What were you doing 25 years ago? I was in college, trying to figure out what I wanted to do in life. But Bill and Colette Paul had it all figured out.
They had launched School Transportation News only two years earlier, literally going all in to realize their dream of producing their own school bus industry magazine, when they were faced with an opportunity that would change the trajectory of their young company. Bill and Colette purchased the Western States Pupil Transportation Conference and held the first STN-produced show at the Tropicana in Las Vegas. A year later, they moved the event to Reno, where it’s resided ever since.
STN EXPO has grown by leaps and bounds over the years, with 2017 being our highest conference attendance ever at 900 school district and contractor representatives. We also moved to our new home, the Peppermill Resort Casino Spa. This year, we not only celebrate a milestone but also prepare to launch a second STN EXPO next year in Indianapolis. Meanwhile, the industry is experiencing unprecedented growth. How far STN and the entire industry have come in over two and a half decades!
Thank you for your participation this week in the various networking, educational and business opportunities that are available. Whether this is your first or 25th experience at the STN EXPO, we trust it will prove fruitful for you, individually, your operations, locally, and the industry, globally. But most importantly, the ultimate goal is to share, connect and inspire for the benefit of our student passengers.
The industry certainly continues to face many challenges, but together we can turn those issues into opportunities to enhance the incredible safety of yellow school bus operations. We will also uncover efficiencies and improve our relationships with the students, parents, other school administrators and the front-line employees.
The entire STN EXPO staff looks forward to making your stay here in Reno comfortable, informative and fun. Should you have any questions or needs during your time here, please ask any of us who are wearing a black STN EXPO shirt, and we will assist!
