2026 IPTA Conference & Trade Show

The mission of the Iowa Pupil Transportation Association is to serve as a resource for school administrators, supervisors, mechanics, drivers, and the Iowa Department of Education in the upgrading of Iowa's pupil transportation program.

Registration is officially open for the 2026 Iowa Pupil Transportation Association (IPTA) Annual Conference and Trade Show.

Mark your calendars for July 20–22, 2026, and plan to join transportation professionals from across Iowa in Des Moines for the state’s premier school transportation event. The IPTA Annual Conference and Trade Show brings together directors, supervisors, mechanics, trainers, drivers, and industry partners for three days of learning, collaboration, and professional development focused on strengthening student transportation across Iowa.

Whether you are a longtime IPTA member or attending for the first time, this conference provides valuable opportunities to gain new insights, explore innovative solutions, and connect with peers who understand the daily challenges and successes of pupil transportation.

Attendees can expect engaging educational sessions addressing real-world transportation topics, updates on regulations and statewide initiatives, and opportunities to learn about new technologies, equipment, and fleet management solutions impacting school transportation operations. The conference also features Iowa’s largest pupil transportation trade show, where industry vendors and partners showcase the latest products and services designed to support safe and efficient transportation programs.

Bus Driver Day will once again be part of this year’s conference, offering dedicated professional development designed specifically for frontline transportation staff. Districts are encouraged to bring members of their entire transportation team to take advantage of this valuable training opportunity.

We encourage you to register early and make plans to join colleagues from across the state for this important opportunity to learn, network, and prepare for the future of student transportation in Iowa.

We look forward to seeing you in Des Moines this July.

Hello Iowa Transportation Leaders,

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to connect, learn, and recharge—this is it. The Annual IPTA Conference and Trade Show is coming this July, and we want you to be there.

This event is built for transportation professionals like you—directors, drivers, mechanics, and support staff—who are committed to safe, efficient student transportation in Iowa. From practical training and industry updates to networking with others who truly understand your day-to-day challenges, the value you’ll gain is real and immediate.

Are you a new transportation director? Make it a priority to attend the New Directors Workshop, hosted by the Iowa Department of Education’s Transportation Team. It’s a targeted session designed to give you the foundation, confidence, and connections you need to start strong.

Whether this will be your first time or your fifteenth, I can promise you’ll walk away with tools, insights, and relationships that will make a difference in your role.

I encourage you to register, bring your team if you can, and invest in this opportunity. We’re looking forward to welcoming you.

David Johnson

Executive Director

Iowa Pupil Transportation Association

It’s my pleasure to invite you to the Annual Iowa Pupil Transportation Association Conference and Trade Show this July! Each year, this event brings together transportation leaders, drivers, mechanics, and industry partners from across Iowa for an outstanding few days of learning, networking, and professional development.

This year, I especially want to extend a warm welcome to new transportation directors. If you’re just getting started in your role, I strongly encourage you to attend the New Directors Workshop, hosted by the Iowa Department of Education’s Transportation Team. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain foundational knowledge, ask questions, and connect with others who are navigating similar challenges. This session is designed specifically with you in mind—and it’s one you won’t want to miss.

Whether you’re new to the field or a long-time IPTA member, this conference offers something for everyone—from impactful keynote speakers and hands-on training sessions to a robust trade show featuring the latest products and services in pupil transportation.

On behalf of the IPTA Board of Directors, thank you for the important work you do every day to ensure Iowa’s students travel safely. We look forward to seeing you in July!

Carlos Guerra

President

Iowa Pupil Transportation Association

7:00am- Registration Opens

8:00-- Welcome and Announcements

8:15- Meet the Board Candidates

8:30 -10:00- Rachel Eslick – Keynote

10:00-10:15- Morning Break

10:15-12:00- Iowa Dept. of Education Transportation Team– Director Workshop/ Refresher & Annual Update

12:00-1:10- Lunch / Bus Right Lunch and Learn

1:15-2:30 – Alex Robinson- The Special Needs of our Passengers and our Operations

2:30-3:30 -Rachel Eslick – Leadership

3:30-3:45- Break

3:45-4:15- Louie Greek- Truckers Against Trafficking

4:15-4:45- Hoglund Bus – IC Product Update

5:30-9:00 – Evening Banquet & Entertainment

(Sponsored By Hoglund Bus Company)

