Sessions

ABA 2024 Education Topics include Something for Everyone’s Jam

ABA education is instrumental to your business success.  Sessions will focus on the most critical and relevant topics impacting the motorcoach & group travel industry and your organization.  Learn about trends and solutions for common challenges in 50+ valuable learning opportunities from professional speakers and industry experts.

These open-to-all interactive sessions are included with your registration.

  • Session 1000: The Yellow Cake Principle: Your Recipe for Influence and Success

    Track: Marketing: Generational Sales

    Speaker: Roger Grannis

    Would you like to have your cake and eat it too? The Yellow Cake Principle will show you how. Served up with a blend of actionable ideas and a generous dash of humor, the Yellow Cake Principle provides the ingredients you need to connect, influence, and persuade. 

    Need to increase revenues, strengthen ties with employees, colleagues, and customers, or have not-so-fun conversations? Whisk your worries away. After this program, those interactions will be a piece of cake. The laughter is just the icing.

    Warning: The Yellow Cake Principle has zero calories but will improve business results. 

    Saturday / January 13
    10:00 AM — 11:00 AM

    Room 202BC/Music City Center

  • Session 1001: The Four Languages of Influence

    Track: Marketing: Generational Sales

    Speaker: Roger Grannis

    Do you ever feel like you and your customers speak different languages? No matter what you say, no matter how hard you try, you just can’t find a way to connect. The relationships suffer and you never really know what went wrong.

     

    The problem could be you really are speaking different languages—sales languages that is. How to overcome this? Learn the four languages of influence—four distinct communication styles, each with its own pattern and idiosyncrasies. 

     

    if you aren’t fluent in all of them, you’re missing out on revenue that might otherwise come in easily.    

    In this interactive and engaging program, you will learn:

    • The four languages of influence
    • The communication preferences of each language
    • Your language and how to adjust to each of the other three languages
    • How to use the four languages to:
                  - Make better connections
                  - Tailor content so that it rings true for each person
                  - Reduce interpersonal friction
                  - Gain agreement more easily
                  - Close more sales
    Saturday / January 13
    01:30 PM — 02:30 PM

    Room 202BC/Music City Center

  • Session 1002: The Art of Speaking, Actually Speaking, Advocacy

    Track: Professional Development: Public Speaking

     Speaker: Josiah Brown

    To move people you must be able to move them emotionally and be a compelling, reasonable and educated voice. Learn skills on effectively speaking as well as how to craft the message that you are bringing. This session will bring DI’s Tourism Lexicon alive while training you to think and perform like a professional speaker.

    Saturday / January 13
    01:30 PM — 02:30 PM

    Room 201AB/Music City Center

  • Session 1003: Unleashing Efficiency with AI Tools

    Track: Technology: AI

    Speaker: Doug Motel

    Get ready to turbocharge your productivity game with our "AI Productivity Power-Up" workshop. Led by seasoned AI specialist Doug, this dynamic session is your passport to a realm where Artificial Intelligence (AI) transforms everyday tasks into supercharged efficiency engines. Discover AI tools that streamline administrative duties, enhance marketing strategies, and superpower content creation. With Doug's expert guidance, you'll explore real-world applications that will revolutionize how you work. Don't miss this opportunity to revolutionize your workflow and harness the full potential of AI. Elevate your productivity with our engaging workshop and embrace the AI-powered future.

    Saturday / January 13
    03:00 PM — 04:00 PM

    Room 202BC/Music City Center

  • Session 1004: Start Thinking “Branding First” for Your Destination

    Track: Marketing: Industry Trends

     Speaker: Josiah Brown

    Branding is one of the most misunderstood areas of our promotion efforts in destination marketing today. Before any media campaign happens or any new demographic is chased...you must know your brand. Destinations that understand how to think "Branding First" are winning the game of destination marketing. With a very simple set of exercises, you can learn to understand how to think correctly about branding and use it to leverage your media much more effectively. A brand lives in the heart of a consumer...do you know how to shape it?

