The 2018 Canadian Pupil Transportation Conference that is scheduled for Niagara Falls, May 13-16, is inviting transportation leaders from across North America for networking and professional development.
Festivities for the biennial event begin May 13 with a golf event held at the iconic Legends Niagara course and a “Monte Carlo Night” that evening. The conference officially opens the next morning with a keynote presentation by the improvisational comedy duo of Colin Mochrie and Debra McGrath.
“This hilarious duo is guaranteed to get the audience excited for the days ahead,” commented Maureen Cosyn Heath, the chief administrative officer for conference organizer Southwestern Ontario Student Transportation Services.
Delegates can also select from 11 different professional development sessions on Monday. Topics include school environments of the future, and how to thrive under pressure, the latter presented by psychologist Dr. Andrea Dinardo, a TedX Speaker at the University of Windsor.
Monday night’s CPTC Networking and Happy Hour Event will be held overlooking Niagara Falls at the Table Rock Welcome Centre.
Tuesday morning begins with a presentation by Sharlene Mitchell & Associates. Cosyn Heath said Mitchell will explore how to create a culture of innovation within your organization.
“Harnessing human innovation is critical in our industry,” Cosyn Heath explained. “Sharlene will survey delegates in advance of the conference, so the presentation is tailored specifically to CPTC delegates for maximum impact.”
The one-day trade show will be held May 15 at 11 am-4 pm at the Scotiabank Convention Centre. About 50 vendors will exhibit the latest school bus vehicles, technological and software solutions, maintenance solutions, tires and more. “Beyond the Booth” sessions extend the trade show experience by allowing vendors to provide in-depth demonstration of their products.
Tuesday evening features a Gala Banquet—what Cosyn Heath called the “capstone networking event” of the conference. Entertainment will be provided by “Duelling Pianos Niagara.”
CPTC 2018 closes on Wednesday with a keynote presentation by Max Valiquette, who Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called a “don’t miss” speaker. Valiquette, a famous commentator on technology throughout Canada and the U.S., will focus on innovation in the school bus industry, contemplating what innovation is and why failure is a necessary part of success.
Delegates can select from another four professional development sessions later on Wednesday morning.
The final plenary session explores the topic, “What does the changing labor market mean to the school bus industry?” Panel expert Darcy Michaud, CEO of HR Primed, will help attendees consider tangible takeaways to bolster recruitment and human resources strategy development. Peter Lawrence from Fairport Schools and NAPT Director – Region 1, will share his knowledge and advice on the topic.
The deadline to reserve a hotel room at the special conference rate is April 17, with online conference registration available through April 30.
