APTA 2023 TRANSform Conference & EXPO Set For October 8-11 In Orlando

The American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) TRANSform Conference & EXPO will take place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, on October 8-11. The event’s objective is to share the future of public transportation with the world and is billed as public transit’s “premier showcase of technology, products and services.” Included will be attendees and exhibitors from around the globe.

This year’s theme is “Next Starts Here,” with the TRANSform Conference & EXPO designed to be a once-in-a-generation catalyst that will shape the future of public transportation.

The EXPO itself is a marketplace for the public transportation industry. More than 800 exhibitors are anticipated to fill the convention center’s show floor with new products, services, and hands-on demonstrations. On display will be the most advanced buses, rail cars, and autonomous vehicles. EXPO hours/days are: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, October 9; 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 10; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, October 11.

Meanwhile, the APTA TRANSform Conference, held concurrently with the EXPO, will include a series of educational sessions, speakers, forums and other learning and networking opportunities.

“From visibility to credibility, APTA’s TRANSform Conference & EXPO is a powerful platform to launch products, increase brand awareness, conduct competitive research, and expand professional networks. As part of a global industry that faces a wide array of challenges, this event offers a one-stop shop to interact with transit agencies, policy makers, regulators, and customers to preview innovations and best practices, whilst also gaining knowledge from the unique attributes and perspectives found in this diverse and inclusive industry,” according to APTA.

“Public transit shapes how people move and interact with cities in a way that both supports and strengthens our nation. Public transportation has proven to help drive economic growth, tackle climate change, advance equity issues and provide our growing communities sustainable mobility options,” APTA President & CEO Paul P. Skoutelas said. “Our industry is extensive and complex, and APTA’s TRANSform Conference & EXPO brings together all facets of the industry.”

APTA added: “With millions of people relying on buses, trains, and light rail to travel, public transportation is essential not only to keeping life moving, but also to increase economic growth and stability. With 87% of trips directly benefiting local economies, public transit builds communities and directly employs more than 450,000 people. Ongoing innovation in public transportation is also vital to helping meet climate and mobility demands of the nation’s cities and communities. To keep pace with technology, the industry is rapidly innovating operations that support passenger needs, including swift and continuous exchanges of information, safety improvements and increased operational efficiencies.

“From the economics of the industry to reinventing rider experiences and advancing safety and sustainability, attendees will not want to miss this gathering of transit professionals from across the country and the globe (especially as travel restrictions have eased since 2021).”

Main Sessions

The Opening Ceremonies and Keynote Address is scheduled for 8:15 to 10 a.m. on Monday, October 9. The topic of the address is, “AI Is Not Your Enemy,” and will be presented by Duncan Wardle, former head of innovation & creativity at Disney.

The first General Session is scheduled for 11 to 11:45 a.m. on Monday, with the topic, “New York’s Mass Transit Success Story,” presented by John Lieber, chair and CEO, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The second General Session on Monday will take place at 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., and will provide a “Federal Partners Update.” The speaker will be Federal Transit Administration Administrator Nuria Fernandez.

The lone General Session on Tuesday, October 10 is set for 2 to 3:15 p.m. The topic is, “Quick Takes: Futureproofing A Diverse Transit Workforce,” and will be presented by several panelists.

The Closing Session will take place from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday, October 11, and will address, “Building Understanding: Why DEI Matters In The Workplace.” Keynote speaker will be Piers Kowalski, human performance coach & consultant.

All main sessions will take place at the convention center. Visit www.aptaexpo.com for more information.

2023 APTA TRANSform Conference & EXPO Schedule

(Courtesy of APTA: Current as of Sept. 12, 2023)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6

1:30 – 7 p.m.

Equity Summit

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7

8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

APTA Board of Directors Meeting

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8

6 – 7:30 p.m.

Welcome Reception

MONDAY, OCTOBER 9

8:15 – 10 a.m.

Opening Ceremonies

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

EXPO 2023 OPEN

11 – 11:45 a.m.

General Session:

New York’s Mass Transit Success Story

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

General Session:

Federal Partners Update

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10

9 – 10:30 a.m.

APTA Honors Awards Ceremony

9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

EXPO 2023 OPEN

2 – 3:15 p.m.

General Session:

Futureproofing A Diverse Transit Workforce

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11

8:30 – 9:45 a.m.

Closing Session:

Why DEI Matters In The Workplace

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

EXPO 2023 Open