The Marketing, Communications & Customer Experience Workshop focuses on all aspects of public transportation marketing and communications, including media relations, customer experience, social media, ridership initiatives, and best practices.
| Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 |
Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026
8:00 AM - 11:30 AM EST
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Location: Registration (Second Level) |
Location: Registration (Second Level) |
2026022408:0011:30 000 | TUE, FEB 24 |
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| Monday, Feb 23, 2026 |
Monday, Feb 23, 2026
7:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST
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Location: Registration (Second Level) |
Location: Registration (Second Level) |
2026022307:0011:00 000 | MON, FEB 23 |
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| Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 |
Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM EST
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Location: Registration (Second Level) |
Location: Registration (Second Level) |
2026022413:0015:30 000 | TUE, FEB 24 |
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| Sunday, Feb 22, 2026 |
Sunday, Feb 22, 2026
1:00 PM - 6:00 PM EST
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Location: Registration (Second Level) |
Location: Registration (Second Level) |
2026022213:0018:00 000 | SUN, FEB 22 |
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| Monday, Feb 23, 2026 |
Monday, Feb 23, 2026
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM EST
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Location: Registration (Second Level) |
Location: Registration (Second Level) |
2026022314:0016:00 000 | MON, FEB 23 |
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| Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 |
Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026
8:15 AM - 9:30 AM EST
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PIOs Workshop on Industry Chaos
In this session designed for PIOs, we’ll navigate this fast-paced storm of issues by exploring ways to plan and implement timely messages to all stakeholders. From identifying your audiences and creating messages that resonate with them to coaching executives and updating your crisis communications plan for new realities, this panel will share ripped-from-the-headline tips to keep you organized, disciplined and prepared for what’s next.
Speaker(s): Moderator: Thomas Becher, Communications Manager, Hampton Roads Transit Panelist: Maggie Daly Skogsbakken, MSIMC, Chief Communications Officer, Pace Suburban Bus Panelist: Orlando Toatley, Marketing and Communications Specialist, Rockford Mass Transit DistrictLocation: Harborside East (River Street Level) |
Location: Harborside East (River Street Level) |
2026022408:1509:30 000 | TUE, FEB 24 |
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| Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 |
Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026
1:30 PM - 2:45 PM EST
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Social Media
How to Leverage Social Media and Online Influencers to Educate the Public on Service Launches and Service Changes + Activity.
Speaker(s): Moderator: Arantxa Chavarria, Manager, Communications, Marketing and Community Relations, Long Beach Transit Panelist: Victor Rapez Betty, Communications Specialist II, Spokane Transit Authority Panelist: Patrick R. Schlitt, Marketing Manager, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority Panelist: Whitney Nichels, Vice President of Communications/Head of Social Media, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)Location: Harborside East (River Street Level) |
Location: Harborside East (River Street Level) |
2026022413:3014:45 000 | TUE, FEB 24 |
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| Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 |
Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026
4:30 PM - 5:45 PM EST
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Communicating New Service/Changes
Effectively communicating new transit services and service changes is critical to community adoption and operational success. In this session, hear from industry experts who have launched Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines and redesigned routes that significantly transformed how existing networks function. Whether implementing new service or adjusting routes to improve efficiency, this discussion will share practical, real-world insights and strategies you can apply within your own agency to better engage your community and manage change.
Speaker(s): Moderator: Armando Reyes Jr., Business Development and Public Affairs Manager, EMBARK Panelist: Carrie Black, Chief Public Affairs Officer, Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation Panelist: Mary Martinez Worth, VP Marketing and Communications, VIA Metropolitan Transit Panelist: Amanda Hare, Marketing & Communications Manager, Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (MAX Transit)Location: Harborside East (River Street Level) |
Location: Harborside East (River Street Level) |
2026022416:3017:45 000 | TUE, FEB 24 |
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| Monday, Feb 23, 2026 |
Monday, Feb 23, 2026
4:15 PM - 5:30 PM EST
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Employee Communications
Engagement in action. Connecting with employees where they are.
