Everything you really need to know about School Bus Fleet ConneX (SBFX) is right there in the name.

It’s all about making connections. Sell buses or equipment for school transportation? SBFX connects you with school transportation decisionmakers. And if you’re a transportation director invited to attend, we connect you with the people who can help modernize your fleet, equip your vehicles, and make your student passengers safer aboard the big yellow bus.

SBFX holds 50 slots open for transportation leaders to apply in the hopes of making the trip to Scottsdale, Az., from Sept. 23-25. And if you’re chosen to attend: we pick up the tab for your travel, local transportation, and all scheduled meals and receptions.

So How Does SBFX Work?

The centerpiece of this curated event for public and private operators: the one-on-one “speed dating” sessions, where transportation managers shift from table to table for consultation with our hosted suppliers.

During these sessions, suppliers can make elevator pitches about their products and services and school bus operators can ask questions and share professional insights from the field.

Before the event’s over, our goal is for every supplier to get face time with hosted operators who match them when it comes to needs and solutions.

Beyond the Tables: Expanding Industry Knowledge

Attendees at SBFX also get to take advantage of educational sessions hosted and curated by the School Bus Fleet team.

In 2024, this included panel discussions about seat belts on school buses and the push for electric school buses. These discussions incorporated several of the expert transportation leaders in attendance at SBFX. Attendees also get to hear dynamic presentations from some of our suppliers.

The event also offered an inspirational keynote speech from Cmdr. Kirk Lippold, USN (Ret.), who commanded the USS Cole the day it was bombed by terrorists.

Continuing Connections at SBFX

School Bus Fleet ConneX also offers opportunities to casually connect during networking events, where participants can dine, gather informally, and learn more about each other.

One thing that becomes apparent while attending SBFX is just how small the school transportation industry really is – despite the millions of students carried by bus every day – and how vital these face-to-face opportunities for connection can be.

Operators should come away from the event better-versed in the latest products and industry trends so that, back home, they can provide richer, more-informed insights to their teams and school transportation communities.

To apply to become a hosted operator, visit this link.

For information about becoming a supplier host, visit this link.