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Please plan to join MCBOA for our upcoming Annual Meeting. Our planning committee is committed to providing an innovative program that brings you topics and resources specific to our regional challenges.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
This year, we proudly present a program that focuses on three main themes:
Compliance * Industry Trends * Opportunities for Networking and Business Developments
MCBOA Operator Members: $175 per person
MCBOA Associate Members: $200 per person
This price includes the hospitality and Vendor reception on Tuesday night, breakfast on Wednesday and all meetings. Please register early so we can have accurate numbers for meals, etc.
Note: All attendees must be members in good standing.
REGISTER NOW
HOTEL INFORMATION
DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis Airport Hotel
2020 American Boulevard East
Bloomington, MN 55425
Book within the MCBOA room block to receive a discounted hotel rate of $109. Room block extended - now expires October 30, 2025.
BOOK HOTEL
For reservations, either use the link above or call 952-854-7441. (Remember to mention you are with Minnesota Charter Bus Operators Association 2025 Meeting to get Special Convention Rate!)
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11
| Time: |
Agenda Focus |
| 10:00am |
Vendor set-up |
| 9:30am - 5:30pm |
Registration Open |
| 1:00pm - 1:15pm |
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Chad Ely, MCBOA President |
| 1:15pm - 2:15pm |
Opening Session: Mitigate Your Risk: Basic Elements of a Quality Safety Management Program
David Butcher, Lancer Insurance
This session outlines foundational components of an effective safety management program, including best practices for policy development, driver recruitment, file organization, training, and vehicle maintenance. Attendees will gain practical strategies to reduce operations risk and improve compliance.
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| 2:15pm - 3:15pm |
Partners in Safety: FMCSA & MN State Patrol
Matthew Marin, Field Administrator / Division Admin MN FMCSA
Lieutenant Brian Reu, Minnesota State Patrol
- Latest FMCSA rulemakings - Hours of service, medical certifications, drug & alcohol testing, CDL updates, common violations found in Minnesota (and nationwide) — and how to avoid them.
- Minnesota State Patrol priorities: roadside inspections, vehicle condition hot spots, driver behavior enforcement.
- Federal and state working together — how information flows between FMCSA and State Patrol. Collaboration & Q&A
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| 3:15pm - 4:00pm |
Vendor Showcase & Refreshment Break |
| 4:00pm - 4:30pm |
Accessibility in Action: Best Practices for Serving Passengers with Mobility Needs
Francois Caron, BraunAbility |
| 4:30pm - 5:30pm |
From Near-Miss Reports to Safer Roads: A Practical Panel on Safety and Technology
Moderated by Tom Holden, Transportation Advisors
Panelists: Chad Ely, Voigt's Bus Service & Mike Forbord, Schmitty & Sons
Operators come together for a practical discussion on building safer fleets. Hear how near-miss reports can lead to real improvements and explore affordable safety technologies—like dashcams, telematics, and fatigue monitoring — that make a difference. Wrap up with a joint Q&A connecting operator insights and tech solutions.
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| 5:45pm - 6:15pm |
MCBOA “Driving Excellence” Awards
- Operator of the Year
- Associate/Vendor of the Year
- Troy Voigt Leadership Award
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| 6:15pm - 7:30pm |
Vendor Showcase / Social Hour with Hors D'oeuvres |
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12
| Time: |
Agenda Focus |
| 7:00am - 3:30pm |
Registration Open |
| 7:00am - 8:00am |
Breakfast & Business Connections (Vendor tables open) |
| 8:00am - 9:00am |
Morning Kickoff with OEMs |
| 9:00am - 9:50am |
Panel: Retaining Drivers & Staff Through Culture and Communication
Christian Riddell, The Bus Network (TBN)
Practical ways to build belonging, recognize staff, and improve leadership communication.
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| 9:50am - 10:15am |
Vendor Showcase & Refreshment Break (Vendor tables open) |
| 10:15am - 11:30am |
Crisis Management
David Butcher, Lancer Insurance
You can’t change what has happened, but what you do next can decide your future. It’s all in the details.
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| 11:30am - 12:15pm |
Industry Update
- United Motorcoach Association - Ken Presley, UMA
- American Bus Association - Fred Ferguson, ABA
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| 12:15pm - 1:15pm |
Lunch & MCBOA Board Election
Nominees introduced and membership votes cast
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| 1:15pm - 1:45pm |
On the Ground at MSP: What Motorcoach Operators Need to Know
Brandon Simon, Metropolitan Airports Commission |
| 1:45pm - 2:30pm |
Leadership & Growth Session: More Than Wheels — Using Fleet Refresh to Rebuild Brand Identity
Mark Polzin, Budget Truck & Auto
How exterior design, interiors, and service upgrades refresh customer perception.
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| 2:30pm - 3:15pm |
The Road Forward Together - Operators & Vendors, One Industry
Chad Ely, MCBOA President
- Open Q & A
- Announcement of Board Election Results
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3:15pm - 3:30pm
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Sponsor Recognition & Closing Remarks
Chad Ely, MCBOA President |
| 3:30pm - 5:00pm |
Board Meeting
MCBOA Board Members only |
| Please note: This agenda is fluid as we wait for final commitments from speakers and participants. |
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Cancellation Policy: Individual cancellations will be accepted in writing only.
- Cancellations made prior to 5:00 p.m. PT on Friday, October 24, 2025, will receive a full refund, less a $25.00 processing fee.
- Cancellations made between 5:00 p.m. PT on Friday, October 24, 2025 and Friday, November 3, 2025, will be offered at 50% of registration fee.
- Cancellations made after 5:00 p.m. PT on Friday, November 3, 2025, as well as no-shows, are not refundable.
Waiver of Liability:
By registering for the Minnesota Charter Bus Operator's Association (“MCBOA”) 2025 Annual Meeting (“Convention”), Registrant hereby irrevocably releases MCBOA, its staff, directors, presenters, employees and any other individuals or entities associated with MCBOA, from any and all liability related to, or arising from, Registrant’s attendance and participation in the Convention, the information provide therein, changes to its schedule, and hospitality services (e.g. lodging, food and transportation) incidental to the Convention, including, but not be limited to, any and claims, actions or losses for bodily injury, property damage, death, costs, expenses, and charges. Registrant voluntarily and knowingly assumes all risks related to, or arising from, the Convention.
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