South West Transit Association
Summer Leadership Lab 2026
9/13/2026 - 9/15/2026
Description
SWTA Summer Leadership Lab 2026
September 14–15, 2026 | Breckenridge, Colorado
Leadership Lab is almost here!
The SWTA Leadership Lab is the South West Transit Association’s immersive leadership development experience, bringing together transit professionals and industry leaders for two days of collaboration, connection and practical learning in beautiful Breckenridge, Colorado.
Designed for transit executives, managers, supervisors, mobility professionals, board members, legal professionals, marketing and communications teams, emerging leaders and industry partners, Leadership Lab goes beyond the traditional conference format.
Programming is built around real-world challenges facing today’s transit organizations, giving participants practical tools, fresh perspectives and ideas they can take back to their organizations and put to work.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
Public Transit Legal Symposium
Monday features the Public Transit Legal Symposium, bringing together legal experts and industry leaders to explore the issues affecting public transportation today.
Sessions will focus on the legal, regulatory and industry challenges transit organizations are navigating while giving attendees practical information and opportunities for meaningful discussion with professionals from across the industry.
Opening Reception
Monday evening, join us for the official Leadership Lab Opening Reception!
Relax, reconnect with colleagues, meet new industry partners and build relationships as we come together for an evening of networking in beautiful Breckenridge.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
Tuesday continues Leadership Lab with keynote programming and specialized learning experiences focused on Marketing & Communications and Mobility Management.
Marketing & Communications Lab
The Marketing & Communications Lab is a hands-on experience designed to help transit organizations strengthen their brands, engage their communities, improve recruitment and retention, and tell the story of public transportation more effectively.
Attendees will hear from communications and marketing professionals while exploring practical strategies and ideas they can immediately put into practice.
Mobility Management: SWTA Nation in Motion
Explore innovative mobility management programs, successful partnerships and emerging transportation solutions from across the SWTA region and beyond.
Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, participants will discover practical ideas for expanding mobility, improving access and better serving riders in communities of every size.
KEEP THE EXPERIENCE GOING — STAY FOR CASTA!
Leadership Lab leads directly into the 2026 CASTA Fall Conference & EXPO and State & Tribal Partnerships Conference, giving attendees the opportunity to continue learning, expand their professional networks, visit the industry expo and connect with transit professionals from across the country—all during one incredible week in the Colorado Rockies.
Whether you're leading an agency, managing operations, building community partnerships, telling your agency's story or shaping the future of mobility, Leadership Lab is designed to leave you with new ideas, stronger connections and practical solutions to move your organization—and your leadership—forward.
HOTEL, AGENDA & CASTA CONFERENCE INFORMATION
The hotel block and current conference agenda are available through the official CASTA conference website.
As the event approaches, attendees are encouraged to check the conference page for the latest agenda, hotel information and conference updates.
View the latest information:
SPONSOR THE SWTA LEADERSHIP LAB
Want to put your organization in front of Leadership Lab attendees while supporting leadership development and the future of public transportation?
Leadership Lab sponsorship opportunities provide meaningful visibility and recognition before, during and after the event.
Several opportunities are exclusive and available to only one organization, while select sponsorships allow multiple industry partners.
We've made it easy to explore everything in one place.
Visit SponsorSWTA.org
There you can:
- View current sponsorship opportunities
- See pricing and benefits
- Check current availability
- Download the complete Leadership Lab Sponsorship Packet
- Meet our Leadership Lab partners
- See sponsor recognition and fulfillment
- Submit a sponsorship request
Visit SponsorSWTA.org to explore current opportunities and become a Leadership Lab sponsor.
Questions about sponsorship? Contact Michelle Robertson at mrobertson@swta.org.