Speaker(s): Moderator: Ted Zimmerman, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, Trinity Metro Panelist: Mira Sleilati, Director, Internal Communications, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Panelist: Jaime Kazlo, Chair, APTA Marketing, Communications, and Customer Experience Committee; and Director of Corporate Communications, Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) Panelist: Michelle Robertson, Principal Marketing Representative, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit DistrictLocation: Harborside East (River Street Level) |
Location: Harborside East (River Street Level) |
2026022316:1517:30 000 | MON, FEB 23 |
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| Monday, Feb 23, 2026 |
Monday, Feb 23, 2026
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM EST
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General Session: Lunch & Learn by System Size (SMALL)
Grab a boxed lunch and discuss challenges your system encounters, your insights, successes – and failures – with your fellow marketing and communications colleagues.
~ SMALL SYSTEMS (3 million or fewer passenger trips annually) Facilitator: Chris Ackerman | Room: Harborside East (River Street Level) Speaker(s): Facilitator: Chris Ackerman, Senior Marketing Manager/PIO, Victor Valley Transit AuthorityLocation: Harborside East (River Street Level) |
Location: Harborside East (River Street Level) |
2026022312:0013:30 005 | MON, FEB 23 |
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| Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 |
Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM EST
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The Psychology of Ridership
There are many tactics to help agencies build ridership. Have you tried psychology? Attend this session to learn how agencies are utilizing behavior change to support transit and build ridership, from service reorganization to special events and niche markets.
Speaker(s): Moderator: Elisa Marie Carvallo, Marketing Specialist, OMNITRANS Panelist: Dave Etienne, Marketing Director, Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority(SORTA)/Metro Panelist: Danny Mager, President/Owner, AFFIRM Agency Panelist: Dia A Turner, Community Engagement Manager, Culver CityBus Panelist: Gus Maxwell, Public Outreach Coordinator, Hampton Roads TransitLocation: Harborside East (River Street Level) |
Location: Harborside East (River Street Level) |
2026022410:0011:15 000 | TUE, FEB 24 |
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| Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 |
Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026
3:00 PM - 4:15 PM EST
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Storytelling in Service of Transit Funding
Storytelling to get you funded! As many transit systems face fiscal cliffs and increasing financial pressures, effective storytelling becomes even more effective in pursuaing decision makers to support and fund transit.
Speaker(s): Moderator: Michelle Robertson, Principal Marketing Representative, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District Panelist: Tina Smith, Director, Regional Transportation Authority Panelist: Catherine Kummer, Director, Marketing and Communications, Charlotte Area Transit SystemLocation: Harborside East (River Street Level) |
Location: Harborside East (River Street Level) |
2026022415:0016:15 000 | TUE, FEB 24 |
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| Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026 |
Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026
8:30 AM - 9:45 AM EST
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Public Outreach
Hear about different approaches to public outreach from various agencies, including C-Tran, Macon-Bibb County Transit, and Community Transit.
Speaker(s): Moderator: Frances Jordan, Strategic Communications Manager, AECOM Panelist: Jami Gaudet, Public Information Officer, Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority Panelist: Jay Housgard, Community Engagement Coordinator, C-TRAN Panelist: Jennifer Jeter, Marketing Director, Community TransitLocation: Harborside East (River Street Level) |
Location: Harborside East (River Street Level) |
2026022508:3009:45 000 | WED, FEB 25 |
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| Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026 |
Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026
10:15 AM - 11:25 AM EST
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Recruitment & Retention
Understanding your talent pool, meeting applicants where they are, & building relationships with your candidate pipeline.
Speaker(s): Moderator: Maggie Daly Skogsbakken, MSIMC, Chief Communications Officer, Pace Suburban Bus Panelist: Annmarie Carmody, Communications Manager, International Transportation Learning Center Panelist: Alex Kumnik, Director of Transportation Training, Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) Panelist: Glenn Huetter, Senior Recruiter, Pittsburgh Regional Transit PRT Panelist: Stephanie Weaver, Communications & Public Relations Manager, Pinellas Suncoast Transit AuthorityLocation: Harborside East (River Street Level) |
Location: Harborside East (River Street Level) |
2026022510:1511:25 000 | WED, FEB 25 |
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| Monday, Feb 23, 2026 |
Monday, Feb 23, 2026
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM EST
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Public Outreach: Building Trust Before Barriers
Learn how varies transit agencies approach community outreach during high impact projects.
