At the start of nearly every modernization discussion, AAMVA President and CEO Ian Grossman poses the same question: “How many of you are in the process of modernization?” For him, the answer is simple—every hand should be raised. System modernization should never truly finish; the moment a new system is implemented, planning for the next begins.

If modernization never stops, the learning behind it can’t either. That ongoing need is exactly what this year’s Pop-Up Classroom is designed to support.

What Are Pop-Up Classrooms?

Held annually, AAMVA’s Pop-Up Classroom offers a focused learning environment on emerging topics affecting DMVs.

As Darcy Doty, AAMVA vice president of MVA Operations & Customer Experience, explains, “This is designed to be different from our traditional conferences—a true classroom environment where experts share best practices and participants learn from one another.”

The format encourages active participation through expert-led instruction, small-group discussions and a town hall conversation.

The Need for Modernization

Across AAMVA’s 69 jurisdictions, many DMVs are still operating on decades-old systems that are difficult to maintain and no longer meet modern demands.

Modernization is ultimately about improving the experience for customers and staff, Doty says. “We’re really thinking about the customer as the focal point—having seamless processes and systems that flow easily,” she says. “Older technology focused on policy and compliance. Now we’re implementing tools that allow frontline staff to focus on customer service.”

As jurisdictions modernize licensing, contact centers and online services, they must also prepare for ongoing improvements and integrations. AAMVA’s classroom offers a place to begin. “Whether jurisdictions are just beginning or mid-journey, we’re creating a space where everyone can advance their modernization efforts together. Many jurisdictions have achieved major modernization milestones,” Doty says. “We want to help them leverage that success by embedding continuous improvement into their operations—so modernization becomes part of how they work, not just a periodic project.”

What to Expect in the Classroom

Pop-up participants will explore how to build a culture of continuous modernization, moving beyond one-time projects to a strategic, long-term approach. Topics include organizational readiness, integrating project and change management, and learning directly from peers and experts who have already navigated modernization efforts.

The experience concludes with a town hall on day two, which serves as a forum for discussing additional questions and sharing challenges. “There are so many components to modernization that it’s challenging to fit everything into two days,” Doty says. “The town hall lets participants share what’s on their minds and learn from each other.”

This year’s program also reflects AAMVA’s broader commitment to exploring modernization through AAMVA’s newest division of MVA Operations and Customer Experience. “Our goal is not to end the content in the classroom. We’ll be offering more modernization-
focused topics and additional webinars,” Doty says.