2024 Winter BISC
Meeting | Jan. 14-16, 2024 | 9 AM - 5:30 PM ET
The Bus Industry Safety Council is your forum to address the latest safety and compliance topics that affect motorcoach operations.
Register:
All Bus Operators use the “Buyer Representative” registration option, all Suppliers and Vendors use the “Seller Representative” registration option. Government Employees should self-select that option. Select the BISC meeting or BusMARC meeting or BusWorld meeting as activities if you.plan to attend those sessions, to ensure that we get accurate counts, have enough materials, and can ensure comfortable distancing for all participants.
Housing:
Link to ABA Marketplace Hotel Block
Must be registered to reserve a room. All Bus Operators & Government Employees use the “Buyer” housing option, all Suppliers and Vendors use the “Seller” housing option.
BISC Meetings Include:
- Presentations on the topics that matter, such as the latest with entry level driver training, COVID-19 rules, drug and alcohol clearinghouse, DOT drug testing and other regulatory, security, maintenance, and compliance topics.
- Top speakers. Administrators of FMCSA, TSA, and NTSB Board members have all spoken at recent BISC meetings.
- Open access to the Marketplace exhibit floor, featuring products, vendors, services, and new-coach exhibits
- Education seminars and limitless networking opportunities
- Fun Marketplace evening events
- Co-located with the Bus Maintenance & Repair Council meetings, floor education displays
Session Evaluations:
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Schedule:
| Date | Time | Session/Activity | Location |
| Thur., Jan. 4 | 2 pm | BISC-BusMARC Orientation Webinar | Webinar |
| Date |
Time |
Session/Activity |
Location |
| Sat., Jan. 13 | 2 – 3 pm |
EDUCATION BYTE Navigating Tailored Affordable Healthcare Benefits Options Presented by Brent Heurter, Healthy Halo |
Exhibit Floor |
| Sat., Jan. 13 | 3 – 4 pm |
EDUCATION BYTE Getting the Most from ABA's Transportation Quote Member Benefit Presented by Chris Riddell, The Bus Network Elevate your business with our groundbreaking new member benefit that delivers you transportation quote requests via email, creating faster connections with travelers seeking ABA member companies. Join us for an exclusive insight session to learn how these leads are generated, strategies that will help you convert more leads, and ideas to leverage these leads to land more business in this essential education bite. |
Exhibit Floor |
| Sat., Jan. 13 | 4 – 5 pm |
EDUCATION BYTE Emerging Technology in the Motorcoach Market Presented by Mike McDonal, Saucon Technologies Like the industry itself, technology is ever evolving. More and more information about your buses, employees and business in general is being collected and assessed by many. Learn about the evolution of technology and how to prioritize and analyze data to keep your business in a positive light for all that view it. |
Exhibit Flor |
| Sat., Jan. 13 | 5 – 6 pm |
EDUCATION BYTE Going Further with Distinctive Systems Presented by Eric Elliott, Distinctive Systems This session will take you on a deeper dive into Distinctive Systems Coach Manager and its online capabilities and software functionality. You may be surprised at all that is at your fingertips when you really plug into the capabilities of the system. Stay tuned for additional product development details and new product releases. |
Exhibit Floor |
| Date | Time | Session/Activity | Location |
| Sun., Jan. 14 | 9 am – 10:30 am |
BISC-BusMARC Opening General Session Session Overview Awards Presentations: Keynote Speaker: Spencer Tenney, Tenney Group, President & CEO Keynote Address: How Safety Performance and Maintenance History Influence Company Valuations in Mergers and Acquisitions In this brief session, Spencer Tenney, President & CEO of Tenney Group will address what’s driving bus M&A in 2024, the role of safety and maintenance in business valuation, and best practices for building and protecting business value. Download the Presentation |
205 ABC |
| Sun., Jan. 14 | 10:30 am – 11 am |
Networking Break |
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| Sun., Jan. 14 | 11 am – 5:30 pm |
Safety & Maintenance Education Sessions The sessons put together by BISC & BusMARC and brought to you by ABC Companies have been integrated into the overall ABA Marketplace education schedule and can be found by going to 16 sessions as part of the following tracks:
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| Sun., Jan. 14 | 11 am – 12 pm |
MOTORCOACH REGULATORY & COMPLIANCE SESSION TRACK FMCSA Update Speaker: Cliff Willey, FMCSA Description: In this session, get a sense of what new regulations the Agency has put in place for 2024 and get an opportunity to directly address our regulators as they set out the top priorities for the Agency in the coming year. So many items to review, from the implementation of the Electronic Logging Devices, Entry Level Driver Training, Drug & Alcohol Testing, new Interpretive Guidance, to the emergence of remote compliance reviews. Stay up to date on the future direction of our industry’s enforcement. Download the Preentation |
