On Board With… Devra Selenis, VP of Communications and Partnerships for the Sacramento Regional Transit District and Chair of the California Transit Association Program and Conference Committee
As VP of Communications and Partnerships for the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT), Devra Selenis leads SacRT's Communication, Marketing, Public Information and Government Affairs teams. Devra is a long-standing colleague at SacRT, having distinguished herself in a variety of positions within the agency over the course of 19 years. In her current role, she oversees the marketing and communications; media relations; community engagement; partnership building and government affairs programs that support SacRT's strategic initiatives. Prior to her arrival at SacRT, Devra had an extensive career directing the marketing, communication and public relations endeavors for a high-tech visual branding company, and a global background screening and reporting firm.
Transit California:
What are the primary goals and objectives of the California Transit Association’s Program and Conference Committee?
Devra Selenis:
With California Transit Association staff support, the Program and Conference Committee develops the conference theme and agenda, provides input on keynote speakers and general session selections, determines topics and recruits presenters and moderators for breakout sessions, organizes tech tours, and creates interactive activities to connect attendees with exhibitors in the Expo Hall.
Our goal is to deliver a conference that both educates and inspires. In the span of two-and-a-half days, attendees will learn how peers are effectively addressing the real-world challenges we all face, and learn what many of our peers are doing to innovate mobility. They will also have the opportunity to explore the latest offerings in transit products and services in the vast Expo Hall, take advantage of networking opportunities that foster professional connections, and listen to keynote speakers and general sessions that are intended to broaden our thinking, stimulate conversation, and present new ideas and trends.
Transit California:
How does the committee work?
Devra Selenis:
Our committee never actually meets in person; all business is conducted through virtual conference calls and emails. We begin meeting in the spring to develop the upcoming fall conference, holding bi-weekly meetings. We brainstorm collectively on the conference theme, general sessions and breakout topics. Subgroups are formed to do a deeper dive into concurrent sessions, general sessions, host agency logistics, and Expo Hall activities to ensure content is thought-provoking. During the conference itself, many committee members take an active role as a presenter or moderator. After each conference, we debrief and review attendee and vendor surveys to ensure we exceeded expectations and prepare the best possible content for future conferences.
Program & Conference Committee
The Program and Conference Committee is responsible for development and guidance of the Association’s annual conferences, working closely with the host property and Association staff.
Without the dedication, vision, and hard work of the following committee members, the 56th Annual Fall Conference & Expo would not be possible.
Devra Selenis, Sacramento Regional Transit District
Mona Babauta, Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District
Alva Carrasco, WSP
Jessica Gonzalez, Sacramento Regional Transit District
Kelly Halcon, Monterey-Salinas Transit
Jose Hernandez, OmniTrans
Desarae Jones, Los Angeles Metro
Janice Kuhn, OmniTrans
Nicole Ramos, OmniTrans
Thomas Smith, Clever Devices Ltd
Cliff Thorne, Orange County Transportation Authority
Norman Tuitavuki, Monterey-Salinas Transit
Monique Webster, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
Nancy Whelan, Marin Transit
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Transit California:
What is the most challenging aspect of this committee?
Devra Selenis:
Any time you are trying to deliver 20 different breakout sessions, which involve nearly 100 “volunteer” speakers and moderators, and over 100 exhibit booths, there will be challenges. However, this year has the added unique challenge of being the first conference held since shelter-in-place orders were lifted and the first conference to offer a modified virtual component in 56 years Not only is there a focus on producing great content, but also prioritizing the health and wellness of our attendees as best we can. In the end, it magically comes together.
Transit California:
What steps has the Association taken toward COVID risk mitigation?
Devra Selenis:
We have taken a multi-level approach to providing a productive and safe, yet welcoming environment.
Everyone, attendees, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, and staff must provide proof that they have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Everyone is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, and 14 days after the one-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine. For everyone’s safety, please know that no one will be admitted without being fully vaccinated.
In addition, masks are required to be worn at all times (over the nose and mouth) inside the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, as mandated by the state. But even if the state lifts that restriction by the time the conference begins, we still intend to keep requiring masks.
I encourage Transit California readers to review the full COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Protocols that will be in place throughout the conference.
Transit California:
With the mask requirement in place for attendees inside the convention center, how will meals work?
Devra Selenis:
Outdoor seating will be available for those that prefer it, and the meals will not be presented in the usual buffet style. Instead, pre-packaged meals or plated food will be available to minimize exposure.
Transit California:
If someone is not vaccinated, but has a negative COVID test, can that be used instead?
Devra Selenis:
No, unfortunately not. As a form of entry into the convention center and the conference, a negative test presents a greater logistical challenge for conference staff to manage. There are several types of tests from over the counter to pharmacies to private organizations, and the variables between them, plus pinpointing when tests were taken, make it more time-intensive and less secure than providing a vaccine card.
Transit California:
In the past, there have often been times of standing room only in breakout rooms. Is there anything that can be done to avoid that this year?
Devra Selenis:
Social distancing, even with masking required, is an important part of our mitigation plan. This year, sessions will be held in rooms that allow participants to be seated theater style at a minimum of three feet apart. Attendees will see empty chairs blocked off in an effort to help keep that social distancing maintained.
In addition, there will be directional arrows to manage the flow of movement in and out of breakout rooms to lessen the likelihood of attendees getting unintentionally too close to one another.
Transit California:
Any other mitigation efforts you want to add?
Devra Selenis:
Yes, and it goes back to the question about challenges this year. It was a very hard decision, but in the end, as a committee, we agreed that there would be no Wednesday evening reception. This was done in an abundance of caution to minimize congregating and exposure while eating and drinking indoors.
Transit California:
Anything you would like to add that we did not cover?
Devra Selenis:
Yes, registration for the 56th Annual Fall Conference & Expo, presented by Proterra, is still open and the best pricing for the Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel is still available until Friday, October 8. Conference participants can attend in-person or if travel restrictions are keeping them away, there is a virtual option that allows attendees to catch all the general sessions and keynotes live November 2-4 and then, after November 15, watch 10 sessions on-demand.
However, they can manage it, I encourage Transit California readers to not miss this opportunity to come to Sacramento and attend the return of the premiere public transit conference in California geared toward agencies of all sizes.
There is so much this city has to offer including galleries, bars, restaurants, and boutiques. Known as America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital, Sacramento’s food scene has grown to be one of the hottest in the west. Can’t wait to see you here!