    Saturday / January 13
    03:00 PM — 04:00 PM

    Room 201AB/Music City Center

  • Session 1005: Crafting Mindful Escapes for Today’s Tourists

    Track: Marketing: Industry Trends

     Speaker: Doug Motel

    Join speaker Doug Motel as he unravels the hidden desire of everyone on vacation: to break free from the constraints of the past and the anxieties of the future, in order to fully savor the present moment. Through engaging stories, practical strategies, and thought-provoking insights, Doug will empower you to market unforgettable journeys for your visitors, sparking lasting connections and memories that will stand the test of time. Additionally, he will share leadership techniques that inspire innovation and enhance team performance, ensuring your organization thrives in the competitive world of tourism. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a master storyteller and transform your approach to tourism leadership.

    Saturday / January 13
    04:30 PM — 05:30 PM

    Room 202BC/Music City Center

  • Session 2001: The Rising Impact of AI on People and Professions

    Track: Technology: AI

     Speaker: Wade Younger

    In an unprecedented era, people have become increasingly focused on the tools at their disposal like never before. However, it’s not the tools that guarantee our success, but our willingness to use them and to use them efficiently.

    Contrary to popular fears, the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) does not entail a job apocalypse; rather, it signifies a paradigm shift in the labor landscape.

    It is not the AI systems themselves that will usurp our livelihoods, but rather the individuals who possess the tenacity to master these new technologies and wholeheartedly embrace continuous learning that will flourish in the AI-powered era.

    The key lies in recognizing that the future belongs to those who skillfully navigate the evolving technological terrain and proactively adapt to its demands. By cultivating a thirst for knowledge and honing their proficiency in utilizing AI, these trailblazers will be the vanguards of a transformed workforce, confidently shaping their destinies amid the ever-changing tides of progress.

    Sunday / January 14
    09:30 AM — 10:30 AM

    Room 202BC/Music City Center

  • Session 2002: Strategic Stops: How to Thrive in a Nonstop Culture

    Track: Professional Development: Time/Personal Wellbeing Management

    Speaker: Gregory Nelson

    We’re living in a nonstop, 24/7, caffeinated, always plugged in culture where people feel guilty if they unplug or take time off or don’t immediately answer emails, or take breaks--to the point that busyness has actually become a badge of honor for many. So we keep pushing forward - our “braking system” is either jammed or turned off. As a result, our workplaces are being negatively impacted. 80% of our workforce is experiencing high levels of disengagement which leads to stress, high anxiety, and burnout.

    What we need is permission to stop and breathe - to allow ourselves moments to reclaim our human selves. Dr. Nelson provides practical ways to engage in strategic stops along the busy highways of work and life that will help you to slow down enough to stay balanced, centered, and grounded.

    Sunday / January 14
    09:30 AM — 10:30 AM

    Room 201AB/Music City Center

  • Session 2003: FMCSA Update

    Track: Motorcoach Regulatory & Compliance

    Speaker: Cliff Wiley, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

    In this session, get a sense of what new regulations the Agency has put in place over the past year and get a preview of what they have planned for 2024. This is your opportunity to directly address our regulators as they set out the top priorities for the Agency in the coming year. So many items to review, from the implementation of the Electronic Logging Devices, Entry Level Driver Training, Drug & Alcohol Testing, new Interpretive Guidance, to the emergence of remote compliance reviews. Stay up to date on the future direction of our industry’s enforcement. 

    Sunday / January 14
    11:00 AM — 12:00 PM

    Room 205ABC/Music City Center

  • Session 2004: Record Retention for Motor Vehicle Accidents, What to Keep & For How Long

    Track: Motorcoach Innovations

    Speaker: Harold Moroknek, Marshall Dennehey

    Motorcoach Operators have a lot of different types of records to keep track of and retain. Driver Qualification, vehicle maintenance, drug and alcohol testing, and hours of service. All of these types of records have different record retention periods per the regulations. What about accidents? Find out some best practices to not only keep you in compliance, but aid in your response to legal action if you ever need it.