205 ABC |
| Sun., Jan. 14 | 11 am – 12 pm |
MOTORCOACH MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS SESSION TRACK Elements and Uses of a DVIR, No Defects and Beyond Speaker: Mike McDonal, Saucon Technologies Description: Current safety regulations require drivers employed by motor carriers to prepare a written report (Driver Vehicle Inspection Report – DVIR) at the completion of each day's work, on each vehicle operated, that lists any defect or deficiency discovered by or reported to the driver which would affect the safety of operation of the vehicle or result in its mechanical breakdown as outlined in 49 CFR 396.11. This report must be submitted to the employing motor carrier so that repairs can be made. Recent changes to the regulations no longer require drivers to file the DVIR, if there are no vehicle defects to report. Find out if you are doing your DVIR properly, what elements it covers, and what to do with the data that you generate. Download the Presentation |
207 AB |
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Sun., Jan. 14 |
11 am – 12 pm |
MOTORCOACH INNOVATIONS TRACK Record Retention for Motor Vehicle Accidents, What to Keep & For How Long Speaker: Harold Moroknek, Marshall Dennehey Description: Motorcoach Operators have a lot of different types of records to keep track of and retain. Driver Qualification, vehicle maintenance, drug and alcohol testing, and hours of service. All of these types of records have different record retention periods per the regulations. What about accidents? Find out some best practices to not only keep you in compliance, but aid in your response to legal action if you ever need it. Download the Presentation |
207 BC |
| Sun., Jan. 14 | 11 am – 12 pm |
EDUCATION BYTE Tire Safety Analysis Presented by Adam Hall, Bridgestone Fleet Care Fleet management software systems that ensure vehicle efficiency, compliance, maintenance and safety are built to mainly monitor a fleet that is in motion – not one that is grounded. Many aren't used to being back to running a lot of miles and for consecutive days. During this session, we will look into tire maintenance best practices. How to adjust for anticipated air leakage, potential sidewall deterioration, any rebalancing or reseating recommendations. |
Exhibit Floor |
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Sun., Jan. 14 |
Noon – 3 pm |
LUNCH: ALL DELEGATE LUNCH & ABA ANNUAL MEETING |
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Sun., Jan. 14 |
3 pm – 4 pm |
MOTORCOACH REGULATORY & COMPLIANCE SESSION TRACK Driver Incentive Programs, Going Beyond Compensation: Getting Creative with Seasonal Driving Arrangements, Driver Perks Speaker: Panel – Jack Kaufmann, Matt Maglio, Jeff Shanker Description: Finding and keeping drivers is the number one concern for many operators, particularly when the Feds, your state, country or school district may have differing requirements. Learn from your fellow operators a few tools and techniques that they use to attract new drivers, as well as how they reward good performances. Are there unique approaches to recruiting that you could be taking? How are you helping drivers cope with the mental health of the job and 55 ready-made critics as well as in this post-COVID-19 environment? What is a new blueprint for success to help you find the drivers that you desire? Don't have one, start creating one today! Questions for the Panel |
207 CD |
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Sun., Jan. 14 |
3 pm – 4 pm |
MOTORCOACH SAFETY SESSION TRACK Safety Director 101: Pre-Employment Screening, Driver Qualification Queries and CDL & Compliance Requirements for Non-Drivers Speaker: Mike McDonal, Saucon Technologies and Dan Tomlinson, Lancer Insurance Description: Finding the next generation of drivers is a concern for many operators, particularly when the feds, your state, country or school district may have differing requirements. Get a rundown of how to conduct the pre-employment screening process and what resources are available to you. Also learn about the types of documentation you should be using for the driver qualification process and some best practices to get a driver up to speed on how you want things done at your company. How and when should you be running your queries of the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse? Utilizing this new blueprint for success may help your business and help you find the drivers that you desire. Download the Presentation |
205 ABC |
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Sun., Jan. 14 |
3 pm – 4 pm |
