Women in Buses Monthly Update: October 2025
Women in Buses Day information, WIB Awards, upcoming events, and more
OCTOBER 2025
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
- Becca Atkinson – Trobec’s Bus Service
- Bethany Bertram – Trobec’s Bus Service
- Britny Avery – Image Tours
- Carlie Widdifield – CCIS Travel
- Genevieve Clayton – Lancer Insurance Company
- Katie McDaniel – Luray Caverns Corporation
- Tracy Fickett, CPA – BUSBooks, LLC
WOMEN IN BUSES DAY
If you are attending Marketplace in Reno, NV, don’t forget to make your travel arrangements to include Women in Buses Day. This is our annual opportunity to get together as a council and celebrate our accomplishments from the prior year and discuss our future goals for 2026. The theme this year will be centered around GOALS, how to identify and accomplish those goals. More exciting announcements to come, so keep an eye on our social media and also the newsletter!
Friday, January 9, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm ET, Reception 5:00pm-6:00pm ET
ABA Marketplace Reno, NV
2026 WIB AWARD NOMINATIONS – EXTENDED TO NOVEMBER 12TH!
Leadership Award, nominate here
This award recognizes an individual or company that has advanced and promoted the role of women through mentoring, education, networking, or by creating meaningful opportunities for others.
Operational Excellence Award, nominate here
This award honors an individual who goes above and beyond in their role – from drivers and mechanics to customer service, sales, or operations – showing teamwork, dedication, and pride in their work.
These honors celebrate ABA members whose leadership, professionalism and passion make a lasting impact across the motorcoach, tourism and group travel industries.
CONNECTING THROUGH CONVERSATIONS (CTC) – A Networking Opportunity
CTC is the Women in Buses Council’s networking program designed to spark connections, one conversation at a time. Members are paired quarterly for virtual or in-person chats, creating opportunities to build relationships, share insights, and strengthen our industry.
Gearing up for the pairings in Q1 2026, sign up now!
“Networking and growing relationships through WIB participation is invaluable! I love meeting new people in the industry and learning more about roles and operations different from mine.”
WIB CALENDAR
Wednesday Webinar: When the Wheels Come Off: Managing Disputes, Compensation, and Customer Trust in Charter & Tour Services
Wednesday, November 5, 2:00 pm ET
Learn how to protect revenue while maintaining trust and fairness with customers when the unexpected happens.
*Unable to attend on the day of the webinar? Register and you will receive the recorded version that you can then watch at your convenience.
Meet & Eat
Wednesday, November 19, 1:00 pm ET
Curious about something? Looking for advice? Or just want to meet some incredible people in tourism?
Come join our monthly virtual chat! This is your space to guide the conversation, swap ideas, and make genuine connections across the industry. Whether you’re here to learn, share, or simply network, you’ll find a welcoming community. Many great friendships, and even game-changing collaborations have started in these chats. Don’t miss out!
WIB – ON THE ROAD
Join your fellow Women in Buses members on the road at different industry events. WIB hosted two great gatherings this past week, “from sea to shining sea.” Members were able to spend some extra time connecting at both the California Bus Association as well as the Bus Association of New York Annual Meetings.
See our next outings coming up:
Ontario Motorcoach Association
Date – Wednesday, November 5th, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Location – Absolute Bar
National Travel Association
Date – Monday, November 10, 5:00 p.m.
Location – National Parks Pavilion – Conference Floor during open networking time
Do you have an event you are attending soon? Are you interested in helping to host an OTR? We’re always on the hunt for additional opportunities to meet. Contact us at [email protected].
WIB BOOK CLUB
The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin has been selected for the club’s fall read. For this selection, members return to a fictional read that packs a powerful punch. It’s a story of an unlikely friendship between a 17-year-old terminal patient, Lenni and 83-year-old Margot. Ironically, this story may even be an EXCELLENT lead in for WIB Day! Stay tuned!
Mark your calendars for Thursday, November 13, 2:00 pm ET. Invitations and zoom links will be sent shortly to book club members. If interested in joining email [email protected]
MILESTONE MOMENTS
Congratulations to Jamie Casey, recently named President of C&J Bus Lines. This announcement comes on the heels of her 30th work anniversary with the Portsmouth, NH company. Jim Jalbert, C&J Bus Lines CEO offers, “Jamie’s journey with C&J is truly remarkable. She started as a part-time employee while still in high school and has grown into a strong, visionary leader. Her dedication, expertise, and deep understanding of our customers and operations make her the perfect person to lead C&J into its next chapter.” Read more about Jamie’s journey.
“Success isn’t about the end result, it’s about what you learn along the way.” ~Vera Wang
