The 2024 UMA Motorcoach EXPO in Raleigh, North Carolina, provided the perfect place for people to reconnect. It also marked the 40th anniversary of the first EXPO. There was a lot going on, from educational seminars to the exhibit hall where United Motorcoach Association Members had a chance to see and touch the latest products to grow their businesses. Even for those who attended, it was hard to see everything. Thanks to the hard work of the Terrapin Blue team, you can see what you were a part of — and what you missed. Below is a sampling of the hundreds of photos taken at the EXPO. Check out the full gallery here.
DAY 1
Check out the excitement as UMA Members and vendors arrive in Raleigh for the UMA EXPO in this video, which features UMA Board Member Kevin Creighton; industry social influencers and motorcoach drivers Rachel Greenwell and Sean O’Meara; Sandy Follis, of Sardo Bus & Coach; Marcus Griffin, of Prevost; John Grzywacz, of CIT Signature Transportation; Nate Mumm, with REI; Chip Marinelli, with Exotic Bus & Limo; Ed Harmon, of ABC Companies; UMA Board Member Scott Riccio; and Jim Mishaud, with Michaud Bus Services. The first day began with registration and the UMA State Association Summit. The evening was capped off by the UMA Welcome Reception at Kings Entertainment, where industry friends reconnected and enjoyed bowling, billiards and retro arcade games.
DAY 2
The second day focused on educational sessions to give Members ideas for growing their businesses. The UMA EXPO Opening Session featured a legislative and regulatory update with Becky Weber and Ken Presley. The lunchtime event, sponsored by BusRates, featured keynote speaker and ESPN personality Marty Smith, whose speech was sponsored by Prevost. Smith, author of the book “Sideline CEO: Leadership Principles from Championship Coaches,” spoke about the lessons he has learned about leadership from interviewing numerous coaches. A daylong Maintenance Interchange was held, as well as sessions on topics ranging from best safety practices to DOT training. Motor Coach Industries (MCI) honored the contributions of Walter Sturdivant, who marked a half-century of service with MCI in April 2024. The day ended with UMA Members attending the Exhibit Hall Sneak Preview and the Sneak Preview After-Party at the convention center. In this Day 2 video, see a recap of the day’s fun.
DAY 3
The day began with the UMA International Driver Competition, sponsored by Lancer Insurance and Prevost, followed by the Maintenance Competition, sponsored by ABC Companies. More education sessions followed before the exhibit hall opened at noon. Village Travel received the UMA Environmental Leadership Award presented by MCI. The evening ended with the UMA Awards Gala, where the winners of the driver and maintenance competitions were announced. Panorama Tours’ Michelle Petelicki and her father, Joe Zak, received the UMA Vision Award for a small fleet company, while Vandalia Bus Lines’ siblings Melissa Kaemmerer and Dennis Streif accepted the UMA Vision Award for a large fleet company. Lancer Insurance’s Bob Crescenzo accepted the inaugural UMA Safety Professional Lifetime Achievement Award.
DAY 4
The EXPO wrapped up with one last morning for UMA Members to connect with vendors in the exhibit hall. New members in the association were recognized at an event on the show floor and presented with their official UMA Membership plaques. UMA ended the conference by announcing that next year’s EXPO will be in Oklahoma City. The EXPO marked the end of David Moody’s two-year tenure as UMA Board Chairman. Longtime board member Alan Thrasher took over the role. Moody reflected on his leadership role in this video.
See more coverage of the 2024 UMA Motorcoach EXPO.
