Excitement continues to build as planning advances for the 2026 SWTA + New Mexico Joint Annual Conference & EXPO, presented by Model 1 Commercial Vehicles, taking place March 30–April 2, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. With collaboration between SWTA and NMTA well underway, the conference agenda is beginning to take shape, offering a strong preview of what attendees can expect from one of the region’s most anticipated transit gatherings.

The four-day event is designed to deliver a balanced and engaging experience that combines professional development, peer learning, industry connection, and meaningful networking. The week will begin with optional activities such as a Santa Fe tour, SWTA & NMTA Board Meetings, and a Welcome Reception, setting the tone for collaboration and connection from the start. As the conference progresses, attendees will take part in membership meetings, a dynamic EXPO floor, and the always-anticipated Awards Gala, celebrating excellence across transit agencies and industry partners. The conference will conclude with Intensive Leadership Training, offering focused opportunities for deeper learning and leadership development.

Breakout sessions are being developed across a diverse set of tracks to ensure content is relevant, practical, and forward-looking. Planned focus areas include Rural & Urban Communities, Leadership, NMDOT-led sessions, Transit 101, and Tribal & Operations. Topics currently under development reflect the real-world challenges and opportunities facing transit systems today, including workforce development, safety culture, funding strategies, service innovation, maintenance best practices, drug and alcohol compliance, free-fare operations, and collaborative mobility solutions.

The agenda places a strong emphasis on building capacity across all levels of transit organizations — from frontline staff and emerging professionals to executive leadership. Sessions are being designed to support agencies of all sizes, with practical takeaways that can be applied across rural, urban, and Tribal transit systems throughout SWTA Nation.

While the agenda remains preliminary and subject to refinement as planning continues, this early preview highlights the depth and breadth of programming attendees can expect. Additional sessions, speakers, and special events will be announced in the coming months, further strengthening an already robust lineup.

The 2026 SWTA + New Mexico Joint Annual Conference & EXPO, presented by Model 1 Commercial Vehicles, is shaping up to be an energizing and impactful week of learning, connection, and collaboration. SWTA looks forward to welcoming transit professionals from across the Southwest to Albuquerque this March.