    Sunday / January 14
    11:00 AM — 12:00 PM

    Room 207CD/Music City Center

  • Session 2005: Elements and Uses of a DVIR, No Defects and Beyond

    Track: Motorcoach Maintenance & Operations

    Speaker: Mike McDonal, Saucon Technologies
     

    Sunday / January 14
    11:00 AM — 12:00 PM

    Room 207AB/Music City Center

  • Session 2006: Technology, Data Privacy, and Cyber Security

    Track: Technology: Cyber Security

    Speaker: Royce Allen

    Safeguarding and protecting Privacy data has become one of the most talked about and complex topics on most news circuits, in Congress, and during happy hour. But it is not just a government problem, each year there are thousands of conferences that host from 5k to 40k people within a 3 to 5-day period. How is the event data being secured?

    • Laws and regulations that a conference planner should be familiar with
    • The questions that you should be asking and steps that should be taken when selecting a Vendor for providing IT Services.
    • The key principles and actions that should be taken to protect participants data against unauthorized, or malicious attacks.
    Sunday / January 14
    11:00 AM — 12:00 PM

    Room 202BC/Music City Center

  • Session 2007: Four Keys to Motivating Yourself and Others

    Track: Professional Development: Work/Life Balance

    Speaker: Gregory Nelson

    These four keys are the secret to motivation and resilience. When they are highly considered in your life and the life of the people around you, creative innovation and collaboration skyrocket. Learn the four most important strategies to ensuring that everyone is motivated to be fully engaged to thrive and fully energized to succeed.

    Sunday / January 14
    11:00 AM — 12:00 PM

    Room 201AB/Music City Center

  • Session 2008: Safety Director 101: Pre-Employment Screening, Driver Qualification Queries and CDL & Compliance Requirements for Non-Drivers

    Track: Motorcoach Safety

    Speaker: Mike McDonal, Saucon Technologies and Dan Tomlinson, Lancer Insurance

    Finding the next generation of drivers is a concern for many operators, particularly when the feds, your state, country or school district may have differing requirements. Get a rundown of how to conduct the pre-employment screening process and what resources are available to you. Also learn about the types of documentation you should be using for the driver qualification process and some best practices to get a driver up to speed on how you want things done at your company. How and when should you be running your queries of the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse? Utilizing this new blueprint for success may help your business and help you find the drivers that you desire.

    Sunday / January 14
    03:00 PM — 04:00 PM

    Room 205ABC/Music City Center

  • Session 2009: NTSB Update

    Track: Motorcoach Regulatory & Compliance

    Speaker: Mike LaPonte, National Transportation Safety Board

    The National Transportation Safety Board is one of the agencies that initiates a post-accident investigation following a fatal accident and makes recommendations to the industry as well as the government on what steps can be taken to avoid similar accidents in the future. What lessons can we learn from recent fatal motorcoach and school bus crashes? Find out at the next presentation by the NTSB.

    Sunday / January 14
    03:00 PM — 04:00 PM

    Room 207CD/Music City Center

  • Session 2010: EV Funding Programs and Incentives

    Track: Motorcoach Maintenance & Operations

    Speaker: Travis Taylor, SpotOn Financial

    There are various federal programs available for the transition of fossil fuel buses to Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEV) and funding options to operators. Our presenter will also discuss options for both local travel and long distance bus operators to adapt their operations to ZEV platforms to include the use of charging stations, routes, etc. Find out more information and access to grant or incentive programs, how to determine eligibility, and the process to getting approved. 

    Sunday / January 14
    03:00 PM — 04:00 PM

    Room 207AB/Music City Center

  • Session 2011: The Art of Problem Solving, Risk Taking and Change

    Track: Business Strategies: Goal Setting

    Speaker: Wade Younger

    The word risk is like a red siren that warns about danger, loss, disgrace, or even death. It’s fearsome because there’s a level of uncertainty in it, where we might face bad consequences if things don’t go smoothly.

