LAS VEGAS UMA Motorcoach Expo 2010 will feature more than a dozen focused educational sessions designed to help coach company owners and managers make their operations more successful.

The two days of workshops, presentations and panel discussions cover a variety of topics in three principal areas: Marketing, finance and operations.

Here are the educational sessions scheduled for Expo 10:

Wednesday, Feb. 24

8 8:30 a.m. Bus & Motorcoach Academy: Learning How to Learn
Thinking of taking a course through Bus & Motorcoach Academy but intimidated by online learning? In this session attendees will learn the ins and outs of online academy courses, and see that online learning is just as simple as opening a textbook.

9 a.m.--4 p.m. Maintenance Interchange
This session, which is closed to vendors, is the only place where motorcoach owners, operators and maintenance professionals can participate in an open discussion about common maintenance issues.

910 a.m. Thriving in the New Economy
This session will focus on what operators are doing to not only survive these challenging times, but thrive by developing new markets and finding new, creative and profitable ways to utilize their capital investments. Learn from operators who have not only survived but, in fact. thrived on what the New Economy has to offer.

1010:45 a.m. Legislative & Regulatory Update
Attendees will be brought up to speed on key federal legislative and regulatory initiatives, as well as gain insights into what we can expect from 113th Congress.

11 a.m. Noon Concurrent Sessions

FaceBook, Twitter, YouTube: How Social Marketing Can Grow Your Business
New words and phrases have entered our everyday jargon. With FaceBook, YouTube and Twitter it has forced companies to rethink how they market, position and brand their companies. Find out how you can capitalize on these new social marketing channels to reach new markets, better position your company and increase market share.

Using Driver Training to Improve Retention
Everyone recognizes the value of making sure your drivers are trained regularly to keep up with new regulations and ensure their driving and decision-making skills remain sharp. In this session attendees will learn to turn their normal training routine into a tool that reduces driver turnover.

Protecting Your Assets While Maintaining Tight Relations with Your Lenders
During the past year, credit availability has dropped while criteria for securing a loan have become more stringent. Further exacerbating the problem, revenue from operations has dropped and equipment values have slid, leaving many loan portfolios upside down. Unless operators are proactive, lenders will lose confidence and pull back on their financial support. Attendees will learn how to protect their investment and still maintain an effective working relationship with their lenders.

12:15-2 p.m. Operator Lunch

2:15 3:15 p.m. Concurrent Sessions

Bargain Hunting: Buying Print, Broadcast and Cable Advertising
Advertising across all media channels is down, particularly in print and somewhat in cable. What this means is that there are bargains to be had, thus giving operators a more affordable chance to add these media to their marketing mix. Learn how to negotiate like a Madison Avenue pro and get the best advertising deal for your company.

FAQS about FMCSRs
This is a chance for attendees to ask questions, get information and clarify matters dealing with drivers, hours of service, medical qualifications, record keeping and other complex Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation-related issues.

2:15 4:30 p.m. How to Exceed in a Down Economy
Just because the economy is struggling doesnt mean you should settle for below-par performance. Opportunities to not only grow but boost your business above the norm are out there. Learn what Duane Spader, founder of UMAs 20 Groups, has learned working with some of the top performing companies in our industry.

3:30 4:30 p.m. Concurrent Sessions

Staying Connected with Your Customers When They Are Not Traveling with You
Economic pressures have forced some of your best clients to postpone or cancel trips. Youve not only lost their business but youve also been put in that awful position of "being out of sight and out of mind" with your customers. Learn how to ensure customers remain loyal to you and not fall into the clutches of your competitor.

Planning for Catastrophic Events
No one likes to think about accidents or other mishaps, but sadly they do occur, even to the best companies. This means you need to be ready for even the worst type of tragedy every time one of your coaches leaves the yard. Attendees will be taught a game plan to have in place, making sure everyone in the company knows exactly what to do when disaster strikes.

Thursday, Feb. 25

8:30 9:30 a.m. The Future of Equipment Manufacturing: View from the Equipment CEOs
The greatest investment you make in this industry occurs when you purchase a coach. With prices now approaching a half-million dollars, the decision is an important one. Equipment changes are being mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The presidents of the Expo Platinum Sponsors will address these issues, plus discuss changes they may be making to accommodate shifts in consumer preference and the entry of new equipment into the marketplace.

9:3010:30 a.m. Concurrent Sessions

Internet Marketing: Where Are We Today?
The internet has not only changed the way our customers shop, but has created an enormous opportunity for small operators to level the proverbial "playing field" and compete against larger companies. At the same time, savvy group-travel shoppers are finding new and creative ways to find the best company. You want to make sure that when these smart new consumers do a search for charter buses, your company shows up on their radar screen. Come and learn what tools are available to give motorcoach operators a leg up, as well as a competitive advantage over the brokers who merely skim profits off the top line.

Surviving a USDOT Audit
When the call comes that the local representative of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is coming to do a compliance review, panic often sets in. How do I prepare? What should I expect? What do I need to have available for the inspector to make the process smooth and quick? What should I do while the inspector is here? Learn what you need to do to be ready when the FMCSA inspector shows up at your door.

Applying for Federal Grants
One of the least understood and least utilized resources are federal grants. One example is grants available to help start line-run service in rural areas through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 5311 (f) program. There are other sources of federal funds and tapping into them is not that difficult, provided you know how to go about applying for these grants. Learn the ins and outs of getting federal grant dollars and how you can increase your companys value in your community.