Previous EXPO themes of security took a back seat to issues such as fuel prices and global warming. Major evidence of this shift was the dominant presence of hybrid vehicles on the show floor, as well as other eco-friendly product offerings. Off the show floor, session topics focused on dealing with rising operational costs, federal reauthorization, public-private partnerships, customer service and sustainability.

Programs aimed at young children use field trips and visual effects-filled presentations to extol the benefits of using transportation, while others geared toward seniors use discussions and training to help them make the sometimes difficult transition from driving.