Speaker(s): Moderator: Jaime Kazlo, Chair, APTA Marketing, Communications, and Customer Experience Committee; and Director of Corporate Communications, Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) Panelist: Jeff Pullin, Director, Public & Media Relations, Central Ohio Transit Authority Panelist: Mischa Wanek-Libman, Director of Communications, Transdev North America Panelist: Zack Farmer, Communications Administrator, Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District Speaker: Brandon Wolf, Communications Specialist, Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority - DARTLocation: Harborside East (River Street Level) |
Location: Harborside East (River Street Level) |
2026022310:3011:45 000 | MON, FEB 23 |
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| Monday, Feb 23, 2026 |
Monday, Feb 23, 2026
1:45 PM - 4:00 PM EST
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Marketing Exchange and Roundtables
Registered attendees will be emailed the first week of February with instructions on shipping your chosen promotional products to the hotel for the Marketing Exchange.
Location: Regency Ballroom/Regency Mezzinine (Second Level) |
Location: Regency Ballroom/Regency Mezzinine (Second Level) |
2026022313:4516:00 000 | MON, FEB 23 |
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| Monday, Feb 23, 2026 |
Monday, Feb 23, 2026
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM EST
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General Session: Lunch & Learn by System Size (MEGA)
Grab a boxed lunch and discuss challenges your system encounters, your insights, successes – and failures – with your fellow marketing and communications colleagues.
~ MEGA SYSTEMS (More than 50 million passenger trips annually) Facilitator: Greg Giuffrida | Room: Scarbrough Ballroom 4-5 (Lobby Level) Speaker(s): Facilitator: Greg Giuffrida, Director of Capital Communications, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit AuthorityLocation: Scarbrough Ballroom (Lobby Level) |
Location: Scarbrough Ballroom (Lobby Level) |
2026022312:0013:30 002 | MON, FEB 23 |
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| Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 |
Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026
1:30 PM - 2:45 PM EST
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Marketing Design
This session explores how thoughtful marketing design can transform everyday transit deliverables into powerful customer touchpoints. With a focus on wayfinding, visual clarity, and rider-centered storytelling, presenters will challenge attendees to rethink “basic” transit materials through a fresh, modern lens. Learn how intentional design choices can improve navigation, enhance rider confidence, and create a more intuitive and welcoming transit experience that truly resonates with today’s customers.
Speaker(s): Moderator: Michelle Morgan, Marketing & Communications Manager, OMNITRANS Panelist: Alex Kinkopf, Marketing Program Coordinator, Valley Metro Panelist: Jacki Lenners, Deputy General Manager, Mountain Line Panelist: Amanda Baird, Director of Communications and Marketing, Pinellas Suncoast Transit AuthorityLocation: Harborside West (River Street Level) |
Location: Harborside West (River Street Level) |
2026022413:3014:45 000 | TUE, FEB 24 |
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| Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 |
Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM EST
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Make It Personal: Human-centered Storytelling
Storytelling may be the latest buzzword, but what type of stories are effective in advancing support for transit projects. Learn how everything from video testimonials to podcasts are working for transit agencies from Maryland to Washington.
Speaker(s): Moderator: Adam Shumaker, Principal, AS3 Storytelling Panelist: Ken Melton, APR, Red Line Communication & Community Engagement Director, Maryland Transit Administration Panelist: Brandy Jones, APR, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer, Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority(SORTA)/Metro Panelist: Kayla Greenland, Digital Media Coordinator, C-TRANLocation: Harborside West (River Street Level) |
Location: Harborside West (River Street Level) |
2026022410:0011:15 000 | TUE, FEB 24 |
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| Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 |
Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026
8:15 AM - 9:30 AM EST
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CX | From Challenges to Change: How to Design and Deliver a CX Action Plan
What does it take to create a Customer Experience Action Plan? This session will tell you everything you need to know how to identify pain points riders experience, how to prioritize them, and how to build a plan that identifies actions the agency will take to remedy pain points and improve customer experience. Panelists will also talk about how they got authorization to create a CX plan, what tangible outcomes that their plan created, and lessons learned.
