After five days of technical tours, demonstrations, exhibitions, plenary sessions and executive forums, the 23rd ITS World Congress has come to a close, with Melbourne having played host to 11,496 delegates from 73 countries, who discussed public policy, innovation, technology, and advancements in the transport technology space.
Under the headline of ‘ITS – enhancing liveable cities and communities’, Melbourne welcomed visitors that had come together to look for solutions for a rapidly increasing population, and the technology advancements required to support it. As well as a focus on the advancements already being made in the industry, the host, ITS Australia, was proud to showcase the emerging talent within the transport and technology sector, many of which are based in Melbourne or the state of Victoria. Whether the focus is on the existing technologist or the future of the industry, ITS Australia says it has never seen more enthusiasm, innovation or drive from a group of people, all of whom are committed to the enhancement of liveable cities and communities.
Brian Negus, chairman of the World Congress Board of Directors and president of ITS Australia, said he was immensely proud of the attendance and the outcomes of the event, which was hosted in Australia for the first time since Sydney in 2001.
“We’re absolutely delighted that over 11,400 delegates from around the world have attended the World Congress, particularly as we had hoped for 7,000,” said Negus. “ITS is a vastly diverse industry, so it was fantastic to have 73 countries represented and to see so many new products, new partnerships and world-first innovations announced during the week. This was in addition to the myriad of world-first demonstrations using the newest technology platforms. Not only are we hugely impressed and appreciative of the effort all our delegates, exhibitors and visitors made, we are confident they will walk away with great ideas for their businesses, and for governments to implement new ideas and innovative solutions to deliver better mobility and sustainability in their home country.”
Negus continued, “Our organization is committed to ensuring we continue to engage our member companies, researchers, and government agencies in picking up the ideas from this World Congress and progressing them into their businesses to improve the livability of their communities.
“From what has been demonstrated in Melbourne this week, we have absolutely no doubt that ITS solutions are revolutionizing the way we live our lives, and will continue to be a leading force in the development of new technology and policy for decades to come. We are immensely grateful for everyone’s attendance, attention and involvement in the 23rd World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems, and thank Melbourne for delivering on its promise of being the World’s Most Liveable City for our 11,496 visitors!”