* Tentative schedule as of 3/1/2026 subject to adjustments

8:00–8:30 – IPTA Board Meeting

8:30–9:00 – Truck Center Companies: Thomas Update

9:00–10:15 – Iowa Dept of Education: New Directors Workshop

9:00–Noon – Trade Show

Awards Lunch

12:00–1:15 – Awards Lunch

1:15- Mechanics Break Out Session at Norwalk (Buses Leave at 1:20)

American Radiator - DPF Filter Cleaning

Hoglund Bus Company

Operations & Innovation Summit

1:30–2:15 – Blue Bird Alternative Fuels Discussion

2:30–3:15– Innovation Labs – Block 1

Tyler Technologies

BusRight

EZRouting

Chat GBT Crash Course- David Johnson

3:15–3:30 – Break

3:30–4:15 –Operations – Block 2

School Finance- Dr. Kassandra Cline

Drug and Alcohol Testing- Deb Taylor FMCSA

5:00-9:00 - Family BBQ & Corn Hole Tournament

(Sponsored by Truck Center Companies & Tyler Technologies)

* Tentative schedule as of 3/1/2026 subject to adjustments

7:30am – Early Bird Coffee

8:00- School Bus Sales- Blue Bird Product Updates

8:30-10:00- Brett Brooks – Indicators of Violence and How to Be a Better Professional.

10:00-10:15- Break

10:15-11:30 – Dana Rosen – Practical Solutions to Challenging Behaviors

11:35-12:10- Ron Gann Homeland Security

12:10-12:20- Closing

12:30- New Director Workshop Wrap Up

* Tentative schedule as of 3/1/2026 subject to adjustments

After the great success of last year’s Bus Driver Day at Conference, we’re excited to bring it back this year!

We encourage you to bring your bus drivers to the conference on Wednesday, July 22. Presentations on this day will be specifically geared toward transportation directors and bus drivers, with content designed to support both roles.

This day also serves as an opportunity to recognize and invest in the professionals who play a critical role in safely transporting students each day, while providing meaningful professional development, networking, and collaboration.

The best part? We are pleased to offer reduced registration rates again this year for bus drivers. Register your drivers between May 1 and June 1 to take advantage of the special pricing below:

• 3–6 drivers: $125 per driver

• 7–10 drivers: $100 per driver

• 11 or more drivers: $75 per driver

To register, visit www.4ipta.org and select “Pay by Check” during checkout. The adjusted rate will be applied, and an invoice will be sent to you.

We encourage districts to plan now to include their bus drivers in conference registration and scheduling for Wednesday, July 22.

The IPTA has secured a block of specially priced hotel rooms at a rate of $105.00 per night, plus 12% tax.

This discounted rate is available until June 28, after which the standard nightly rate will apply.

Reserve your room today to take advantage of the savings!

Use the link below to book your room today!

https://www.ihg.com/redirect?path=rates&brandCode=HI&regionCode=1&localeCode=en&checkInMonthYear=062026&checkInDate=19&checkOutDate=22&checkOutMonthYear=062026&hotelCode=DSMAP&GPC=PUP&numberOfAdults=1&numberOfRooms=1&adjustMonth=false&showApp=true&monthIndex=00

Every year, the IPTA honors members who go above and beyond in our field. From outstanding leadership to acts of heroism, these awards shine a light on the people who make our schools and communities safer and stronger. But we need your help—nominations don’t happen on their own! This is your chance to recognize the colleagues whose work inspires you.

These awards celebrate excellence and dedication, and members can be honored at any stage of their career. Receiving an award does not mean retirement—these awards recognize impact, achievement, and leadership, wherever someone is in their journey.

Why Your Nomination Matters

Exceptional work often goes unrecognized simply because no one takes a few minutes to submit a nomination. Your nomination could ensure that deserving colleagues are honored at our summer conference, highlighting the dedication, heroism, and leadership that keep Iowa schools running smoothly. Recognition lasts a lifetime.

The IPTA Board of Directors sincerely thanks you for your continued support of IPTA and for the important work you do each day to ensure safe and dependable transportation for Iowa’s students. Your commitment makes a lasting difference in communities across our state.

We hope you will join us this July in Des Moines for the 2026 IPTA Annual Conference and Trade Show as we learn, collaborate, and grow together.

IPTA Office Hours

Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

IPTA Mailing Adress

P.O Box 8 Van Meter, IA

Email

David@4ipta.org

Web Site

www.4ipta.org