South West Transit Association
Marketing Sessions
Tuesday 7/30/2024
11:45 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. - Lunch and Remarks by FTA Acting Administrator
Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool will provide remarks on behalf of the Federal Transit Administration, followed by a buffet lunch for all attendees. We’ll then feature a lunchtime discussion moderated by Acting Administrator Vanterpool and leaders of APTA, AASHTO and CTAA.
- Veronica Vanterpool, Acting Administrator - FTA
- Scott Bogren, Executive Director – Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA)
- Art Guzzetti, Vice President-Policy and Mobility – American Public Transportation Association (APTA)
- Nicole Majeski, Secretary – Delaware Department of Transportation (representing the American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials – AASHTO)
12:45 - 1:45 P.M. - AI on the Move: Revolutionizing Public Transit with Smart Technology
Discover the transformative impact of artificial intelligence across every facet of public transportation in this engaging session. From optimizing routes and scheduling to enhancing passenger experiences and safety, AI is reshaping how we move in urban environments. Join us to explore real-world applications, innovative technologies, and future trends that promise to revolutionize efficiency and accessibility in transit systems worldwide. Whether you're a policymaker, technologist, or transit professional, this session offers valuable insights into harnessing AI to meet the evolving demands of modern transportation. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be at the forefront of the AI revolution in public transit!
- Kirsten Alayon, Digital Media Supervisor - DART
- Tony Hansley, Head of Marketing and Innovation - Lawton Area Transit System
- Alexandra Aitken, Communications Director - South West Transit Assocation
2:00 - 3:15 P.M. - The Power of Short-Form Video: Engaging Your Audience in a Minute
Get ready for an action-packed session titled "The Power of Short-Form Video: Engaging Your Audience in a Minute"! Dive into the world of bite-sized content that's taking the digital landscape by storm. Discover how to captivate, entertain, and inform your audience in 60 seconds or less. Learn from industry experts about the secrets behind viral videos, the latest trends on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, and how to craft compelling stories that leave a lasting impact. Whether you're a seasoned content creator or a newbie looking to make a splash, this session will equip you with the tools and inspiration to master the art of short-form video and keep your audience coming back for more!
- Alexandra Aitken, Communications Director - South West Transit Assocation
- Tony Hansley, Head of Marketing and Innovation - Lawton Area Transit System
3:30 - 4:30 PM - AI-Powered Marketing for Transit Systems: A Hands-On Bootcamp
Discover how small or one-person marketing departments at Transit Systems can revolutionize their campaigns with the help of AI tools in this interactive workshop. We'll explore Chat GPT, Midjourney, Canva, and more, demonstrating how these tools can streamline the creation of effective marketing and communication strategies. Bring your laptops as we guide you through account setup and practical exercises, enabling you to craft stunning marketing assets with ease. Empower your marketing efforts with AI and learn to create impactful campaigns efficiently and effectively, regardless of your team's size.
4:30 - 5:30 PM - Marketing Happy Hour
Marketing Peeps Only!! Join us for Happy Hour at the Arena Game Rooms 2nd Floor.
Begins @ 5:30 P.M. - Social Event at Second Roadeo Brewing at the Stockyards
Unwind with your fellow conference attendees at Second Rodeo Brewing (https://secondrodeobrewing.com/) in Fort Worth’s famed Stockyards district. Attendees will receive 2 vouchers good for their choice of drinks and food. There’s no formal program at this optional social event.
Wednesday 7/31/2024
9:00 - 10:30 A.M. - The Customer Experience: Why it's the #1 factor in your success
Key topics include:
The customer journey in public transportation
The benefits of developing a Customer Experience program
The economic implications of a Customer Experience approach
Best practices and case studies: Gain practical insights into successful Customer Experience programs in different contexts.
Whether you're a seasoned transit professional or new to the field, this workshop offers high-level insights and actionable strategies to help you consider the customer experience within your public transportation system.
- Rick L'Amie, Communications & Marketing Manager - North Central Regional Transportation District (NCRTD)
- Adriana M. Hemzacek, Marketing Director - Icomera
10: 45 A.M. - 12:00 - En Route to Branding Success
Join us on a journey through the essential strategies and insights that pave the way to branding success. This session will explore key milestones and practical steps—from defining brand identity to leveraging digital platforms—that businesses can take to establish a strong and resonant brand presence in their market.
12: 00 - 1:00 P.M. - Lunch & SWTA Spotlight Awards
Join us for a buffet lunch while we recognize the winners of the 2024 SWTA Spotlight Awards celebrating 36 years of exceptional creativity in the transit industry!
1:15 - 1:45 P.M. - Spotlight Awards Recap
Alexandra Aitken, Communications Director - South West Transit Association
2:00 - 3:30 P.M. - Transit Advertising Forum
Maria Starnes, Director, Transit Business Development - Lamar Transit Advertising