Conference Presentations

Keynote Speaker - Day 1 - Kenyon Salo

Presenting TAM's 2023 Keynote Speaker - Kenyon Salo

The Bucket List Life

Kenyon Salo, known as the "James Bond of Speaking", shows you how his three simple concepts of living "The Bucket List Life" (applicable to both personal and professional lives) will guide your audience to fulfillment on your life-long journey. During this highly energetic, engaging, humorous, thought provoking and heart touching presentation, audiences will learn how to create phenomenal experiences, share powerful stories, and help others along the way.

The Bucket List Life and Kenyon Salo will help you elevate your life, both personally and professionally.

Vendor Presentations

Returning to the TAM Conference, we will be hosting all of our exhibitors as they present short, informative presentations to our attendees in an intimate classroom setting. Each exhibitor will have 15 minutes to conduct a short presentation and Q&A session with attendees. For more information about each exhibitor who will be presenting, visit https://www.taminc.org/exhibitor-sessions

Our schedule of presenters will be:

Vendor Speed Session Schedule & Information
Time Slot	Breezeway	Tavern Ballroom
10:30AM	May Mobility	IT Curves
10:50AM	Coach Bus & Sales	Ecolane
11:10AM	AngelTrax	RATPDev
11:30 AM	Vector Media	GMV Syncromatics
11: 50 AM	American Bus

Conflict De-Escalation - Presented by Mike Noel

Bus Operators have little to no control over the mood riders show up in, however they do have total control in how they react. Having yourself cool, calm and in-control will allow you to de-escalate situations and prevent complaints and more importantly the potential for violence or out of control situation.

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA): Changes, Challenges, & Reasonable Modifications - Presented by Mike Noel

All transit systems have a responsibility to understand and provide transportation services consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). All employees are to be “trained to a proficiency” to ensure vehicles and equipment are operated safely, that they provide appropriate assistance, treat individuals in a respectful and courteous manner and ensure that individuals with disabilities can use the agencies services. This workshop will look at changes, challenges, and reasonable modifications necessary to ensure that the civil rights of individuals with disabilities are honored and appropriate policies and procedures are in place consistent with the ADA. The class will include discussion & exercises.

Why a Ride Matters
What is the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)?
What does the ADA Require of Transit?
What are our responsibilities
Why is Mobility Device Securement Important?
Securement / Bus Operator Challenges
What is Non-discrimination
Service Animals & Comfort Animals
ADA Revisions
Reasonable Modifications
Origin to Destination Service

Using Technology to provide accessible and equitable mobility (ITS4US) - Presented by Caroline Burnier

In alignment with U.S. DOT’s strategic equity goal, the ITS JPO leads two critical deployment programs to conduct research in innovative technologies to help move towards an equitable transportation system that provides safe, affordable, accessible and convenient mobility options for all users. The ITS4US Program is a U.S. DOT multi-modal effort aimed at enabling communities to demonstrate integrated technology deployments supporting independent and seamless travel for all users across all modes, regardless of location, income, or disability. The program supports four large-scale, replicable, real-world deployments of integrated innovative technologies to solve mobility challenges for all travelers with a specific focus on those who often face greater challenges in accessing essential services, including people with disabilities, rural residents, and low-income individuals. In early 2023, the U.S. DOT began work on a new program to advance safe and equitable mobility for all. Though the program is still in its infancy, the program looks to accomplish this by using innovative connected technology solutions to empower communities to expand access and opportunities for all travelers through the integration and deployment of innovative technologies that target transportation inequity and safety. The presentation will include an overview of the ITS4US program and its four deployments, and share current information about the newly launched program.

Lessons Learned from Transit Overseas: APTA New Zealand/Australia Study Mission - Presented by Semia Hackett

Explore the key learning points of the APTA study mission. Highlights will include 10-point contract commitments, zero emission bus transition, and regional fare capping of Auckland Transport, Queensland Government, Transport NSW and Translink.