MOTORCOACH INNOVATIONS SESSION TRACK How to Implement a Safety Management System Speaker: Sal Caccavale, Martz Group Description: A safety management system (SMS) is a program for promoting safety and reducing risk to employees at work. It is implemented by an organization to identify, assess, and control hazards to employees and the public. Effective safety management systems prevent injuries, process failures, and improve long-term profitability of the companies that implement them. Whether you want to build safety into your business from the ground up or want to improve processes that have been in place, this session will introduce the framework of a safety management system and how it lays out the safety responsibilities for each level of the organization. Download the Presentation |
207 AB |
| Sun., Jan. 14 | 3 pm – 4 pm |
EDUCATION BYTE Behind the Wheel with Temsa Presented by Randy Angell and David Dunn, Temsa North America Join us to hear about new features being added to Temsa motorcoaches in 2024. Find out more about the availability and support for Temsa’s electric vehicle offerings. Attendees will learn more about the Temsa’s investment in their service centers and new safety features available as standard or options on new motorcoaches. Don’t miss out in hearing about recent and upcoming safety campaigns. |
Exhibit Floor |
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Sun., Jan. 14 |
4 pm – 4:30 pm | Networking Break | |
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Sun., Jan. 14 |
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm | MOTORCOACH SAFETY SESSION TRACK
OSHA Training: Job Safety Analysis Speaker: Sal Caccavale, Martz Group Description: A Key Component of a Successful Safety Process, this session will focus on the basics of performing a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) which is a proven process for controlling operating hazards. The presenter will go through a step-by-step overview of the process and define the participants’ role in making it an effective safety tool. Through hands-on exercises, participants will learn how to develop and manage a JSA program for your organization. The result will be efficient procedures that help to reduce personal injuries and operating costs. This session is designed for anyone involved in operations, safety and maintenance that needs to know how to perform JSA’s of new and existing job tasks. Download the Presentation |
207 AB |
| Sun., Jan. 14 | 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm |
MOTORCOACH INNOVATIONS SESSION TRACK National Weather Service Tools for Routing & Scheduling Speaker: Colm Lynch, Coach USA/Megabus Description: Embark on a journey to discover how harnessing the power of National Weather Service products can strategically minimize weather-related service disruptions in the bus and coach industry. Learn practical strategies to safeguard assets, ensure employee safety, and mitigate customer impact by incorporating reliable weather visuals and data into both operational and commercial planning. This presentation will arm you with actionable insights, enhancing timely decision-making and bolstering the reliability and communication of service disruptions during adverse weather events. Access the Presentation |
207 CD |
| Sun., Jan. 14 | 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm |
Open
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205 ABC |
| Sun., Jan. 14 | 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm |
EDUCATION BYTE Take a Seat with Amaya Presented by Jeff Goldwasser, Amaya Astron Now that we are a few years into seatbelts being required on motorcoaches, let's take some time to review our performance to date and best practices when it comes to maintaining the seat belt safety system and the seats. We'll also talk about preventative maintenance practices and common breakdowns. Find out what now selections and options that Amaya Astron will have available in 2024. |
Exhibit Floor |
| Date | Time | Session/Activity | Location |
| Mon., Jan. 15 | 7:45 am – 8:45 am | Operator Breakfast | |
| Mon., Jan. 15 | 9:30 am – 6:00 pm |
Safety Education Sessions The sessons put together by BISC and brought to you by ABC Companies have been integrated into the overall ABA Marketplace education schedule and can be found by going to 16 sessions as part of the following tracks:
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Mon., Jan. 15 |
9:30 am – 10:30 am |
MOTORCOACH SAFETY SESSION TRACK Human Trafficking: Defining Successful Interventions and Integration into Driver Training Speaker: Lexi Higgins, Busing on the Lookout Description: Modern-day slavery—or human trafficking—is a global problem in which people are illegally bought and sold for forced labor or commercial sex. Through the use of coercion, abduction, fraud, deception or the abuse of power, traffickers prey upon their victims’ vulnerabilities—such as their youth, condition of poverty, migration status or dreams of love and opportunity—while profiting off of their exploitation. Human trafficking poses a significant challenge to businesses who are committed to legal and socially responsible operations. This is true for ABA Member companies, whether motorcoach operators or manufacturers and for destinations such as hotels, casinos and tourist attractions. Recognizing that we all have a role to play in helping to end human trafficking, ABA Members have joined the fight to combat this heinous crime and are already making an extraordinary impact. Join this session to learn about human trafficking and how you can be part of the solution. Download the Presentation |
