Innovation & Inspiration in Burbank: CASTO 2026 Photo Highlights

Two conference leaders pose for a portrait in front of a CASTO step-and-repeat backdrop featuring school bus logos.

Anna Borges, state director in California’s office of school transportation, poses with CASTO president Chrissie Stevenson.

Credit:

Amanda Huggett

Wide view of a packed ballroom at the CASTO 2026 conference as a keynote speaker presents on stage beneath a “Safety Is Our Business” banner, with attendees seated and listening.

George Carroll delivered this year’s keynote address, inspiring the audience with a message on embracing adaptability and change. He reflected on technical innovations, encouraging the audience to be more of a Netflix than a Blockbuster. His presentation was filled with humor, vulnerability, and small group exercises for reflection and laughter.

“What we believe about change is how we respond to it,” he said, meaning that we tend to adapt the attitudes of those around us, even when it doesn’t serve us.

Credit:

Amanda Huggett

a close up of the front of a school bus with a palm tree reflection in the windshield

This year’s 58th annual CASTO conference was held at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport from Feb. 28 through March 2, 2026. As of the conference, CASTO had 4,140 members. Just over 550 attended this year’s event.

Credit:

Amanda Huggett

Presenter in a suit speaks during a breakout session, standing near a projection screen displaying training slides for instructors and delegate trainers.

Andrew Peters, transportation programs consultant at the California Department of Education, discusses important behind-the-wheel reminders to reduce risk and increase safety. Reviewing state crash statistics, California has seen an increase in bus driver at-fault accidents every year since the pandemic, leaving us to ask why and how to reverse the trend. Tips included going back to basics with training, increasing attentiveness, retraining on defensive driving, recognizing when our own tools can lead to distraction, and reviewing policies to ensure they align with keeping the driver focused on the road.

Credit:

Amanda Huggett

A speaker presents on stress tolerance and burnout, standing beside a projected graph illustrating performance levels and stress curves during an educational session.

Keynote speaker George Carroll stuck around to present a session on preventing burnout, sharing tips and interactive exercises on how to keep stress in check.

Credit:

Amanda Huggett

Members of the CASTO executive committee pose together on stage in formal attire following the business meeting and awards ceremony.

The Al Sauvadon memorial breakfast featured the presentation of colors, business meeting, poster contest, awards, and the installation of officers. The new CASTO executive board consists of:

-Michael Sawyer – Immediate Past President

-Darrell Clark – State Professional Associate Representative

-Mark Virch – State Secretary

-Flossie Lopez – State Treasurer

-Chrissie Steveson – State President

-Kerri Gardner – State 1st Vice President

-Stephanie Oliver – State 2nd Vice President

Credit:

Amanda Huggett

Close-up of an electric school bus with side compartments open, revealing battery and high-voltage components during an equipment demonstration.

RIDE’s Type D bus named “The Dreamer” was on display as sales reps stood by to talk about bus features and answer questions.

Credit:

Amanda Huggett

Kerri Gardner addresses attendees from the stage under a CASTO banner reading “Safety Is Our Business,” engaging the audience during a session.

Kerri Gardner of the California Department of Education shared 10 years of state school bus crash statistics and walked us through the lessons learned and safety advancements and legislation as a result.

Credit:

Amanda Huggett

Panelists sit on stage during a moderated discussion session while attendees listen from round tables in the conference ballroom.

A panel of three long-time industry leaders sat down for a two-part session called "Motivation in Motion," which offered ideas on how to spice up driver training and in-services. Panelists included Donna Marvel, Joyce Sharpe, and Paula Sauvadon.

Credit:

Amanda Huggett

Small group of attendees participate in a hands-on workshop craft activity at a round table, using materials to assemble a paper school bus as part of a learning exercise.

Illustrating the importance of collaborative group activities, the Motivation in Motion session had small group exercises to use various craft materials to build a school bus. It brought out smiles and friendly competition.

Credit:

Amanda Huggett

Award recipient smiles at a podium while holding a plaque during a formal recognition ceremony at the conference banquet.

The Member of the Year award was given to Gilbert Castro (pictured). Also, Greg Marvel of Trans Traks received the Associate Member of the Year award, and Flossie Lopez was given the Arnita Moon Memorial Service Above Self Award.

Credit:

Amanda Huggett

Students and presenters stand beside a framed school bus safety poster during an awards presentation recognizing contest winners.

This year’s state safety poster contest winner was Itzel Carrillo, an 8th grader from O.J. Actis Junior High in Bakersfield. The award is sponsored by TransTraks.

Credit:

Amanda Huggett

Participants practice wheelchair securement techniques using a training mannequin and tie-down equipment during a safety demonstration.

Maritza Valentin, national account manager, for AMF Bruns of America, walks attendees through proper wheelchair securement in part 2 of the conference's wheelchair certification course.

Credit:

Amanda Huggett

Attendees converse at a round table during a networking meet-and-greet session sponsored by Zum.

A vendor meet and greet was held for attendees to connect one-on-one with suppliers in a relaxed setting. Here, Susan Moorehead chats with attendees about Zum’s services.

Credit:

Amanda Huggett

Two attendees smile while seated at a networking table during a meet-and-greet event sponsored by EverDriven.

During the vendor meet & greet, each supplier was given a table to host timed small-group discussions. Here, Greg Jackson from EverDriven talks about the company’s alternative transportation and new school bus routing services.

Credit:

Amanda Huggett

three attendees talk with a vendor during a trade show

The vendor expo brought together school bus dealers, safety suppliers, technology providers, alternative transportation solutions, special-needs equipment suppliers, and more to mingle with attendees over refreshments. Afterward, an evening of laughs followed as attendees watched some comedy for the evening networking event.

Credit:

Amanda Huggett

Attendees visit the AMF Bruns vendor booth in the expo hall, examining a wheelchair securement device while speaking with an exhibitor about safety equipment.

Maritza Valentin, national account manager, for AMF Bruns of America, shares securement solutions with attendees during the vendor expo.

Credit:

Amanda Huggett

Conference attendees dressed in retro “Grease”-themed outfits dance together at the evening banquet, celebrating during the themed dinner event.

Saturday night’s banquet event was themed “Grease Lightning” with dinner, music, dancing, and games, with many attendees dressing up as characters inspired by the famed ‘50s flick.

Credit:

Amanda Huggett

Three people smile together on the vendor expo floor, standing in front of exhibit booths and safety product displays.

Two of School Bus Fleet's editorial advisory board members, Max Christiansen and Greg Jackson stand with editor Amanda Huggett

Credit:

Amanda Huggett