    Change projects are more likely to meet their objectives when those affected by the change have a clear understanding of what to expect in terms of the project’s goals, logistics, and rewards. It is equally important, however, to prepare the participants for any emotional shifts that might occur in themselves or others as a result of the project.

    Change requires time and is perpetual. If rushed, the infrastructure will most likely collapse or best case scenario the organization will lose its focus and waste valuable time and resources to an unsuccessful endeavor.  This keynote provides a tested and proven practical framework of dealing with change while taking into account the emotional cycle of change that most organizations tend to neglect.

    Sunday / January 14
    03:00 PM — 04:00 PM

    Room 202BC/Music City Center

  • Session 2012: Empowering Digital Defense: Crafting a Robust Cybersecurity Strategy with Cutting-Edge Technologies

    Track: Technology: Industry Trends

    Speaker: Royce Allen

    Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting critical systems and sensitive information from digital attacks. Also known as information technology (IT) security, cybersecurity measures are designed to combat threats against networked systems and applications, whether those threats originate from inside or outside of an organization. 

    • Avoiding costs and expenses of responding to a breach
    • Costs of downtime and lost revenue
    • Long-term reputational damage to a business
    • Creating a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, governed by best practices and automated using advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning
    Sunday / January 14
    03:00 PM — 04:00 PM

    Room 201AB/Music City Center

  • Session 2013: Job Safety Analysis

    Track: Motorcoach Safety

    Speaker: Sal Caccavale, Martz Group

    A Key Component of a Successful Safety Process, this session will focus on the basics of performing a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) which is a proven process for controlling operating hazards.  The presenter will go through a step-by-step overview of the process and define the participants’ role in making it an effective safety tool. Through hands-on exercises, participants will learn how to develop and manage a JSA program for your organization. The result will be efficient procedures that help to reduce personal injuries and operating costs. This session is designed for anyone involved in operations, safety and maintenance that needs to know how to perform JSA’s of new and existing job tasks.

    Sunday / January 14
    04:30 PM — 05:30 PM

    Room 205ABC/Music City Center

  • Session 2014: Using National Weather Service Tools for Emergency Routing and Rerouting

    Track: Motorcoach Regulatory & Compliance

    Speaker: Colm Lynch, Coach USA/Megabus

    Embark on a journey to discover how harnessing the power of National Weather Service products can strategically minimize weather-related service disruptions in the bus and coach industry. Learn practical strategies to safeguard assets, ensure employee safety, and mitigate customer impact by incorporating reliable weather visuals and data into both operational and commercial planning. This presentation will arm you with actionable insights, enhancing timely decision-making and bolstering the reliability and communication of service disruptions during adverse weather events.

    Sunday / January 14
    04:30 PM — 05:30 PM

    Room 207CD/Music City Center

  • Session 2015: Driver Incentive Programs, Going Beyond Compensation: Getting Creative with Seasonal Driving Arrangements, Driver Perks

    Track: Motorcoach Innovations

    Speaker: Panel – Jack Kaufmann, Matt Maglio

    Finding and keeping drivers is the number one concern for many operators, particularly when the Feds, your state, country or school district may have differing requirements. Learn from your fellow operators a few tools and techniques that they use to attract new drivers, as well as how they reward good performances. Are there unique approaches to recruiting that you could be taking? How are you helping drivers cope with the mental health of the job and 55 ready-made critics as well as in this post-COVID-19 environment? What is a new blueprint for success to help you find the drivers that you desire? Don't have one, start creating one today!

    Sunday / January 14
    04:30 PM — 05:30 PM

    Room 207AB/Music City Center

  • Session 2016: Let’s Talk About Culture

    Track: Human Resources: Creating An Inclusive and Welcoming Environment

    Speaker: Tahra Millan

    This session is about building a company culture that supports change and introduces performance skills to support the future. Let’s talk about creating brave cultures. Cultures that are built on the foundation of courageous leadership. Cultures that cultivate authenticity and transparency. Cultures that are resilient, take risks, and create innovation. Cultures that produce growth in every area. Cultures that are led and driven from purpose. This is the type of culture that you don't have to strive for engagement, because connection is the natural outcome. It's time to do the real work and build transformational, brave cultures & courageous leaders.

