SBFX 2024: Highlights from Networking & Connecting in Arizona [PHOTOS]

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Beautiful Scottsdale, Ariz., set the scene for the 2024 iteration of School Bus Fleet ConneX (SBFX), where 100 school transportation professionals got together to share tips, learn from expert speakers, develop meaningful relationships with each other and make valuable supplier connections, and share in some delicious food and snazzy drinks with 100+ new friends.

Hot topics ranged from the school bus driver shortage to fleet electrification, funding challenges and special needs considerations. The energy and excitement from everyone in attendance was incredible, and we left feeling energized about what is next for the industry. Check out the exciting event in photos, and get a head start on the 2025 event with our early bird pre-application form.

When asked how many of the attendees have been in the industry for over 20 years, about one-quarter of the room was still standing. It’s clear that this industry is full of folks who have so much passion for the big yellow bus that they stay in it as long as possible.
*Photo: Ross Stewart Photography*

The event’s keynote speaker Lt. Col. Dan Rooney spoke about his experience as an F-16 fighter pilot and delivered a message on adaptability.
*Photo: Ross Stewart Photography*

Jonathan Agenten from Bytecurve provided a demo of their dispatch and timekeeping solution, illustrating how it can create efficiencies and streamline reporting.
*Photo: Ross Stewart Photography*

SBF Publisher George Brennan and Executive Editor Amanda Huggett took the stage to welcome attendees and share key announcements throughout the event.
*Photo: Ross Stewart Photography*

Awards were a part of the day 2 presentation, where Liz Thies was celebrated for being our Administrator of the Year.
*Photo: Ross Stewart Photography*

Cigars & Cordials in the courtyard offered attendees a chance to unwind together after the keynote.
*Photo: Ross Stewart Photography*

Having dedicated time for consultation with solution specialists allowed operators to think about tech and tools that can help aid their current and future challenges.
*Photo: Ross Stewart Photography*

Rooney referenced CAVU, which is an Air Force acronym that stands for Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited. Rooney says CAVU to him is how to be the best version of yourself.
*Photo: Ross Stewart Photography*

Entertainment only further set the scene for dinner and drinks on Paradise Park Lawn at the resort.
*Photo: Ross Stewart Photography*

Donald Storer from Storer Transportation was recognized for the 2024 Contractor of the Year Award.
*Photo: Ross Stewart Photography*

School bus electrification was a hot topic, with many leery of going too far too fast into a greener fleet. Many challenges exist around funding, infrastructure, and many are aren’t yet willing to accept the risk of a fire until the tech is more proven.
*Photo: Ross Stewart Photography*

Each operator received a personalized agenda for their one-on-ones where they were matched up with supplier hosts based on their needs.
*Photo: Amanda Huggett*

Held at the Scottsdale Resort and Spa, the resort provided the perfect place to welcome the school transportation industry. While the temps were high (but it’s a dry heat!), so were everyone’s spirits.
*Photo: Amanda Huggett*

There were many opportunities for school transportation directors to swap advice and stories throughout the event. Andrew Grasty from Sumner County Schools in Tennessee (pictured in purple) shared that his district increased drivers’ starting wage from $12 to $21 hour to combat the shortage. While not all operators have the same access to budget increases, there was no one-size-fits-all solution.
*Photo: Ross Stewart Photography*

Bella Ma from BYD spinoff RIDE shared details of their all-electric bus models. All buses from the OEM are V2G ready, zero emission, crafted in the USA, and incorporate LFP battery safety measures.
*Photo: Ross Stewart Photography*

In supplier focus groups, OEMs and equipment vendors presented on their respective products where attendees could ask questions directly and learn about new technologies to increase efficiency at their school district.
*Photo: Ross Stewart Photography*

Only 50 operators were accepted in to actively participate in a custom-curated event experience. Hand-picked suppliers rounded out the group.
*Photo: Ross Stewart Photography*

Thomas Built Buses talked about enhancements to their electronics, dash and the highly requested feature of cup holders. Their presentation offered an inside look at their bus architecture and a sneak peek at the new Jouley 2 coming in 2025.
*Photo: Ross Stewart Photography*

One-on-one appointments allowed transportation providers to rub shoulders with supplier executives in an intimate setting where they could learn about potential solutions available to them, ask questions, and build relationships in 10-minute increments.
*Photo: Ross Stewart Photography*

Katie Stok, IC Bus, gave an overview of the manufacturer’s electrification footprint, forecasted production needs, and shared that school bus demand is strong!
*Photo: Ross Stewart Photography*

The SBF team presented an interactive survey at the event, allowing operators to weigh in and share their voice in a series of 10 questions to take the pulse of the industry.
*Photo: Ross Stewart Photography*

Many transportation directors stressed the importance of having a mentor in one’s leadership journey. Training and trusting your team is one of the best ways to build morale.
*Photo: Ross Stewart Photography*

The event's welcome reception allowed everyone to put faces to the names before the entire experience kicked off.
*Photo: Ross Stewart Photography*

Molly McGee, executive director and CEO of the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT), delivered an inspirational message after breakfast on day 2. She shared a leadership concept called Leading from the Center and the six components that make up this new paradigm. Attendees also heard firsthand about what to expect from the association looking ahead.
*Photo: Ross Stewart Photography*

So many smiles and laughs were had throughout the event in between moments of though-provoking conversation. Save the date for the next SBFX: It all happens again Sept. 22-24, 2025 in Scottsdale, Ariz.
*Photo: Ross Stewart Photography*