passing, Danger Zone reduction strategies, seatbelt usage, distracted driving, emergency coordination with first responders, accident investigation and the increased usage of school bus monitors, and more.

The conference will also feature the technology and clean fuel options that are being released and impacting the industry with sessions and demonstrations during the Bus Technology Summit and Green Bus Summit on Sunday and Monday. Attendees will also have the opportunity to attend an exclusive tour of the Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Factory Tour in High Point, North Carolina to see the behind-the-scenes of school bus production.

For a full list of STN EXPO East conference topics, visit stnexpo.com/east.

STN EXPO East will be held March 26- 31, 2026 at Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa. The Early Bird Savings Deadline is Feb. 13, register today at stnexpo.com/east!

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STN EXPO East Keynote Speaker to Outline Strategies for Creating Impactful Culture

School Transportation News

By: Ruth Ashmore

16 December 2025 at 20:49

STN EXPO East attendees are looking forward to an energizing new keynote speaker who will be featured during the conference coming up March in North Carolina.

Jim Knight is a best-selling author with a colorful background in “Rock ‘n Roll,” documenting his 21-year-long career as head of global training and development at Hard Rock International. Knight plans to use his business expertise to give STN EXPO East attendees strategies on revitalizing company and organization culture, developing leadership and maintaining excellent customer relations to achieve exceptional results.

On Saturday, March 28, Knight will act as a thought starter for the exclusive leadership sessions at the Transportation Director Summit held at Topgolf Charlotte Southwest. Drawing upon his career start in hospitality and extensive experience in organizational culture, he looks to inspire student transportation leaders with his “Leadership That Rocks” non-negotiable traits to develop a winning team. Regardless of an organization’s history or current culture status, Knight plans to provide concrete strategies for systemic changes.

On Monday, Knight will return to guide all conference attendees through his signature “Culture That Rocks: Set List on How to Amp Up the Company’s Culture (to Eleven) and Deliver Sustainable Results” keynote session.

Knight has been recognized by Training Magazine representing one of the top 125 training companies in the world. His work at Hard Rock International included facilitating corporate training, managing training materials (including creation of training videos), facilitating leadership transitions, and more. His best-seller “Culture That Rocks,” and unique presentation style have earned recognition in multiple national publications, including Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur and Business News Daily.

In addition to Knight’s keynote session, attendees will have a wide variety of educational sessions, hands-on training and networking events over the course of the entire STN EXPO East conference to gain innovative solutions to transportation’s biggest challenges.

STN EXPO East will be held March 26- 31, 2026 at Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa. Save $200 on main conference registration when registering by Dec. 19. at stnexpo.com/east.

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STN EXPO East Opens Online Registration for March 2026

School Transportation News

By: Ruth Ashmore

31 October 2025 at 15:08

STN EXPO East returns to North Carolina with six days of exciting and innovative educational, networking and training opportunities for the student transportation industry.

The conference opens with a Welcome Reception at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa Thursday, March 26. The Transportation Director Summit begins Friday and continues Saturday with an off-site, all-day exclusive event focused on collaborative problem-solving and leadership development at Topgolf Charlotte Southwest.

Keynote speaker and author Jim Knight will address directors at the Transportation Director Summit Saturday, followed by conference attendees Monday with his presentation “Culture That Rocks: Set List on How to Amp Up the Company’s Culture (to Eleven) and Deliver Sustainable Results.”

The Bus Technology Summit and Green Bus Summit will feature the latest best practices in green leadership as well as interactive demonstrations of technology offerings. The National School Bus Inspection Training will once again offer hands-on as well as classroom training.

Networking events will be held throughout the conference to give attendees time to interact and problem-solve with their peers, expert speakers and vendors. These events include the Road to Championship Networking Reception on Saturday, the Technology Demonstrations and Ride & Drive Reception at the Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, and the Trade Show/Networking Pit Stop Reception on Monday.

Attendees will also have a chance to tour the Thomas Built Buses C2 Plant in High Point, North Carolina, on Tuesday, March 31. Space is limited for unique experiences, so secure your space soon.

STN EXPO East will be held March 26- 31, 2026 at Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa. Save $200 on main conference registration when registering by Dec. 19. at stnexpo.com/east.

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