    Sunday / January 14
    04:30 PM — 05:30 PM

    Room 202BC/Music City Center

  • Session 3001: Human Trafficking: Defining Successful Interventions and Integration into Driver Training

    Track: Motorcoach Safety

    Speaker: Lexi Higgins

    Modern-day slavery—or human trafficking—is a global problem in which people are illegally bought and sold for forced labor or commercial sex. Through the use of coercion, abduction, fraud, deception or the abuse of power, traffickers prey upon their victims’ vulnerabilities—such as their youth, condition of poverty, migration status or dreams of love and opportunity—while profiting off of their exploitation. Human trafficking poses a significant challenge to businesses who are committed to legal and socially responsible operations. This is true for ABA Member companies, whether motorcoach operators or manufacturers and for destinations such as hotels, casinos and tourist attractions. Recognizing that we all have a role to play in helping to end human trafficking, ABA Members have joined the fight to combat this heinous crime and are already making an extraordinary impact. Join this session to learn about human trafficking and how you can be part of the solution

    Monday / January 15
    09:30 AM — 10:30 AM

    Room 205ABC/Music City Center

  • Session 3002: FEMA Update

    Track: Motorcoach Regulatory & Compliance

    Speaker: Kerry Thomas, Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Motorcoach operators face a variety of security risks on a daily basis due to our precious cargo, flexible operational profiles and diverse operating environments. As a result of the annual intercity bus security grants, more and more operators are developing security plans and doing security assessments, but evaluating risk and quantifying that risk could be the missing link in our industry’s security preparedness. This session will preview a new tool to help you better evaluate the security profile of your operations.

    Monday / January 15
    09:30 AM — 10:30 AM

    Room 207CD/Music City Center

  • Session 3003: Crisis Communications: What to Do In Case of Emergency

    Track: Motorcoach Innovations

    Speaker: Melanie Hinton

    Unfortunately accidents do sometimes happen. Learn how to instruct passengers how to safely and efficiently exit the motorcoach in case of emergency and how to deal with the media and worried family members. A passenger safety briefing should be recorded and played before each and every trip. Learn about who should respond to the scene and who should direct traffic in the office. Find out about the harm that “No Comment” can cause. Even responding to accidents comes down to preparation. Learn from one of the best at handling crisis response!

    Monday / January 15
    09:30 AM — 10:30 AM

    Room 207AB/Music City Center

  • Session 3004: Reach Your Targeted Audience on Mobile, Desktop and Connected TV

    Track: Technology: Mobile Devices

     Speaker: David McBee

    Targeted Advertising and Connected TV are the fastest growing digital trends of our time – exploding in growth and being adopted by businesses of all sizes. Learn how you can take advantage of technology that will allow you to reach your ideal prospects on their computers, smartphones, and connected TVs by leveraging online and offline behavioral data.

    Better yet, learn to track the impact of your advertising campaigns by measuring increased web traffic, lead generation and even foot traffic to your store.

    Key Aspects Covered:

    - Website Retargeting
    - Keyword Search Targeting
    - Geo-Fencing
    - Addressable Geo-Fencing
    - CTV Advertising
    - Conversion Zones

    Monday / January 15
    09:30 AM — 10:30 AM

    Room 202BC/Music City Center

  • Session 3005: TSA Update

    Track: Motorcoach Regulatory & Compliance

    Speaker: Ben Currier, Transportation Security Administration

    With more and more vehicle-involved terror attacks happening around the world, eliminating soft targets and boosting preparedness is key. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has some best practices and guidance to help you better prepare your motorcoach operations for an unexpected emergency and how to respond. They also have some timely updates, critical resources and key intelligence to help you prepare for the months ahead. What’s going on with the First Observer Training Program? Have you done a BASE Assessment recently? Hear how you can get one requested and start improving your security posture today!