Speaker(s): Moderator: Aaron Weinstein, Founder and CEO, Transit CX Moderator: Alicia Leite, Senior Associate, Transit Planning & CX, HNTB Panelist: Patricia Lucy, Director. Brand, Marketing & Ridership Division, South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (TransLink) Panelist: Michael Helta, Chief Customer Experience Officer, Maryland Transit Administration Panelist: Jennifer Vides, Chief Customer Experience Officer, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Panelist: Andy Stevenson, Customer Experience Project Manager, Utah Transit AuthorityLocation: Harborside West (River Street Level) |
Location: Harborside West (River Street Level) |
2026022408:1509:30 000 | TUE, FEB 24 |
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| Monday, Feb 23, 2026 |
Monday, Feb 23, 2026
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM EST
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General Session: Lunch & Learn by System Size (MEDIUM)
Grab a boxed lunch and discuss challenges your system encounters, your insights, successes – and failures – with your fellow marketing and communications colleagues.
~ MEDIUM SYSTEMS (More than 3 million, but fewer than 15 million passenger trips annually) Facilitator: Carrie Black | Room: Harborside West (River Street Level) Speaker(s): Facilitator: Carrie Black, Chief Public Affairs Officer, Indianapolis Public Transportation CorporationLocation: Harborside West (River Street Level) |
Location: Harborside West (River Street Level) |
2026022312:0013:30 004 | MON, FEB 23 |
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| Monday, Feb 23, 2026 |
Monday, Feb 23, 2026
4:15 PM - 5:30 PM EST
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PIOs Roundtable
An open discussion of shared challenges, successes, and tips for success with fellow PIOs.
Location: Harborside West (River Street Level) |
Location: Harborside West (River Street Level) |
2026022316:1517:30 000 | MON, FEB 23 |
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| Sunday, Feb 22, 2026 |
Sunday, Feb 22, 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST
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Location: Harborside West (River Street Level) |
Location: Harborside West (River Street Level) |
2026022215:0017:00 000 | SUN, FEB 22 |
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| Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 |
Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026
3:00 PM - 4:15 PM EST
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Technology/AI
How to Use AI as an Effective and Ethical Tool in Transit
Speaker(s): Moderator: Patrick R. Schlitt, Marketing Manager, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority Panelist: Chris Ackerman, Senior Marketing Manager/PIO, Victor Valley Transit Authority Panelist: Randol White, Public Information Officer, San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans/Caltrain/SMCTA)Location: Harborside West (River Street Level) |
Location: Harborside West (River Street Level) |
2026022415:0016:15 000 | TUE, FEB 24 |
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| Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 |
Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026
4:30 PM - 5:45 PM EST
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The Impact of Safety and Security on Transit Ridership and Image
Safety and security is a hot topic lately, but how can we address this topic from a marketing, communications, and customer experience approach?
Speaker(s): Moderator: Glen Becerra, Principal, Becerra Strategies Panelist: Jeamy Molina, EVP & Chief Communications Officer, Dallas Area Rapid Transit Panelist: Devra Selenis, VP, Communications and Partnerships, Sacramento Regional Transit District Panelist: Seth Daphne Esmeson, Program Manager Transit Safety, Sound TransitLocation: Harborside West (River Street Level) |
Location: Harborside West (River Street Level) |
2026022416:3017:45 000 | TUE, FEB 24 |
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| Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026 |
Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026
10:15 AM - 11:25 AM EST
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CX | Break Down Silos: Build Up CX – Collaborative Approach to Transit Excellence
Customer Experience is not just a department, it’s a culture. This session brings together leaders from Operations, Marketing, and CX to share real-world strategies for embedding customer-centricity across your agency. Learn how to align goals, overcome resistance, and leverage each team’s strengths to deliver measurable improvements in rider satisfaction and operational efficiency. Walk away with practical tools, case studies, and a roadmap for transforming collaboration into lasting CX success.
