The final onsite conference victim of 2020 has been claimed by COVID-19 with the official cancellation of STN EXPO Reno, but a virtual leadership summit will take its place Jan. 25-27, 2021.
The onsite STN EXPO Reno, originally scheduled to be held in July, was moved to November because of the ongoing global pandemic. But as of this writing, the social distancing requirements issued by the state of Nevada preclude the ability of STN Media Group, the parent company of School Transportation News, to produce a large event. Additionally, many school districts limit or prohibit the travel of employees.
Instead, coming on the heels of a successful Bus Technology Summit last month, STN pivots to a complete virtual model for its events this year, while remaining hopeful that in-person conferences will resume by the summer of 2021.
“Unfortunately, we won’t be able to see each other in person this year at STN EXPO Reno, but the good news is our new virtual conference platform has proven to offer a unique way to bring everyone together,” said Tony Corpin, publisher of School Transportation News and president of STN Media Group. “As schools reopen and phase back to in-person physical classes this fall, the ability to share information, connect and network together as an industry is vital. The new STN EXPO Virtual will provide stakeholders access to industry experts, content, community, and commerce that attendees have come to enjoy from STN EXPO over the last 28 years. I can’t wait to see everyone online for this special digital experience in late January 2021.”
The STN EXPO Virtual in January will be similar to the Bus Technology Summit format, as it will feature chat sessions, sponsored presentations and product showcases to crowdsource ideas and inspiration for tackling COVID-19 challenges presented to industry leaders at school districts and bus companies. The event will also provide attendees and exhibitors with networking opportunities via a virtual trade show.
More information on sessions and registration will be shared in the coming months.
Meanwhile, STN staff are also currently planning TSD Virtual for Nov. 9-11 to provide education to transporters of students with disabilities and special needs.