    Monday / January 15
    11:00 AM — 12:00 PM

    Room 205ABC/Music City Center

  • Session 3006: Driver Pre-Employment Screening: Utilizing the PSP

    Track: Motorcoach Innovations

    Speaker: Yvonne Glover

    Everyone is always looking for an edge in getting drivers screened and prepared to get on the road. The Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) can be a great tool to help you get those new drivers ready to get behind the wheel as they provide access to driver violation data and crash history. This session will offer you some education on what PSP is, how carriers and drivers can access the data, and answer lots of the questions that you may have as you restart operations and resuming your driver qualification activities.  Also, did you know, an FMCSA study has showed that motor carriers using PSP to screen new hires lowered their crash rate by 8% and out-of-service rates by 17%, on average, compared to those that do not use PSP?

    Monday / January 15
    11:00 AM — 12:00 PM

    Room 207CD/Music City Center

  • Session 3007: CVSA Safety Update: New OOS Criteria Changes, Safety Bulletins and Points of Emphasis for Enforcement in 2024

    Track: Motorcoach Maintenance & Operations

    Speaker: Jeremy Disbrow, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance

    Each year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) reviews, modifies and publishes new North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria. The North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria (OOSC) is the pass-fail criteria for safety inspections. The purpose of the criteria is to identify critical safety violations. Those violations can render the driver, vehicle and/or motor carrier out of service until the condition(s) or violation(s) are corrected or repaired. Find out about the latest changes to the criteria, and what to look out for before your next inspection.

    Monday / January 15
    11:00 AM — 12:00 PM

    Room 207AB/Music City Center

  • Session 3008: Reputation Management Trends

    Track: Technology: Industry Trends

    Speaker: David McBee

    It’s time to stop “managing” your online reputation and “taking care of” negative reviews and comments. Businesses and individuals must embrace their online presence and shape their reputation with intention and purpose.

    Consumers already trust what others say about your business more than all of your great marketing and clever ad campaigns combined. You have no power to eliminate or disguise an unhappy customer base or a social trail of negative breadcrumbs.

    The future is in being proactive and creating an online presence that isn’t easily damaged with a handful of bad reviews, a negative expose or irresponsible social posts.

    Monday / January 15
    11:00 AM — 12:00 PM

    Room 202BC/Music City Center

  • Session 3009: Empowering Professional Women: Mastering the Art of Communication

    Track: Professional Development: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

     Speaker: Tahra Millan

    In today's fast-paced and competitive professional world, the ability to communicate effectively is not just a valuable skill but a crucial tool for success. "Empowering Professional Women: Mastering the Art of Communication" is an engaging and transformative talk designed specifically for women looking to harness the power of communication to excel in their careers and personal lives.

    This interactive talk is tailored to help women discover their own unique communication style, strengthen their confidence, and build the skills necessary to become influential and assertive communicators. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in the working world, this talk is geared towards women at all stages of their career.

    Communication Styles: Discovering and understanding your own communication style, and how it impacts your interactions with colleagues, superiors, and clients.

    Building Confidence: Techniques to boost self-confidence and assertiveness in your communication, even in male-dominated or competitive environments.

    Networking and Relationship Building: Strategies to create and maintain valuable professional connections through effective communication.

    Hands-On Practice: Interactive exercises and role-playing to help you apply the principles of effective communication in real-life scenarios.

    Overcoming Communication Challenges: Addressing common obstacles, such as imposter syndrome, speaking up in meetings, or giving and receiving feedback.

    Conflict Resolution: Learning to handle conflicts professionally, turning them into opportunities for growth and understanding.

    Practical tips, personal anecdotes, and facilitate hands-on activities to help attendees gain the confidence and skills they need to master the art of communication.

    Monday / January 15
    11:00 AM — 12:00 PM

    Room 201AB/Music City Center

  • Session 3010: What’s Going on In the World of Regulations, A Preview of 2024: An ABA Government Affairs Update

    Track: Motorcoach Regulatory & Compliance

    Speaker: Suzanne Rohde, American Bus Association

    What’s going on in Washington? A time-honored question, that has become even more pressing as we approach the end of an administration and approach another election year. Find out what is next up on the legislative and regulatory agendas, items of interest for the motorcoach industry, and which key activities to keep a keen eye on. Find out how you can get involved and stay informed. ABA’s government affairs experts will keep you in the know!

