Advancing driver ed in Wisconsin

2026 Annual Conference & Business Meeting

Thursday, April 9 & Friday, April 10

Join driver educators, driving schools, and leaders in driver education at our annual conference in Wisconsin Dells. Learn about new research in driver education, teen drivers, and traffic safety issues as well as new products, services, and organizations dedicated to keeping our nation's drivers safe.

Registration/Check-In at 3 PM, Conference begins at 4 PM on Thursday, April 9th. Friday will have a full day of the conference ending late afternoon. Speakers still to be determined.

Conference & Membership Rates

Before March 27, 2026: $80 per person
After March 27, 2026: $95 per person

You must be a member of ADTSEA and WDTSEA to register. If you are not already a member of both ADTSEA and WDTSEA, you will need to pay membership dues with your registration ($30 for ADTSEA and $45 for WDTSEA). All-in-one total of $155 for memberships and conference registration when you register before March 27, or $170 after March 27.

Additional Registration Options

$35 per spouse (includes attending sessions, luncheon, and breaks)
$0 charge for primary attendee for the Thursday pizza social (Tom Robins, Solid Foundation Consulting President and founder of Work Zone Safe is paying for the primary attendee's fee)
$15 per additional meal ticket for the Thursday pizza social
$75 for exhibitor space (Setup Thursday 1-4 PM or Friday 6:30-7:30 AM. See below for what's included.)
$1,000 for sponsorships (includes vendor table and name/logo on conference agenda and website)

Conference Venue

Chula Vista Resort (1000 Chula Vista Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI, 53965)
Booking ID: K99561 under Driver Traffic Safety
Reserve by April 1 to secure the conference rate ($98/single and $139/double)
Call 608-254-8366 to make your reservation.

Join our Facebook Group

Join our new WDTSEA Members-Only Facebook Group to stay connected, share insights, and get the latest updates just for members!

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Speakers

We are looking for dynamic speakers to give us interesting information or tools to enhance driver education programs. We appreciate those who volunteer to speak at our conference at no cost, keeping registration fees low for our teachers.

Exhibitors

As an exhibitor, you get a 10' x 10' booth space (with 8-foot table, table linen and skirting, two chairs, and wastebasket), and lunch for two people. Additional meal tickets can be purchased during registration. Please let us know if you need access to electrical outlets.

Sponsors

The mission of the Wisconsin Driver Traffic Safety Education Association (WDTSEA) is to be a vital partner in traffic safety and driver education programs.

This partnership will support the education community in improving student safety performance by modeling effective leadership, promoting professional development, and collaborating with special interest groups to promote driver and traffic safety education for all people.

WDTSEA Bylaws Past Presidents

Upcoming Events

Board meetings, workshops, and conferences are open to all members.

No upcoming events.

Annual Awards

WDTSEA provides awards at its Annual Business Meeting and Conference. We encourage you to consider nominating someone you believe deserves and qualifies for one of the following awards:

Teacher of the Year Award

The Teacher of the Year Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the capacity to advance and make significant contributions to traffic safety education. The nominee must be an active Wisconsin driver education instructor.

Know a teach who deserves to be recognized for being exceptional?
Print the nomination form.

PAST RECIPIENTS

2020 - Kevin Ruplinger, Edgar High School
2019 - Jon Schrum, Fond du Lac High School
2018 - Anne Able, Found du Lac High School
2017 - Robert Cheever, Seneca and Kickapoo High Schools
2015 - Jeff Allram, Praire Farm High School
2014 - Bob Movrich, Wilmot High School/CESA#2
2013 - Christine Bergan, AAA Madison
2012 - Bill Jensen, Fond du Lac High School
2011 - Karen Sorenson, Spooner High School
2010 - Kevin Kirby, Rhinelander High School

Hall of Fame Award

The Hall of Fame Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated long-term commitment and dedication to driver education and traffic safety.The nominee should be or have been a member of WDTSEA.

Know someone who has made a significant impact on driver education in Wisconsin?
Print the nomination form.

PAST RECIPIENTS

2018 - Dick Bilda, Doug Coons, Hugh Gnatzig, and Karen Sorenson
2017 - Stan Hilgendorf, Art Godleski, Ed Wendorf, and Craig Wucivic
2016 - Norm Gestland, Joe Guyette, ad Neal Rathjen
2015 - Bob Garnett, Mike McGinley, and Dr. Randy Thiel

Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals who has or is currently contributing to driver education or traffic safety in some capacity. This could be a current or former teacher, DPI employee, DMV individual, or WDTSEA board member.

Know someone who has provided the community with exceptional service this year?
Print the nomination form.

PAST RECIPIENTS