Photos: NYAPT Celebrates 50 Years at 2026 Conference & Trade Show
The New York Association for Pupil Transportation (NYAPT) held its 50th anniversary conference and trade show from July 12-15, 2026, at the Saratoga Springs Hilton & City Center. Educational sessions covered electric buses, bus safety, technology, and team management, with federal updates from FMCSA, NYSED, DMV, and the transit authority. The event also featured scholarship and awards presentations, ride and drive, a trade show, entertainment from a mentalist, inspection training with the state’s DOT, workshops with NYAPT vendor leaders, and an evening networking event at a local nightclub.
For the association's milestone 50th anniversary conference, the event was themed “Back to the Future.” On theme, the opening keynote was presented by Erica Orange who presented a session on how to “Think Like a Futurist,” covering what she thinks the future may hold for schools and industry businesses.
Derek Graham
NYAPT President Marc Medina, transportation director at Farmingdale School District, introduces a general session.
Derek Graham
A general session during the 2026 NYAPT conference. The association continued its longstanding tradition of excellence in professional development at its annual conference and trade show held in Saratoga Springs, New York. The event began with a pre-conference NAPT class on Saturday July 11 and concluded on Wednesday July 15 at noon. General sessions had something for everyone – leadership skills, occupant protection, electric transitioning and even a mentalist!
Derek Graham
Attendees visited with industry vendors to learn about the latest tools and technologies available to help them operate safer and more efficiently.
Derek Graham
Derek Graham caught up with Ruby, a Mini American Shepherd, at the New York Bus Sales booth. According to owner Pete Rodriguez, she’s been to approximately eight conferences so far and has no problems with large crowds. She loves people and obviously the attention! According to Rodriguez, “I do bring her on the road with me to visit customers and if I don’t bring her along, the first question customers ask is 'where’s Ruby?' She has been graciously accepted as our Team Mascot at New York Bus Sales and is a real team player.
Graham presented two sessions at the conference on the effectiveness of lap-shoulder belts and safe routing strategies.
Derek Graham
Breakout sessions were conducted by in-state professionals, including NYAPT staff and board members, as well as out-of-state speakers including Derek Graham (N.C.) and Sue Shutrump (Ohio), pictured here during her session on Creating Safer, Calmer School Bus Rides.
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D’Allah Laffoon, transportation director at Waterloo Central School District, receives the Art Schock Award, the association's highest honor given for leadership and outstanding communication skills.
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(L to R) NYAPT President Marc Medina, Ted Nugent, and NYAPT Executive Director David Christopher. Nugent, past president of the association and retired transportation director at Coxsackie-Athens Central School District, received the NYAPT Hall of Fame Award for his outstanding work over 46 months and strong leadership during COVID.
Derek Graham