    Monday / January 15
    03:00 PM — 04:00 PM

    Room 205ABC/Music City Center

  • Session 3011: Driving Force: Employee Recruiting for 2024 and Beyond

    Track: Motorcoach Innovations

    Speaker: Panel

    ABA's Driving Force is a program designed by members involved with Women in Buses to tackle the nationwide motorcoach driver shortage by providing industry operators tools and tips to recruit and retain their most valuable asset: Drivers.  Driving Force recently completed a driver shortage survey, whose results they will share. They also have a host of new toolkits as well as upcoming events to help empower operators to put their best foot forward when recruiting new drivers. 

    Monday / January 15
    03:00 PM — 04:00 PM

    Room 208AB/Music City Center

  • Session 3012: Drug & Alcohol - Legalization of Marijuana and Cannabanoids, Oral Testing

    Track: Motorcoach Maintenance & Operations

    Speaker: Jeff Waxman

    With the legalization of Marijuana in many states for both medical and recreational use, and the emergency of the use of Cannabidiol (CBD Oil), navigating drug use in the transportation sector has become an ongoing issue. These products are easily available. Some of these products can be bought from

    individuals, in stores, online etc. This program will give an overview of the legalization of Marijuana, and use of

    Cannabidiol Products. This will include discussion on the issues that operators are facing in regard to this ensuring compliance. ln addition, find out about the final rule that amends the USDOT's drug testing program to include oral fluid testing as an alternative to urine specimen drug testing. This additional methodology for drug testing will give employers a choice that will help combat employee cheating on urine drug tests, and provide a less intrusive means of achieving the safety goals of the drug testing program.

    Monday / January 15
    03:00 PM — 04:00 PM

    Room 207AB/Music City Center

  • Session 3013: Beyond the Checklist: Embracing the Leadership Mindset

    Track: Professional Development: Public Speaking

    Speaker: Kathi Kulesza

    In the fast-paced realm of group travel and motorcoach services, effective leadership goes beyond ticking off tasks. It's about articulating a vision that galvanizes and inspires. This session will equip you with the skills to transition from a task-oriented approach to one that leverages the power of persuasive communication. Learn how to convey compelling leadership messages tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of the bus and travel industry. Walk away with actionable insights to inspire your teams, elevate your leadership style, and make a lasting impact.

    Monday / January 15
    03:00 PM — 04:00 PM

    Room 202BC/Music City Center

  • Session 3014: The CX Edge: Using NPS to Your Advantage

    Track: Customer Experiences: Net Promoter Score

    Speaker: Jeff Tobe

    Net Promoter Score is a powerful tool used that measures customer loyalty and gauges customer lifetime value. NPS is rated on a scale of 0 to 10 and calculated by asking, “How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or colleague?”. But, there’s more? The follow up question or questions is probably MORE important than the recommendation question. Whether your brand is big or small, it is essential to learn about your customer’s experience at all touchpoints to gain a competitive edge. The two main ways to track NPS are 1. Industry or competitive benchmark (51.3 in the hospitality industry) OR 2. Improvement over time.

    Join international customer experience thought leader, Jeff Tobe, as he explores the pros and cons of using NPS, why consider making the leap from customer service to customer EXPERIENCE and how to teak individual consumer touchpoints within your organization. Improving NPS requires persistence and consistency. But, you are sure to gain the fruits of hard work in terms of business growth. A better Net Promoter Score implies more customers are willing to recommend your business to others. A good NPS creates a strong brand over time and a more robust organization internally.

