COMTO's 55TH

National Meeting and Training Conference 

 

Hosted by:

 

 

 

Rooted in Legacy, Driving the Future of Transportation.

July 25-28, 2026 - Washington, DC

 

COMTO will host its 55th National Meeting and Training Conference from July 25–28, 2026, in Washington, DC. 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 will honor our 55-year legacy while exploring the innovations, leadership strategies, and collaborative approaches shaping the future of mobility.  The conference theme is as followed, "Rooted in Legacy, Driving the Future of Transportation."

This event will highlight how visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, and emerging technologies are advancing transportation systems that are safer, smarter and more connected. Rooted in a history of advocacy, thought leadership, and community impact, COMTO’s 55th Anniversary Conference will showcase how the organization and its members continue to lead with purpose as the transportation industry evolves. Join us to learn, exchange ideas, and collaborate on solutions that drive mobility forward, expand opportunity, and strengthen the transportation ecosystem for generations to come. 

Accepted proposals will fall into one of the following four (4) workshop tracks:

• Track 1 – People, Power & Purpose in Leadership
• Track 2 – Technology, Innovation & the Future of Mobility
• Track 3 – Access & Partnerships Driving Economic Opportunity
• Track 4 - Honoring Our Journey - 55 Years of COMTO History

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: Wednesday, January 7, 2026 
• Online Submission Closes: Friday, March 6, 2026
• Proposal Acceptance Notifications: Late April 2026

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 WORKSHOP TRACKS

People, Power & Purpose in Leadership

This track will address leadership development, organizational culture, and workforce adaptability across the transportation sector. Sessions will focus on preparing leaders to navigate technological change, fostering collaboration across generations, and strengthening a resilient talent pipeline.

Topics may include succession planning, essential leadership competencies, workforce retention strategies, and building high-performing teams.

Technology, Innovation & the Future of Mobility

As transportation systems evolve, this track will focus on emerging technologies and digital tools shaping future-ready mobility systems. Participants will explore the role of AI, smart technologies, multimodal integration, and advanced planning tools in improving network safety, efficiency, and performance.

Topics may include data-driven decision-making, safety technology, automation, digital infrastructure, and technology-enabled planning and operations.

Access & Partnerships Driving Economic Opportunity

This track highlights strategies that expand access to contracting, financing, and partnership opportunities, supporting business growth and delivering strong outcomes for transportation projects. Sessions will examine procurement practices, supplier capacity-building, and models of collaboration between public agencies, private firms, and small businesses.

Topics may include supplier readiness, innovative project delivery approaches, contracting strategies, business development initiatives, and partnership models that promote economic advancement.

Honoring Our Journey - 55 Years of COMTO History

This special anniversary track will reflect on the leaders, successes, and pivotal moments that have shaped COMTO’s mission and impact over 5 decades. Sessions will celebrate historic moments, collective and individual success stories as told by COMTO members representing each of COMTO’s 5 decades of impact.

Topics may include leadership legacies, chapter accomplishments, industry breakthrough moments, and conversations that connect COMTO’s past to its vision for the future.

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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