NORTH FALMOUTH, Mass. The New England Bus Association, the nations oldest regional bus trade group, conducted its annual meeting here early this month, taking a major step forward in its transition from a largely social organization to an association that assists and advocates for bus and coach operator members.

The meeting at Seacrest Oceanfront Resort & Conference Center in North Falmouth attracted upwards of 100 coach operators, associates and spouses from the six New England states -- Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut.

The four-day event featured panel discussions or presentations on bus safety, 2007 engine technology, working with the Federal Transit Administration, the business environment, regulatory and Washington issues, and using the latest bus and travel industry technology and software.

A panel of operators, discussing business conditions, featured Don DeVivo of DATTCO, Joe Cyr of Cyr Bus Lines, Tom McCaughey of Flagship Trailways, Peter Picknelly of Peter Pan Bus Lines, Ken Hunter of Concord Trailways, and Chris Andreasson of Vermont Transit.

Key presenters included Richard Doyle of the FTA, Michael Gummel of Paradigm Technology Consulting, Doug Weatherly of Detroit Diesel, and Ken Presley of the United Motorcoach Association.

There also was a bus tour of Cape Cod, a Cape Cod-canal cruise, a clambake and beach party, and golf outing.

The meeting had strong sponsor support from ABC Companies, DaimlerChrysler Commercial Buses, Lancer Insurance, Motor Coach Industries, Prevost Car, Turbo Images and others.

Leading the 82-year-old association in its resurgence is President Carl Lajeunesse of Pater Pan Bus Lines; Andreasson, who is vice president, and Secretary-Treasurer Darril King of DaimlerChrysler Commercial Buses.