GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — For the gullible sorts who were convinced that the state bird really is the mosquito, the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation (MAPT) was there to help.

Despite the local gift shop items claiming that bit of bogus trivia, an MAPT representative assured an out-of-towner that the American robin is, in fact, the state bird. A more inviting species, to be sure.

Throughout the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) and National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) conferences here, school bus professionals and administrators from across the state served as hosts and educators.

In the convention center, the MAPT had a booth set up, offering pins and baking mitts emblazoned with their association’s logo and showing off their state’s geography with a large map. The association held its own conference in conjunction with the NAPT event this year.

On Friday morning, state pupil transportation director Mary Ann Chartrand welcomed NASDPTS conference attendees and showed taped comments from the state superintendent of public instruction, Mike Flanagan. Later in the conference, Ken Micklash of the Michigan Department of Education and Sgt. Sharron VanCampen of the Michigan State Police discussed the issue of driver compliance.

During the NAPT conference, Karen Losch and Mac Dashney of the MAPT described how their association responded to the state’s $900 million budget deficit, which has had a severe impact on pupil transportation.

On Wednesday morning, the MAPT held a workshop called “Safety Town,” which described how to sponsor a community-wide safety event for elementary school students.

Industry suppliers from the state played a key role in the trade show and beyond. On Friday night, SMI — which includes Sterling, Mich.-based Transpec Worldwide — hosted a dinner at a local restaurant. On Tuesday night, Hudsonville, Mich.-based SoundOff Signal held an event at the Gerald R. Ford Museum, which is right across the Grand River from the convention center.