EVENTS

EXPO is more than workshops and intensives. We have several opportunities and special sessions planned to maximize networking and time with your industry peers. EXPO ’25 registration includes access to a number of signature events during the conference that no attendee will want to miss. Similar to previous years, you’ll hear from key Federal Transit Administration and CTAA leadership on critical issues like funding and regulations. Not only will you be able to network with your peers, but also Association staff and Board Members. The Trade show floor showcases the latest transit products and services, featuring vendors who are excited to work with you and your community. And this year, we will also be hosting an outdoor bus show, that sold out in record time. Finally, our Big Night Out this year will appropriately be themed “California Love,” with lots of fun and surprises in store.

Please note that you have a complimentary ticket to these events with your registration. To purchase extra tickets for guests, use the link below. 

Purchase Extra Tickets and Tours
Video of Big Night Out 2024
Monday, June 2

Coffee and Conversation

8:15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Network with your peers over coffee and tea to kick start your day!

OPENING General Session

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Town and Country A
Let EXPO begin!

WELCOME Reception

4:45 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.
Town and Country Flamingo and Lapper Lawns
Welcome to the 2025 EXPO in San Diego sponsored by TransDev.

Women In Transit Social Hour

4:45 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
Look Out Point
Women and femmes are encouraged to attend this social hour to toast to building strong, long-lasting relationships with other women in the transit industry. Grab the drink of your choice, continue the conversations you started during the “Women in Transit: Let’s Get Real” workshop or strike up a chat with someone you admire. Note this diversity event is intended to be for those who identify with this particular community.

LGBTQ+ in Transit Social Hour

5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Palm Room 8
It’s time to make merry and collaborate in a fun, inclusive, and welcoming retreat with other LGBTQIA+ folks. Let’s acknowledge that celebrating and valuing the diverse gender identities, and sexual orientations of individuals is key to a strong transit industry. Building a strong community inside the industry can help support our communities at large. Note this diversity event is intended to be for those who identify with this particular community. Thank you to Transdev for sponsoring this social hour!

BIPOC in Transit Social Hour

5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Palm Room 7
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color from the global majority are working in every area of the transit industry. As members of transit agencies and related industries, experiences vary wildly regarding how diversity of race, ethnicity, and culture are treated in the workplace. We are proud to host this social event for BIPOC attendees in partnership with Latinos in Transit (LIT).

Tuesday, June 3

Coffee and Conversation

8:15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Network with your peers over coffee and tea to kick start your day!

Trade show Grand Opening Reception

2:45 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Golden State Ballroom
Industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts come together in a relaxed and festive environment to celebrate the kick-off of this year's community transportation trade show. Be sure to engage with as many exhibitors as you can for a chance to make valuable contacts, but also win cash prizes! Bring your game ticket to the CTAA booth to enter. Must be present to win.

Bus show

3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Palm Tower Parking Lot
Our first outdoor bus show featuring the latest models and innovations. Be sure to engage with as many bus exhibitors as you can for a chance to make valuable contacts, but also win cash prizes! Bring your game ticket to the CTAA booth to enter. Must be present to win.

Trade show After Party

8:45 p.m. - 10:45 p.m.
Town and Country Foyer
Last year was a blast, be sure to check out this new annual event open to all EXPO attendees! Join our corporate partners and your friends for a relaxing evening with beverages, desserts and music. Whether you're looking to unwind after a day of insightful sessions or eager to make new business contacts, the after party is the ideal place to commemorate a successful CTAA 2025 trade show.

Wednesday, June 4

Coffee and Conversation

8:15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Convention Center, Grand Ballroom Foyer
Network with your peers over coffee and tea to kick start your day!

Closing General Session

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Convention Center, Grand Ballroom

Coffee and Innovation on the Tradeshow Floor

10:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Convention Center, Hall A
All EXPO attendees are encouraged to visit the trade show to visit with new and existing corporate partners. The first 500 visitors to the CTAA booth on Wednesday will get a coveted beach towel as a present. Make sure you visit exhibitor booths you may have missed on previous days. On Wedesday, attendees can play a fun card game with exhibitors for a chance to win cash prizes! Bring your game ticket to the CTAA booth to enter to win. Must be present to win. Visit Alivi for free smoothies! Visit TripMaster and Ecolane to get your Big Night Out Beach Bum Bonanza drink tickets. Note: this is the only place to get your Big Night Out drink tickets including a special real coconut drink so don’t miss stopping by the booth!

Bus show

10:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Palm Tower Parking Lot
Our first outdoor bus show featuring the latest models and innovations. Be sure to engage with as many bus exhibitors as you can for a chance to make valuable contacts, but also win cash prizes! Bring your game ticket to the CTAA booth to enter. Must be present to win.

CTAA's Leadership Academy Conclave and social hour (invite only)

2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Pacific C
Leadership Academy alumni are invited to join Leadership Academy instructors and CTAA staff for a leadership refresher. At the conclusion of the workshop, alumni will gather for additional networking in the rear of the room.

psst... special kick off to the california love party!

7:00 p.m. Poolside
Trust us, you won't want to miss this! Gather by the pool for a special kick-off to the last night of CTAA EXPO! Sponsored by UZURV.

The California Love Party (Big Night Out)

7:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Town and Country Ballroom
Costume Contest will be at 9:30 p.m., in the Town and Country Ballroom, cash prize. Themes are:

  • Old Hollywood
  • Vineyard Chic
  • Surf's Up
  • Flower Child
  • Festival Fashion

Thursday, June 5

MTS South Bay Facility Tour

Tour MTS’ South Bay Facility including ZEB infrastructure, Operations and Maintenance
Pick up time: 10:30 a.m.
Tour: 11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
Drop off time: 12:30 p.m.
Pick up/Drop off location: Town and Country Resort at the bus stop on Hotel Circle North
Free; limit 25

Old town walking Tour

11:00- 12:00
Tour Cost $30
Departure from Town and Country Resort: 10:30 a.m.
Travel back in time with us as we explore the Birthplace of California and the events and people who have transformed Old Town San Diego into the cultural destination it is today. This is one of the most in-depth tours of Old Town as our tour guide takes you on a journey through the historical eras, from the early Spanish settlements to the establishment of Mexican Independence to the California Gold Rush. Attendees will be guided by CTAA staff to take the light rail to the Old Town station. Attendees are on their own for the return to the hotel after the tour. The starting point is accessible via public transit. The tour starts at Twiggs Street & San Diego Avenue, which is an 8-minute walk from the Old Town Station.

The Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) and its members believe that mobility is a basic human right. From work and education to life-sustaining health care and human services programs to shopping and visiting with family and friends, mobility directly impacts quality of life.

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