    Monday / January 15
    03:00 PM — 04:00 PM

    Room 201AB/Music City Center

  • Session 3015: Tuned In Leadership: Mastering the Art of Listening in the Motorcoach and Travel Industry

    Track: Business: Operational Challenges

    Speaker: Kathi Kulesza

    In the complex landscape of motorcoach and travel operations, effective listening is a game-changer. Leaders are often at the forefront of operational challenges and being an effective 'Sounding Board' can be the difference between chaos and cohesion. This session focuses on the importance of a refreshed, clear vision that enables leaders to listen effectively, respond intentionally, and navigate operational challenges with finesse. Discover strategies to rejuvenate your leadership approach and sharpen your listening skills, ensuring your teams feel heard, supported, and empowered.

    Monday / January 15
    04:30 PM — 05:30 PM

    Room 202BC/Music City Center

  • Session 3016: Navigating Difficult Conversations

    Track: Human Resources: Hiring/Terminations

     Speaker: Jeff Tobe

    Does the hair on the back of your neck stand up when someone says, “We need to talk.”?

    ​​​There are dozens of books on the topic of difficult, crucial, challenging, fierce, important (you get the idea) conversations. Those times when you know you should have a difficult conversation with somebody, but you don’t. Or maybe you fear that talking will just make things worse. Still, you feel stuck and you would like to free up that stuck energy for more useful purposes.

    In this interactive presentation, we will dive into the five steps or strategies to having these meaningful conversations. Those strategies include:

    • How to PREPARE for the conversation
    • Having a GOAL in mind but still staying flexible
    • Becoming an ACTIVE LISTENER
    • Taking CARE of yourself
    • How to BRAINSTORM ideas together
    • How to EMPATHIZE and coach
    Monday / January 15
    04:30 PM — 05:30 PM

    Room 201AB/Music City Center

  • Session 4001: 3 Habits of Consciously Intentional Leaders

    Track: Professional Development: Work/Life Balance

     Speaker: Dan Irvin

    Being intentional means setting a success framework that packs a serious punch in terms of keeping you and your team motivated and structured. The problem is, most of us fall short in that mission.

    In this presentation, Dan speaks to leaders looking to sharpen their talents and be more intentional.Relatable insights include how to keep distractions from taking center stage, how to recognize when the same way of doing things doesn’t cut it anymore, and how to establish the SMARTEST goals.

    Tuesday / January 16
    09:30 AM — 10:30 AM

    Room 202BC/Music City Center

  • Session 4002: Introducing Your Marketing Co-Pilot: Revolutionizing Productivity with AI

    Track: Marketing: Industry Trends

    Speaker: Jonathan Stanley

    This presentation introduces the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing marketing productivity today. We'll cover AI essentials for marketing, personalized approaches, smart automation, instant customer support, and case snapshots. Learn about AI's relevance in your business, identifying integration opportunities and boosting efficiency in marketing. Geared toward marketing professionals, entrepreneurs, and those interested in AI's impact, the presentation offers valuable insights to ethically initiate a journey toward effective marketing strategies.

    Tuesday / January 16
    09:30 AM — 10:30 PM

    Room 201AB/Music City Center

  • Session 4003: Setting the S.M.A.R.T.E.S.T. Goals

    Track: Business Strategies: Goal Setting

    Speaker: Dan Irvin

    The term “SMART goals” is now a common language for anyone in
    corporate America. But 30 years have passed! Isn’t it high time to rip that BandAid off and look to an expansive and permanent version, one that meshes with our ever-changing environment?

    In this practical and collaborative 60-90 minute workshop, Dan walks through each step of setting the S.M.A.R.T.E.S.T. goals. This workshop is meant to be interactive. Participants will come away with a goal creation plan that can be immediately implemented for success.

    Tuesday / January 16
    11:00 AM — 12:00 PM

    Room 202BC/Music City Center

  • Session 4004: Why Your Story Matters

    Track: Marketing: Branding

     Speaker: Jonathan Stanley

    This presentation discusses how science is reshaping the way we think about storytelling. We live in stories all day long, dream in stories all night long, and share stories through social media.

    Tuesday / January 16
    11:00 AM — 12:00 PM

    Room 201AB/Music City Center