HR and the Law for Transit Professionals - Presented by Christine Walters

This program is designed to provide transit management team members with the “Need to Know” latest legal interpretations of fair employment laws and regulations. Through the use of legal case studies, regulatory and legislative developments (and changes) at the federal, state and local level, participants will learn the basics of employment law as it relates to managing your workforce; furthermore, building employee relationship. Topics covered may include and are not limited to: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Americans with Disabilities Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, Fair Labor Standards Act (2023’s proposed new rule), negligent hiring and retention, wrongful discharge and other fair employment practices (including applicable state laws) and how they apply to the day-to-day operations, and managing and supervision of employees, starting with the new hire application process At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:

List the legally protected classes upon which discrimination in employment is prohibited;
Compare and contrast an employer’s rights and obligations in recruiting and retaining its most qualified workforce;
Help ensure that the application of HR policies and practices does not inadvertently discriminate against members of any legally protected class.

5310 Performance Reviews (a.k.a. compliance reviews) (MTA SESSION): Presented by Nancy Huggins and Sharon Smith

In the session, you will learn all aspects of the performance review process related to having a federal grant. Including, but not limited to, 5310 grant management, policy and procedure review, procurement process evaluation, bus and facility inspection.

Lots Asset Management Performance & Targets Workshop (MTA SESSION): Presented by Caroline Miller

In this next iteration of our annual performance and target setting workshop, we will review all LOTS summary asset inventory and condition data submitted in August and discuss Tier II LOTS' asset management targets for FY 24.

Creating a Safety Culture - Presented by Dan Mulraney

The community's most vulnerable citizens are in our hands. Are we doing enough to keep them safe and secure? Are we keeping our team safe and secure? Are we paying attention to the details that matter? Together, let's explore some of the finer points of creating a culture of safety by involving the entire team, by being consistently observant, and being as proactive as we can, because we know that what is predictable is preventable. Let's learn from our mistakes, create good, well thought out policy and set obtainable goals. We can do this because we understand that safety is everybody's business!

Drivers identifying potential safety issues
Drivers completing incident/pre-trip reports
Effective report writing
Supervisor/Safety Officer follow-up
Feedback to the driver that initiated the incident
Creation of a Safety Committee
The inclusion of safety statistics for committee review
Recognition of safety trends/issues
Potential policy changes/training based on incident review
Ride-Along program
Cameras

Dignity and Respect - Presented by Mike Noel

All Transit agencies have a responsibility to ensure that all services are provided in a way that honors the dignity and respect of all employees, customers and all who come into contact with their agency. Front-line Transit employees have a special obligation to provide services to a wide variety of people of all ages, people with different social economic status, gender, race, religions, people with physical & intellectual disabilities, political differences, etc. in a manner that can not be miss-interpreted as being disrespectful. Employers must insure all employees are free from harassment or behavior associated with a hostile work environment. Public transportation agencies are an easy target for lawsuits and claims associated with these conditions.

This three-hour workshop has been designed by Attorney Jill Nagy and transportation consultant, Michael Noel, for front-line employees to give them a better understanding on how to conduct themselves in such a manner as to prevent this type of activity and the legal actions associated with issues of dignity and respect. This is not your typical diversity awareness training but has been designed to get to the root causes of many of these complaints and to give the participant the information and knowledge to keep themselves out of trouble and their agencies out of legal proceedings.

Item to be discussed include:

Understanding Dignity & Respect in the Transit Environment
Understanding Differences with a Group or Organization
What Does Dignity & Respect Mean at Your Work Place
Understanding Inherent Bias
Understanding Hostile Work Environments
Defining the Relationships with Customers
The Role of Social media on Bus Operator / Customer Relationships
What is Expected of All Employees – Everyday
Three Specific Dignity & Respect Issues in Transit: Age, Social Economic Status, PWD
Lessons Learned

Speak to Engage: Audience-Centered Presenting for Transit Professionals - Presented by Lisa Braithwaite

"Speak to Engage: Audience-Centered Presenting for Transit Professionals,” benefits participants at all levels of communication. This program teaches a model that puts the public’s needs first, so you can create an environment that serves them and provides engaging, effective and memorable communication. Which also reduces the stress and anxiety of the speaker!

