COMTO's 54TH

National Meeting and Training Conference 

 

Hosted by:

 

Path to Prosperity: Transportation for Connected, Thriving, and Sustainable Communities.

July 12-15, 2025 - New York, NY

 

COMTO will host its 54th National Meeting and Training Conference from July 12–15, 2025, in New York, NY. The event will be a premier in-person gathering of professionals in the transportation industry, attracting officials at all career levels seeking best practices, tools and solutions to workplace and industry challenges. All presentations are required to be presented in person.

For this conference, COMTO seeks fresh, innovative and cutting-edge proposals for presentations, panel discussions and workshops that are relevant to the conference theme, "Path to Prosperity: Transportation for Connected, Thriving, and Sustainable Communities."

This event will highlight how digital technology, transit-oriented development and community engagement are advancing transformative infrastructure projects that foster connected, thriving, and sustainable communities. A connected community leverages technology to meet its needs, a sustainable community promotes eco-friendly living, and a thriving community ensures safety, respect, and fulfillment for its residents. Join us to learn, share, and shape a future where transportation is a catalyst for positive change.

Accepted proposals will fall into one of the following three (3) workshop tracks:

• Track 1 – Leadership & Workforce
• Track 2 – Technology & Innovation
• Track 3 – Access & Opportunity
  

Proposals should state objectives and measurable outcomes and demonstrate relevancy to the transportation industry.  Applications must be submitted online. Paper and email submissions will not be accepted. For more information, please contact conference@comto.org.

SUBMISSION & NOTIFICATION TIMELINE

• Online Submission Opens: Thursday, January 30, 2025 
• Online Submission Closes: Sunday, March 16, 2025
• Proposal Acceptance Notifications: Tuesday, April 15, 2025

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 WORKSHOP TRACKS

Leadership & Workforce

This track explores innovative strategies to build and sustain a robust transportation workforce while developing strong leadership to meet evolving challenges. Emphasis will be placed on upskilling workers, fostering collaboration across generations, and leveraging community partnerships to create a robust talent pipeline. Sessions will address how organizations can navigate rapid technological advancements without leaving segments of the workforce behind, ensuring that all employees are prepared to thrive.

Topics may include innovative strategies to ensure retention, fostering mid-career advancement, leadership for a multi-generational workforce, recruiting the next generation of front-line operators, and creating a culture of opportunity. 

Technology & Innovation

As the transportation industry embraces emerging technologies, this track focuses on their potential to enhance connectivity, safety, and mobility across communities. Participants will examine how innovative tools like artificial intelligence, and intelligent transportation systems can address gaps in access and foster valuable solutions. Discussions will include strategies to integrate cutting-edge technology while avoiding displacement of existing workers, highlighting approaches for upskilling and workforce collaboration.

Topics may include GIS for equitable planning, AI & the future, microtransit, electrification, and tech-driven decision-making for sustainable systems. 

Access & Opportunity

Delivering projects that will transform communities requires collaboration in planning and design. This track emphasizes practices that uplift under-engaged communities and ensure meaningful participation in decision-making processes. It will explore strategies to enhance accessibility, create contracting opportunities for small businesses, and implement community-driven planning approaches. Sessions will focus on projects that excel in collaborative design and delivery, planning best practices, transit-oriented development, and prioritizing community needs.

Topics may include safe systems, shared mobility, accessibility improvements, small business programs, and partnering with community-based organizations to drive innovation in transportation.

All presentations must be given in-person. All presentations will be considered for Continuing Education Units (CEUs). To meet CEU eligibility requirements, presentations must have three clear and measurable learning outcomes, and provide attendees with tools for professional growth.

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PRESENTATION DETAILS

1. Workshops will be 60 minutes long: A 45-minute presentation, and 15 minutes for live questions and discussion.

2. Presentations promoting audience participation during the Q&A portion are encouraged.

3. You must upload an abstract with your submission.

4. Your submission must include a photo and bio for all speakers.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Moderators, panelists, presenters, etc. must register for a one day or full conference registration. Accepted submissions will receive a discounted registration rate equal to the early-bird member rate.
• The maximum number of panelists is 4 per panel including the moderator.

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PRESENTATION TIPS

1. Delivery: Sessions are designed to provide an exceptional training and learning experience essential for the attendees. Please be creative and provide relevant, interactive content.
   
   
2. No Sales: This is a learning and training opportunity, please do not use sale strategies and pitches with your audience.
   
   
3. Big Presentation Styles: The primary goal is to engage the audience. Examples may include using case studies, staging a debate to illustrate pros and cons, using a game show format, or a top ten list.
   
   
4. Resources: Provide reference for additional information, including websites, charts and graphs, or documented resources. 

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