If you weren’t at the Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch from Sept. 23-25, you missed out on an incredible time! Over a collective two action-packed days, transportation directors and school bus OEMs and suppliers convened together to tap into each other’s shared knowledge, experiences, and insight at School Bus Fleet ConneX (SBFX). Getting so many industry veterans together with newbies like me became a magical experience. The energy in every session was palpable as everyone was hungry to learn together, meet old and new friends, and dine on delicious dishes at the same time. It was a true treat for our mouths and our minds!

To kick off day one, a welcome reception was held for attendees to meet and mingle before we got down to business. There were so many smiles and hugs all around! Then, we headed to the ballroom for a keynote that had us in awe. Over 100 attendees heard a special keynote from Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, an F-16 fighter pilot who served in three combat tours and founded the Folds of Honor non-profit. His message about adaptability was simple but powerful. 

CAVU is an Air Force acronym that stands for Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited. But for Rooney, these words represent how to be the best version of yourself. He shared inside stories from his time in the air — and on the ground. From how his top values of family, faith, and freedom shape his every day. He inspired us all to overcome our challenges and live our lives unlimited with purpose. Among attendees’ favorite quotes were “Courage and comfort rarely coexist,” and “The road to a good education starts with getting there.”

SBF Publish George Brennan emceed most of the event and shared this feel-good school bus driver story:

The next day, Molly McGee-Hewitt, executive director of National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT), took the stage to talk about leadership, sharing the six components of how to lead from the center. It offered a look at her own journey, and she challenged the room to think about the kind of leader you would want to follow. She also offered a look at the future of the association and their plans to better serve the industry.

Throughout the event, OEM and supplier sponsors shared updates on their work and offered a sneak peek at what is coming to market soon. These were done through brief presentations on stage to all and in small groups where operators could ask questions and learn about tools to maximize their efficiency.

The top trends and industry concerns most-discussed throughout the show were:

• Electric buses – feasibility, funding and the risk of fires

• The ongoing driver shortage

• Funding (most often, lack of it)

• Driver training

• The growth of special needs transportation

Over our time together, operators shared their frustrations at the lack of funding they need to combat the driver shortage, afford new equipment, and offer training. While those in larger districts were thrilled to report that they no longer have a shortage thanks to significantly upping their starting wages and attractive benefits, folks in smaller cities with fewer resources felt left out.

Having these conversations helps us all do better. When we get in the same room, we may not solve the world’s problems, but we can lend an ear as someone who “gets it.” Just taking time to celebrate and commiserate together can be enough to help spark inspiration to tackle the next big thing on your to-do list.

New this year, we also asked our operators and contractors to participate in a poll to take the pulse on a range of topics. Not too surprisingly, most said that their staff is both the biggest contributor to their team’s success, as well as key to helping them be better leaders. Most respondents turn to their industry associations for help solving problems and representing their interests at the legislative level. The biggest concern for transportation directors, taking 49% of the vote, was around EV mandates and feasibility.

We also got to formally present the winners of SBF’s 2024 awards, celebrating and honoring our Administrator of the Year Liz Thies, Contractor of the Year Donald Storer, our 20 Trailblazers, and winners of the Photo Contest.

Probably the most-talked-about feature of the event was the one-on-one appointments. One of the things that differentiates this event from a traditional trade show is the way in which operators interact with suppliers. Here, they sit down together in a speed dating format. Each operator received a personalized agenda matched up to their needs. Having dedicated time for consultation with solution specialists allowed them to think about tech and tools to aid their current and future challenges. 

Topping off an incredible day two was a lovely evening reception. The entertainment provided a beautiful background as we enjoyed dinner and drinks on the gorgeous Paradise Park Lawn.

Day three concluded with more meetings before we finally had to part ways. It truly was an amazing time, and we can’t wait to do it again soon.

What Did Attendees Say?

“It was so great to have a time to grow closer to other operators – sharing and hearing their stories of how they overcome daily challenges in the environment we all operate, as well as great success stories they have on the wonderful things happening in all of our school bus operations. I am so thankful operators were able to sit together at the dinner table and grow relationships with wonderful vendors that are happy to share their products and services that can all help us do our job a little easier each day. SBFX is such a great place to grow together, and a great experience for transportation professionals. Building relationships here is real. We met new friends that we can reach out to who can support and help us, and we were treated to a great motivational speaker (I could listen to him daily!), wonderful accommodations, and delicious meals.” — Andrew Grasty, transportation director for Sumner County (Tenn.) Schools

“I love School Bus Fleet; that’s the magazine I started learning from when I was new to this industry. What this organization is doing here is bringing together the right people in the right room.” — Molly McGee Hewitt, National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT)

Our team had a great time at #SBFX24, meeting with amazing school districts and discussing how our technology can improve student safety and transportation efficiency. A big thank you to the SBFX team for organizing such a well-run event! #SmartBusSafeKids#Transportantpic.twitter.com/qGWxkCUdKi

— Transportant (@TransportantUS) October 1, 2024

Search the #SBFX24 and #SBFX hashtag on social media to see more!

Until Next Time

“The School Bus Fleet team is honored to have hosted such an exciting and engaging event for the K-12 transportation industry,” said SBF Publisher George Brennan. “Bringing buyers and sellers together for engaged networking, education, and relationship building is the core of everything we do, and the success of SBFX 2024 is another testament that the industry continues to embrace School Bus Fleet as they have for over 50 years.”

Thank you to the event's platinum sponsors, IC Bus, RIDE, and Thomas Built Buses. And, thank you so much to all SBFX attendees and sponsors. 

Want to be a part of the action next year? Save the date for the next SBFX: It all happens again Sept. 22-24, 2025 in Scottsdale, Ariz. Get a head start on the 2025 event with our early bird pre-application form.