205 ABC |
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Mon., Jan. 15 |
9:30 am – 10:30 am | MOTORCOACH INNOVATIONS SESSION TRACK
Crisis Communications: What to Do In Case of Emergency Speaker: Ben Rome, American Bus Association Description: Unfortunately accidents do sometimes happen. Learn how to instruct passengers how to safely and efficiently exit the motorcoach in case of emergency and how to deal with the media and worried family members. A passenger safety briefing should be recorded and played before each and every trip. Learn about who should respond to the scene and who should direct traffic in the office. Find out about the harm that “No Comment” can cause. Even responding to accidents comes down to preparation. Learn from one of the best at handling crisis response! Download the Presentation |
207 AB |
| Mon., Jan. 15 | 9:30 am – 10:30 am | MOTORCOACH REGULATORY & COMPLIANCETRACK SESSIONS
FEMA Update Speaker: Kerry Thomas, Federal Emergency Management Agency Description: Motorcoach operators face a variety of security risks on a daily basis due to our precious cargo, flexible operational profiles and diverse operating environments. As a result of the annual intercity bus security grants, more and more operators are developing security plans and doing security assessments, but evaluating risk and quantifying that risk could be the missing link in our industry’s security preparedness. This session will preview a new tool to help you better evaluate the security profile of your operations. Download the Presentation |
207 CD |
| Mon., Jan. 15 | 9:30 am – 10:30 am |
EDUCATION BYTE On the Road with ABC & Van Hool Presented by Dany Landry, ABC Companies Join us to hear about new features being added to Van Hool motorcoaches in 2024. Find out more about the availability and support for ABC’s electric vehicle offerings. Attendees will learn more about the expansion of ABC’s service center offerings and new safety features available as standard or options on new motorcoaches. Don’t miss out in hearing about recent and upcoming safety campaigns. |
Exhibit Floor |
| Mon., Jan. 15 | 10:30 am – 11 am | Networking Break | |
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Mon., Jan. 15 |
11 am – 12 pm |
MOTORCOACH MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS SESSION TRACK CVSA Safety Update: New OOS Criteria Changes, Safety Bulletins and Points of Emphasis for Enforcement in 2024 Speaker: Jeremy Disbrow, CVSA Description: Each year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) reviews, modifies and publishes new North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria. The North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria (OOSC) is the pass-fail criteria for safety inspections. The purpose of the criteria is to identify critical safety violations. Those violations can render the driver, vehicle and/or motor carrier out of service until the condition(s) or violation(s) are corrected or repaired. Find out about the latest changes to the criteria, and what to look out for before your next inspection. A new one under consideration is a draft inspection bulletin for emergency exits. Download the Presentation |
207 AB |
| Mon., Jan. 15 | 11 am – 12 pm |
MOTORCOACH REGULATORY & COMPLIANCE SESSION TRACK Driver Pre-Employment Screening: Utilizing the PSP Speaker: Yvonne Glover, NIC Federal Description: Everyone is always looking for an edge in getting drivers screened and prepared to get on the road. The Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) can be a great tool to help you get those new drivers ready to get behind the wheel as they provide access to driver violation data and crash history. This session will offer you some education on what PSP is, how carriers and drivers can access the data, and answer lots of the questions that you may have as you restart operations and resuming your driver qualification activities. Also, did you know, an FMCSA study has showed that motor carriers using PSP to screen new hires lowered their crash rate by 8% and out-of-service rates by 17%, on average, compared to those that do not use PSP? Download the Presentation |
207 CD |
| Mon., Jan. 15 | 11 am – 12 pm | MOTORCOACH REGULATORY & COMPLIANCE SESSION TRACK
TSA Updates Speaker: Ben Currier, Transportation Security Administration Description: With more and more vehicle-involved terror attacks happening around the world, eliminating soft targets and boosting preparedness is key. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has some best practices and guidance to help you better prepare your motorcoach operations for an unexpected emergency and how to respond. They also have some timely updates on the Surface Transportation Security Training Rule, Cyber Security preparedness, critical resources and key intelligence to help you prepare for the months ahead. Have you done a BASE Assessment recently? Hear how you can get one requested and start improving your security posture today! Download the Presentation |
