Conference Agenda
Wednesday, June 17
RTS Meeting | 1:45-2:45 p.m. (Skinner A)
The RTS meeting will begin at 1:45 p.m. - join us to discuss various updates in the transit industry.
Opening & Iowa DOT Presentation | 3 - 3:45 p.m. (Skinner A)
Join us as we start the 2026 IPTA Annual Meeting & Training Conference with a presentation from Iowa DOT!
DAP & APTA Presentations | 4 - 5 p.m. (Skinner A)
We will have updates from groups that are critical for tranist agencies to know. First, we will have representatives from Disablility Access Points (DAPs) who will share how their regions have changed and how you can work with them for transit needs.
Second we will have an APTA representative give us a Federal look at what is happening at Congress and our transportation reauthorization bill.
Brick and Ivy Rooftop | 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Brick and Ivy Rooftop
400 34th Ave SW
Altoona, Iowa
Join us on the rooftop either inside or outside overlooking Adventureland, Prairie Meadows Casino and The Outlets for food and drinks welcoming the start of our Annual Training and Convention.
Our Hosting Partner: Hoglund Bus Company
Thursday, June 18
IPTA Business Meeting & Legislative Update | 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
(Skinner B&C)
Join us for a great breakfast and meet your fellow members as we conduct our IPTA Business Meeting and give a recap of our State and Federal Legislative Priorities. During our Business Meeting we will also conduct our elections of officers.
General Session: Mentorship Matters | 9:45 a.m. - 11:45 p.m.
Public transit agencies across the country continue to face persistent challenges related to bus operator retention, absenteeism, and workforce stability. While recruitment efforts remain essential, growing evidence shows that mentorship programs are a powerful and cost-effective tool for improving operator outcomes, particularly during the critical first year of employment.
This session will examine how structured bus operator mentorship programs contribute to improved retention, reduced absenteeism, and stronger overall performance
Lunch Buffet | Carrie Butler, Region 7 Regional Administrator| 12 - 1 p.m.
(Skinner B&C)
Join us for lunch as we are honored to have FTA Region 7 Director, Carrie Butler who will deliver a presentation.
Desert Break | 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. (Skinner B&C)
Grab a sweet treat before our afternoon presentations!
General Session: MTM | 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
(Skinner A)
Join us as MTM walks us through a roadmap for the future with the new transition in Iowa.
General Session: HR Session | 2:45 - 3:45 p.m.
(Skinner A)
Iowa DOT staff will be presenting on life cycle of a grant and how it navigates between Iowa DOT, FTA Region 7 and FTA.
Exhibitor Trade Show & Reception | 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Skinner B&C)We couldn't put on this amazing event without the support of our incredible exhibitors and sponsors. Let's have some drinks and talk with the partners who help make this all possible!
Dinner & Awards | 5:30 p.m.
(AJ's Steakhouse Group Room)
Located at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino. Located on main level. Walk towards the racetrack entrance and AJ's will be on your left hand side.
Join us as we honor recipients of our Transit Operations of the Year, Dispatcher of the Year, and Friend of Public Transit award winners.
Friday, June 19
Breakfast | 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
As we finish up our last day, join us for a great breakfast to get the day started.
General Session: AI for Transit Agencies | 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Attorney from Brown Winick will be presenting on legal framework and HR perspective of incorporating AI in your transit agency. This session is to make you more confident in embracing AI for staff and for your agency while taking proper considerations.
Panel Discussion: AI | 10:45 a.m.
This panel discussion will be focused with members who are using AI in their sytem along with vendor partners who will highlight how they are incorporating different AI strategies into their technology to better help transit systems.
Friday at 11:45 a.m. - Adjourn
ROADEO Registration
Roadeo Registration will occur at the Meadows Event Center at the IPTA Registration Desk. This is located between the Prairie Meadows Casino and Hotel. Attendees, Roadeo participants or Drive of the Year honorees may register and pick up their shirt at this location.