Speaker(s): Moderator: Roan R Bennett, Principal, Bennett Management Consulting and Advisory Services Panelist: Veronica Battisti, Sr. Director - Marketing/Media, Maryland Transit Administration - N Eutaw St. Panelist: Nicholas Biggar, Senior Director - Customer Experience & Performance Management, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Panelist: Andrew Burke, Chief Operating Officer, WeGo Public TransitLocation: Harborside West (River Street Level) |
Location: Harborside West (River Street Level) |
2026022510:1511:25 000 | WED, FEB 25 |
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| Sunday, Feb 22, 2026 |
Sunday, Feb 22, 2026
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EST
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Location: Harborside West (River Street Level) |
Location: Harborside West (River Street Level) |
2026022213:0014:30 000 | SUN, FEB 22 |
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| Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026 |
Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026
8:30 AM - 9:45 AM EST
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Optimizing Customer Service: Efficiency, Empathy, and Innovation
In this session, you’ll discover how teams are streamlining inquiries across phone, digital, and in-person channels; routing concerns in real time through better coordination and smarter tools; and improving response quality without relying on chatbots. Hear how innovative coaching models, hands-on training, and standardized communication practices are reducing burnout, strengthening staff confidence, and dramatically improving turnaround times. You’ll gain practical, scalable strategies to elevate complaint handling, boost rider trust, and turn moments of frustration into moments of service excellence.
Speaker(s): Moderator: Shanika Johnson, Director of Customer Experience, Pittsburgh Regional Transit Panelist: Nozomi Shoji, Supervisor, Corporate Communications Department (customer feedback), East Japan Railway Company Panelist: Collette Anderson, Director, Metropolitan Transportation Authority - New York Panelist: Aaron Weinstein, Founder and CEO, Transit CX Panelist: Yuta Murakoshi, Supervisor, Corporate Communications Department (Customer feedback), East Japan Railway Company Panelist: Katie Navidi, Project Manager- User Research & Insights, Sound Transit Panelist: Abigail Luddy-Dunn, Support Lead, Transit appLocation: Harborside West (River Street Level) |
Location: Harborside West (River Street Level) |
2026022508:3009:45 000 | WED, FEB 25 |
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| Sunday, Feb 22, 2026 |
Sunday, Feb 22, 2026
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM EST
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Welcome Reception
Get ready to connect and collaborate with top industry experts at the workshop's opening reception. Enjoy cocktails and light bites while mingling with industry colleagues.
Location: Scarborough Ballroom (Lobby Level) |
Location: Scarborough Ballroom (Lobby Level) |
2026022218:0019:00 000 | SUN, FEB 22 |
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| Monday, Feb 23, 2026 |
Monday, Feb 23, 2026
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM EST
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Location: See Host Desk for Details |
Location: See Host Desk for Details |
2026022314:0016:00 000 | MON, FEB 23 |
FEAD4467-E1A2-F011-8105-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 |
Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM EST
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Location: See Host Desk for Details |
Location: See Host Desk for Details |
2026022409:0010:00 000 | TUE, FEB 24 |
FEAD4467-E1A2-F011-8105-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 |
Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST
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Location: See Host Desk for Details |
Location: See Host Desk for Details |
2026022414:0015:00 000 | TUE, FEB 24 |
FEAD4467-E1A2-F011-8105-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Feb 23, 2026 |
Monday, Feb 23, 2026
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM EST
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CX | Elevating the Rider Experience through Smarter Communication & Collaboration
This session highlights the future of transit communication, accessibility, and rider safety. Learn how to align marketing, customer experience, and revenue teams to deliver clear, consistent messaging around fare changes and new payment technologies. Learn about a new communication tool providing on-demand American Sign Language interpretation. Get an inside look at real-time safety communication system, designed to address rule-breaking behavior and enhance station safety. Join us to gain practical, innovative strategies that strengthen rider trust and elevate the customer experience across your network.
Speaker(s): Moderator: Shanika Johnson, Director of Customer Experience, Pittsburgh Regional Transit Speaker: Joe Felice, Senior Marketing Manager, Vix Technology Panelist: Jonathan Braddick, Senior Manager Innovation Partnerships, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Panelist: Jessica Gonzalez, Director of Marketing, Communication and Public Information, Sacramento Regional Transit District Panelist: Jennifer Turner, Manager of Transit Amenities, Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT)Location: Regency Ballroom (Second Level) |
Location: Regency Ballroom (Second Level) |
2026022310:3011:45 000 | MON, FEB 23 |
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| Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026 |
Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026
11:35 AM - 12:00 PM EST
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Closing Session Discussion with Connor Torossian, Federal Transit Administration, Associate Administrator for Communications and Congressional Affairs, Washington, DC.