Attendees will learn to:

Determine what people need, want and care about
Set objectives and desired outcomes
Design an effective, practical and relevant message
Build a communication structure that flows seamlessly
Create a strong opening and closing
Incorporate engagement and interaction
Develop a genuine approach that fosters human connection

Mandatory MDOT/MTA 5310 and LOTS sessions

Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) Study Complete - Now time to develop a transition plan (MTA SESSION): Presented by Christopher Wenz and Jason Kepple

MTA and our ZEB Study Consultant will present how to develop a Zero Emission Transition Plan. As a requirement to apply for FTA Low or No Emissions Discretionary Grant Opportunities, agencies must have a Zero Emissions Transition Plan. We will discuss what is required to be included in the plan, examples of how to meet the requirements, and advice on how and when to update the plan. This training session is for LOTS who are ready to move to a transition plan and/or have a transition plan that needs improvement.

LOTS Suballocation Methodology for Federal Formula Funding (MTA SESSION): Presented by Travis Johnson, Kathleen Donodeo, and Iftin Thompson

The MDOT Secretary of Transportation has approved a new and improved Suballocation Methodology for Federal Formula Funding. The new suballocation methodology will begin in FY2025. MDOT MTA staff and consultants will present the new suballocation methodology and provide an opportunity for questions and answers.

So, I have a 5310 Grant - Now What? - Presented by Nancy Huggins and Cydney Dickens

There are many responsibilities and obligations that go along with a federal grant. This training will take you step by step to successfully complete your grant commitments. This session is for 5310 'newbies' and seasoned grant recipients alike.

5310 Procuring Preventive Maintenance - Presented by Nancy Huggins and Laura Bristow

Procurement of PM can be a challenge so in this session you will learn the steps to successfully procure a company to provide the preventive maintenance needed to maintain your 5310 vehicles. You will also hear from some of your 5310 colleagues who have been through the process.

Recruitment, Selection & Hiring - the latest trends and pitfalls - Presented by Christine Walters

This presentation provides attendees with information on current trends, mandates, prohibitions, and proactive tips in talent acquisition practices.

In 2022, the U.S. EEOC published guidance for employers on the use of artificial intelligence to 'assess job applicants and employees.' The White House followed suit publishing, 'A Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights.' These efforts scrutinize and address restrictions in how employers may use certain technologies in their talent acquisition processes. Concurrently, the 'A' in DEIBA initiatives strives to ensure individuals with disabilities have access to those technologies. Add to that patchwork, 'ghosting,' 'quiet quitting' and a plethora of state and local laws that demand and prohibit what information you must provide and may not require of an applicant. Join this interactive session as we review these trends in 2023, the latest news, and proactive tips for assessing your company's TA practices.

Learning Objectives:

Hear current trends in federal, state and local laws that mandate what employers must provide applicants in the recruiting process.
Review current trends in federal, state and local laws that restrict or prohibit what employers may require of candidates in the selection process.
Receive proactive tips for reviewing and safeguarding your related policies, procedures, and programs.

Three Types of Transit Management - Presented by Lynn Berger

Leadership, Management, and Supervision are all key parts of transit organizations. Not all supervisors are managers, and not all leaders supervise. The goal of this workshop is to identify the three distinct areas and learn their purpose and limitations. Attendees will learn that unidentified leaders can be found in any position in their organization. This session is especially intended for those new to management, supervisory, or leadership roles, but is useful for all transit professionals.

Objectives:

Education of distinction between Leaders, Managers, and Supervisors
Discussion around Transit potential idiosyncrasies within these roles
Identification of skill sets necessary through Transit professionals
Tips for nurturing the talents and skills of Transit employees for these roles

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