Transporting Students with Disabilities & Special Needs

Conference and Trade Show

November 4–10, 2026

Embassy Suites, Frisco (Dallas) TX

Empowering Safe Rides

The TSD Conference and Trade Show brings together transportation pros from around the country to learn the latest in special-needs student transport.

See What’s New in Accessible Transport

The Trade Show features dozens of exhibitors showcasing buses, safety gear, software, and other tools designed for students with disabilities.

Learn, Connect & Lead

Attendees can join hands-on training, workshops, and networking events — from wheelchair-securement certification to ASL sessions — to improve safety and inclusion in their fleets.

TSD Conference keynote session

2026 TSD Conference and Trade Show

Welcome to the TSD Conference – the ultimate platform for transportation professionals nationwide. Join us and discover a world of innovation and empowerment, where inspiration meets impact. Immerse yourself in the latest trends in special needs transportation training, products, and services. Connect with like-minded individuals, attend educational sessions and workshops, and explore product demonstrations. Our transformative event is designed to equip you with practical solutions and enhance safety for students with disabilities and special needs. Whether you are a transportation director, superintendent, fleet manager, driver trainer, or special education professional – the TSD Conference is for you. Elevate your transportation team and operations at the TSD Conference and become part of this empowering experience. Register now and secure your spot!

Who Should Attend the TSD Conference and Trade Show

Transportation professionals nationwide who want to learn the latest trends in special needs transportation training, products and services. They also learn about how to produce better, more quantifiable results from their transportation team and operations.

Attendees include: Transportation Directors and Supervisors, Purchasing Agents, School Bus Association Members, Superintendents, Fleet Managers, Mechanics and Technicians, Operations Managers, Driver Trainers, Safety Trainers, Special Needs Transportation Routers, Dispatchers, Administrators, Special Education Professionals, Private Fleet Operators, Head Start/Childcare Professionals, Executives and CEOs, and School Bus Dealers.

Transportation Director Summit

A two-day, invite-only gathering for school district transportation directors, private fleet managers, OEMs and suppliers — blending leadership training, peer discussion, and vendor engagement

Bus Tecnology Summit

A track focused on the latest innovations in student‐transportation tech, offering demos, labs and sessions on tools for operational safety and efficiency.

 

Green Bus Summit

A forum on sustainable, low- or zero-emission school-bus technologies — with panels and discussions on powertrains, infrastructure, funding, and best practices for clean-energy transit.

 

Networking Events

Social mixers, ride-and-drive demos, vendor receptions and informal meet-ups — designed to foster relationships among districts, contractors, manufacturers and service providers.

Keynote Speakers

Michele Gay

Michele Gay

Keynote Speaker

Co-founder of Safe and Sound Schools

Glenna Wright-Gallo

Glenna Wright-Gallo

Keynote Speaker

Transformative Leader in Disability Policy

Betsey Helfrich

Betsey Helfrich

Keynote Speaker

Special Needs Education Attorney

Lisa Nararra

Lisa Nararra

Keynote Speaker

The Power of Praise: Shaping Student Behavior & Building Success on the Bus

Conference News

Multimedia

Nov 13, 2025

(STN Podcast E282) Onsite at TSD 2025 (Part 1/2): Mission-Critical Partners for Special Needs Transportation

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News

Nov 13, 2025

Closing TSD Keynote Bridges Gap Between Student Behavior, Positive Reinforcement

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News

Nov 13, 2025

Legal Keynote Opens Attendees’ Eyes to Federal Special Needs Transportation Laws

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News

Nov 13, 2025

Education Leader Challenges Transportation Professionals to Reimagine Compliance and Student Access

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Presenting Diamond Sponsor

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Zonar, our Presenting Diamond Sponsor at the 2025 TSD Conference and Trade Show, whose generous support enhances our commitment to promoting excellence in special needs transportation. Don’t miss the chance to connect and learn more about their impactful contributions; visit them at booth #305 during the trade show or explore their website for additional insights and offerings that are shaping the future of student transportation for those with disabilities.

Conference Sponsors

TSD Conference Call for Proposal

Please fill out the form completely to propose a sponsored presentation for the TSD Conference. Deadline for Submissions is Friday, August 28, 2026. We will Contact you on the acceptance of your proposal via email. Thank you for submission.

Need Help Convincing Your Boss?

Download our sample letter as a starter and fill out the blanks to demonstrate to your supervisor the benefits of you attending the TSD Conference and Trade Show.