Speaker(s): Featured Speaker: Connor Torossian, Associate Administrator, Federal Transit AdministrationLocation: Regency Ballroom (Second Level) |
Location: Regency Ballroom (Second Level) |
2026022511:3512:00 000 | WED, FEB 25 |
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| Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 |
Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026
3:00 PM - 4:15 PM EST
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CX | Research That Moves Transit Forward: Innovative Techniques for CX
Research is the cornerstone for transit customer experience programs – bringing the voice of the customer into agencies to optimize alignment with customer needs. In this session, you will learn about innovative research techniques: ride-along research to get deep in-the-moment insights into the rider experience, use of AI to code and analyze rider feedback, use of eye-tracking to inform wayfinding signage design, and best practices to collect accurate customer satisfaction data that you can rely on.
Speaker(s): Moderator: Aaron Weinstein, Founder and CEO, Transit CX Panelist: Carolyn Bufford Funk, PhD, Senior Customer Experience (CX) Researcher, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Panelist: Christopher Wyczalkowski, PhD, Director of Customer Insights, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority Panelist: Kellie Melleady, Customer Experience Lead, TransPro ConsultingLocation: Regency Ballroom (Second Level) |
Location: Regency Ballroom (Second Level) |
2026022415:0016:15 000 | TUE, FEB 24 |
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| Monday, Feb 23, 2026 |
Monday, Feb 23, 2026
4:15 PM - 5:30 PM EST
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More Than a Birthday: How Transit Agencies Turn Anniversaries into Brand-Building Moments
Major milestones and anniversaries present powerful opportunities for transit agencies to celebrate their legacy, engage riders, and strengthen community connections. In this session, industry leaders from Milwaukee County Transit System, Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit), Pace Suburban Bus, and Sun Tran share how they strategically planned and marketed landmark moments to drive awareness and participation. Attendees will learn how these agencies stretched every advertising dollar, leveraged transit media, and executed inclusive, community-centered events that brought together leadership, riders, and stakeholders—turning celebrations into meaningful brand-building moments.
Speaker(s): Moderator: Maria Starnes, Director, Transit Business Development, Lamar Transit, LLC Panelist: Brian DeNeve, Communications, Marketing and Events Director, Milwaukee County Transit System Panelist: Andy Nern, Marketing Manager, AC Transit (Alameda Contra-Costa Transit District) Panelist: Douglas Sullivan, Manager, External Relations, Pace Suburban BusLocation: Regency Ballroom (Second Level) |
Location: Regency Ballroom (Second Level) |
2026022316:1517:30 000 | MON, FEB 23 |
FEAD4467-E1A2-F011-8105-ED7CCB3A2628 08AE4467-E1A2-F011-8105-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 |
Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026
11:30 AM - 1:15 PM EST
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Location: Regency Ballroom (Second Level) |
Location: Regency Ballroom (Second Level) |
2026022411:3013:15 000 | TUE, FEB 24 |
FEAD4467-E1A2-F011-8105-ED7CCB3A2628 06AE4467-E1A2-F011-8105-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Feb 23, 2026 |
Monday, Feb 23, 2026
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM EST
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Opening General Session with Keynote Address
Come help us kick off APTA’s 2026 MCX Workshop. Hear from APTA leadership, our host, Chatham Area Transit (CAT), and our featured speaker Anthony L. Huey. Find Your It Factor! Speaker(s): Keynote Speaker: Anthony L. Huey, CSP®, President & Presenter, CommunicateClearly.com Virtual Remarks: Leanne Redden, Chair, APTA; Executive Director, Regional Transportation Authority President's Welcome: Paul P. Skoutelas, President and CEO, American Public Transportation Association Host: Stephanie Cutter, Interim CEO, Chatham Area Transit Authority Welcome: Jaime Kazlo, Chair, APTA Marketing, Communications, and Customer Experience Committee; and Director of Corporate Communications, Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA)Location: Regency Ballroom (Second Level) |
Location: Regency Ballroom (Second Level) |
2026022308:0010:00 000 | MON, FEB 23 |
FEAD4467-E1A2-F011-8105-ED7CCB3A2628 06AE4467-E1A2-F011-8105-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Feb 23, 2026 |
Monday, Feb 23, 2026
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM EST
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General Session: Lunch & Learn by System Size (LARGE)
Grab a boxed lunch and discuss challenges your system encounters, your insights, successes – and failures – with your fellow marketing and communications colleagues.