205 ABC |
| Mon., Jan. 15 | 11 am – 12 pm |
EDUCATION BYTE Up to Speed with MCI Presented by Dave Mailhot, Motor Coach Industries Find out the current status on parts and supply chain delays with MCI’s customer support team. Learn more about which items are on back order, existing shortages and upcoming specials. Don’t miss out in hearing about recent and upcoming safety campaigns. Discover what awaits in training for 2024 and beyond. |
Exhibit Floor |
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Mon., Jan. 15 |
12 pm – 3 pm |
Lunch: “Best of Broadway” Lunch |
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| Mon., Jan. 15 | 3 pm – 4 pm | MOTORCOACH SAFETY SESSION TRACK
What’s Going on In the World of Regulations, A Preview of 2024: An ABA Government Affairs Update Speaker: Suzanne Rohde, American Bus Association Description: What’s going on in Washington? A time-honored question, that has become even more pressing as we approach the end of an administration and approach another election year. Find out what is next up on the legislative and regulatory agendas, items of interest for the motorcoach industry, and which key activities to keep a keen eye on. Find out how you can get involved and stay informed. ABA’s government affairs experts will keep you in the know! Download the Presentation |
205 ABC |
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Mon., Jan. 15 |
3 pm – 4 pm |
MOTORCOACH MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS SESSION TRACK Drug & Alcohol – Legalization of Marijuana and Cannabinoids, Oral Testing Speaker: Mark Szyperski, On Your Mark Transportation Description: With the legalization of Marijuana in many states for both medical and recreational use, and the emergency of the use of Cannabidiol (CBD Oil), navigating drug use in the transportation sector has become an ongoing issue. These products are easily available. Some of these products can be bought from individuals, in stores, online etc. This program will give an overview of the legalization of Marijuana, and use of Cannabidiol Products. This will include discussion on the issues that operators are facing in regard to this ensuring compliance. ln addition, find out about the final rule that amends the USDOT's drug testing program to include oral fluid testing as an alternative to urine specimen drug testing. This additional methodology for drug testing will give employers a choice that will help combat employee cheating on urine drug tests, and provide a less intrusive means of achieving the safety goals of the drug testing program. Prepared by Jeff Waxman, Illinois Department of Transportation Download the Presentation |
207 AB |
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Mon., Jan. 15 |
3 pm – 4 pm |
MOTORCOACH INNOVATIONS SESSION TRACK Driving Force: Employee Recruiting for 2024 and Beyond Speaker: Panel – James Blain, Erin Ducharme, Adam Hall, Mike McDonal, Brent Maitland, Pam Martinez Description: ABA's Driving Force is a program designed by members involved with Women in Buses to tackle the nationwide motorcoach driver shortage by providing industry operators tools and tips to recruit and retain their most valuable asset: Drivers. Driving Force recently completed a driver shortage survey, whose results they will share. They also have a host of new toolkits as well as upcoming events to help empower operators to put their best foot forward when recruiting new drivers. Access the Presentation |
208 AB |
| Mon., Jan. 15 | 3 pm – 4 pm |
EDUCATION BYTE All New in 2024 Presented by Robert Hitt, Prevost Celebrating their 100th anniversary, join Prevost for a session discussing the new safety systems being installed on their coaches in 2024. In addition, find out about some of the emerging sales and used coach purchasing trends. Learn more about which items are on back order, and upcoming parts specials. Discover what training and technical assistance will be offered throughout the rest of the year. |
Exhibit Floor |
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Mon., Jan. 15 |
4 pm – 4:15 pm | Networking Break | |
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Mon., Jan. 15
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4:15 pm – 5:30 pm |
BISC-BusMARC Closing General Session Session Recaps & Key Takeaways Mentor Office Hours Closing Keynote: An Update on the Bus & Truck Maintenance Study Andrew Krum, Group Leader, Download the Presentation |
205 ABC |
| Tues., Jan. 16 | 9 am – 3 pm | BUSMARC Site Visits | |
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Tues., Jan. 16 |
9 am – 3 pm | Loading Begins at 9 am
Visit #1: Dreamliner Luxury Coaches * Facility Tour & Operational Discussion Depart 11:30 am Visit #2: Prevost Service Center * Lunch is included, courtesy of Prevost * Facility Tour & Operational Discussion Depart 3:00 pm return to Convention Center |
Registration is closed for this event
