By David Doran, District Mobility Manager, Community Transportation Association of Idaho
Entrepreneurial spirit: Mobility managers across the US are involved in very exciting projects that improve mobility and connect people with transportation options, resources and opportunities. Yet, in order to stay relevant and on the forefront of this modernization movement, initiatives for improving rural and urban mobility need to be fresh and innovative, increase efficiencies, reflect value and renew enthusiasm in the minds of decision-makers. The recent Mobility Management Conference and the CTAA EXPO conference held in Saint Paul, Minn., generated this entrepreneurial spirit and delivered a schedule packed with events, breakout sessions and networking opportunities - providing me and other attendees with ideas, skills and shared visions.
With a focus on national trends addressing non-emergency medical transportation and job access, the Mobility Management Special Conference: "Past, Present and Future" was particularly insightful. Using a design-thinking process, mobility management practitioners heard from nationally recognized industry professionals and guest speakers, exchanged ideas and developed solutions to complex, genuine mobility scenarios. This empathetic exploration provided many take-home ideas and empirical strategies relevant to today's public transportation challenges. Coupled with the subsequent conversation free-flow- the EXPO "Idea Cafes" promoted an inclusive opportunity to network with experts on specific issues and emerging national trends - while sipping a beverage in an informal café style atmosphere.
EXPO offerings: EXPO also provided other industry professionals with hands-on training and certification programs to improve proficiency and best-practice standards. With intensive training sessions that addressed everything from financial management, vehicle maintenance, safety and security, policies and procedures and harnessing leadership potential (just to name a few) - CTAA continues to demonstrate leadership and commitment in improving all aspects of the public transportation industry. If you have not had an opportunity to experience what CTAA has to offer, I would definitely recommend this conference. With all that the 2014 Conference and EXPO has provided me, I'm looking forward to next year's conference, and those in years to come.
Have more mobility news that we should be reading and sharing? Let us know! Reach out to Sage Kashner (kashner@ctaa.org).
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