~ LARGE SYSTEMS (More than 15 million, but fewer than 50 million passenger trips annually) Facilitator: Gavin Gustafson | Room: Regency Ballroom (Second Level) Speaker(s): Facilitator: Gavin Gustafson, Utah Transit AuthorityLocation: Regency Ballroom (Second Level) |
Location: Regency Ballroom (Second Level) |
2026022312:0013:30 003 | MON, FEB 23 |
FEAD4467-E1A2-F011-8105-ED7CCB3A2628 06AE4467-E1A2-F011-8105-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026 |
Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026
11:25 AM - 11:35 AM EST
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Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
2026022511:2511:35 000 | WED, FEB 25 |
FEAD4467-E1A2-F011-8105-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Feb 23, 2026 |
Monday, Feb 23, 2026
11:45 AM - 12:00 PM EST
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Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
2026022311:4512:00 000 | MON, FEB 23 |
FEAD4467-E1A2-F011-8105-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 |
Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM EST
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Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
2026022409:3010:00 000 | TUE, FEB 24 |
FEAD4467-E1A2-F011-8105-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 |
Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026
2:45 PM - 3:00 PM EST
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Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
2026022414:4515:00 000 | TUE, FEB 24 |
FEAD4467-E1A2-F011-8105-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 |
Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026
1:15 PM - 1:30 PM EST
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Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
2026022413:1513:30 000 | TUE, FEB 24 |
FEAD4467-E1A2-F011-8105-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 |
Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026
11:15 AM - 11:30 AM EST
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Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
2026022411:1511:30 000 | TUE, FEB 24 |
FEAD4467-E1A2-F011-8105-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026 |
Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM EST
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Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
2026022507:3008:30 000 | WED, FEB 25 |
FEAD4467-E1A2-F011-8105-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Feb 23, 2026 |
Monday, Feb 23, 2026
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM EST
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Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
2026022310:0010:30 000 | MON, FEB 23 |
FEAD4467-E1A2-F011-8105-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 |
Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026
4:15 PM - 4:30 PM EST
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Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
2026022416:1516:30 000 | TUE, FEB 24 |
FEAD4467-E1A2-F011-8105-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Feb 23, 2026 |
Monday, Feb 23, 2026
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM EST
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General Session: Lunch & Learn by System Size
Grab a boxed lunch in the prefunction area and head to one of four rooms that correspond with your agency’s size – small, medium, large, or mega. It’s an ideal opportunity to discuss challenges your system encounters, your insights, successes – and failures – with your fellow marketing and communications colleagues.
Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
2026022312:0013:30 001 | MON, FEB 23 |
FEAD4467-E1A2-F011-8105-ED7CCB3A2628 06AE4467-E1A2-F011-8105-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 |
Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026
7:15 AM - 8:15 AM EST
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Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
2026022407:1508:15 000 | TUE, FEB 24 |
FEAD4467-E1A2-F011-8105-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Feb 23, 2026 |
Monday, Feb 23, 2026
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM EST
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Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
2026022313:3013:45 000 | MON, FEB 23 |
FEAD4467-E1A2-F011-8105-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Feb 23, 2026 |
Monday, Feb 23, 2026
4:00 PM - 4:15 PM EST
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Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
2026022316:0016:15 000 | MON, FEB 23 |
FEAD4467-E1A2-F011-8105-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026 |
Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026
9:45 AM - 10:15 AM EST
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Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
2026022509:4510:15 000 | WED, FEB 25 |
FEAD4467-E1A2-F011-8105-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Feb 23, 2026 |
Monday, Feb 23, 2026
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM EST
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Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
Location: Regency Prefunction (Second Level) |
2026022307:0008:00 000 | MON, FEB 23 |
FEAD4467-E1A2-F011-8105-ED7CCB3A2628 |