School Bus Expo - STN East 2027 in Concord, NC

School Bus Expo - STN East 2027

April 1–5, 2027
Concord, NC

Event Date

April 1–5, 2027

Location

Concord, NC

About This Show

AI-drafted summary

STN EXPO East is a conference and trade show for the student transportation industry, organized by STN Media Group, publisher of School Transportation News. The 2027 edition takes place April 1–5, 2027, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa in Concord, North Carolina, in the greater Charlotte metro area.

The event brings together school transportation professionals — including transportation directors, supervisors, fleet managers, drivers, and technicians — to learn best practices in safety, green fleet leadership, and operational efficiency. Attendees gain access to expert-led training in school bus safety and student transportation, peer networking, and a trade show floor showcasing the latest products and technology.

Programming spans main conference workshops, general sessions and keynotes, the Transportation Director Summit, the Bus Technology Summit (BusTech) and Green Bus Summit, special training sessions such as National School Bus Inspection Training, a Technology Demo plus Ride & Drive, and networking receptions. It is a strong fit for anyone committed to advancing safety, sustainability, and innovation in pupil transportation.

Show Highlights

Key features of STN EXPO East include:

  • Keynote address by Larry Long Jr., presenting "JOLT! Your Life & Your Future: Reconnect With What Truly Matters and Lead with Greater Intentionality Through Technology, Innovation & Change."
  • Main conference workshops, general sessions, and keynotes led by top industry professionals.
  • Transportation Director Summit — a dedicated program for transportation leaders (additional registration required).
  • Bus Technology Summit (BusTech) and Green Bus Summit — including lab demos and green fleet content.
  • Technology Demo + Ride & Drive — hands-on experience with the latest vehicles and equipment.
  • Trade Show + Networking Reception — connect with exhibitors and peers on the show floor.
  • Special Training Sessions, including National School Bus Inspection Training.

Registration

Registration for STN EXPO East 2027 is handled online through the official Pricing and Registration page. Main Conference registration provides full access to general and keynote sessions, workshops, networking events, and the trade show.

Main Conference tiers:

  1. Super Early Bird — $399 (save 33%; offer ends January 15, 2027)
  2. Early Bird — $499 (save 16%; offer ends March 15, 2027)
  3. Standard — $599 (begins March 31, 2027; on-site registration available at the registration desk)

Other options:

  • Trade Show Only — $250 per person, which includes access to the trade show networking reception but not the main conference workshops, general sessions, or keynotes.
  • Guest registration — $150 per guest, for spouses and non-transportation professionals accompanying a Main Conference Attendee; guests can only be added on site and do not have access to educational sessions.

All registrations include a $5.00 non-refundable registration service fee. Payment is accepted by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, check, or purchase order. Cancellations must be emailed to events@stnmedia.com; cancellations received by 11:59 p.m. PT on February 12, 2027, are eligible for a refund minus the administrative fee, and cancellations after that date are non-refundable. Registrations may be transferred to another attendee with written request up to 7 days before the conference. Exhibitors do not use the Trade Show Only button and instead receive separate instructions to register on-site staff about two months before exhibitor setup.

History

STN EXPO East is produced by STN Media Group, a media company focused on the school transportation industry. Its flagship publication is School Transportation News Magazine, and the company also operates stnonline.com and the School Transportation Nation Podcast. STN produces both East and West editions of the STN EXPO; the East edition is held in the Charlotte/Concord, North Carolina area.

Visit Official Show Website

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is STN EXPO East 2027 held?

STN EXPO East 2027 takes place April 1–5, 2027, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa, located at 5400 John Q. Hammons Drive NW, Concord, NC 28027, in the greater Charlotte area.

Who should attend STN EXPO East?

The event is designed for school and student transportation professionals, including transportation directors, supervisors, fleet managers, drivers, and technicians seeking training in school bus safety, green fleet leadership, and the latest transportation technology.

How much does it cost to register?

Main Conference registration is $399 for Super Early Bird (ends January 15, 2027), $499 for Early Bird (ends March 15, 2027), and $599 standard (begins March 31, 2027). A Trade Show Only pass is $250, and each registration includes a $5.00 non-refundable service fee.

What is included in the Main Conference registration?

Main Conference registration includes general and keynote sessions, main conference workshops, networking events, and access to the STN EXPO Trade Show and reception. The Transportation Director Summit and special training courses require additional registration.

How do I book a hotel room for the event?

A room block at the host Embassy Suites Charlotte Concord is available for March 31 through April 5, 2027, at a conference rate of $189.00 per night, booked through the event's official Hilton link or by calling (704) 455-8200. STN never contacts attendees directly to book rooms, so beware of third-party booking scams.

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