2026 Conference Activities


Conference Activities


Friday, July 24, 2026

 

Technical Tours (Presented by COMTO DC & COMTO MD)

Tour of DC’s Bike Infrastructure: Protected Bikeways and Multi-Use Trails
8:30AM - 11:30AM

  • This guided e-bike tour offers a firsthand look at Washington, DC’s evolving bicycle network starting just blocks from the U.S. Capitol. Explore the history of DC’s bike infrastructure while learning practical lessons related to planning, design, implementation, and maintenance. Distance: 8 - 9 miles
  • *Rental e-bikes (and a brief tutorial) will be provided. With pedal-assist e-bikes, these routes are accessible and comfortable for riders of varying experience levels.
  • Sign up HERE


Pre-Conference Baseball

Pre-Conference Networking Reception
5:00PM - 6:30PM

  • Grand Hyatt Washington - Cabinet (Declaration Level)
    *Must be registered for the pre-conference baseball game to attend.

Pre-Conference Baseball Game - Washington Nationals vs Arizona Diamondbacks
6:45PM - 10:00PM

  • Join COMTO in the party suite as the Washington Nationals take on the Arizona Diamondbacks. Free food and drinks included. 
  • All ticket sales are final and must be picked up at the pre-conference networking reception. COMTO is not liable to hold tickets past the close of the networking reception or at the Washington Nationals stadium.

    • Nationals Park - 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003

  • Sign up HERE *Not included in full conference registration.

 


Saturday, July 25, 2026

 

Technical Tours (Presented by COMTO DC & COMTO MD)

Moving the Capital Region: WMATA Bladensburg Bus Facility Technical Tour
8:00AM - 12:00PM

  • Visit WMATA’s newest state-of-the-art Bladensburg Bus Facility and gain insight into bus transportation and maintenance operations within one of the nation’s largest public transit systems
    • 8:00AM Departure from conference hotel
  • Sign up HERE

Trails, Transit, and TOD: Active Transportation in Prince George’s County
8:30AM - 12:00PM

  • This bike and pedestrian tour explores how Prince George’s County, MD is leveraging shared-use trails and transit-oriented development to expand access and support community-centered growth.
  • Distance: 4.5 - 5.5 miles biking, 0.5 - 0.75 miles walking
  • Sign up HERE

Maryland Purple Line Technical Tour
9:00AM - 1:00PM

  • Contractor disputes, lawsuits, and $9 billion in almost 2 decades, one of the nation's largest public-private transit projects is finally set to open 2027.  The 16.2-mile-long Purple Line stops at 21 stations travelling between two of Maryland's largest suburbs outside of Washington, DC.  Come check out this historic project that is now 89% complete.
  • Sign up HERE


Rise and Shine Experience 

Sound Bath Relaxation & Meditation
10:30AM - 11:30AM

  • High achieving professionals need rest. That's the focus of author Amanda Miller Littlejohn who has now incorporated her popular book, The Rest Revolution, with the art of sound bath. Littlejohn guides you through resonant sounds from singing bowls, gongs, and chimes for deep relaxation and stress relief.
  • Mats will be provided
    • Grand Hyatt Washington - Banneker (Declaration Level)
      *Must be registered for the conference to attend.
  • Sign up HERE


Welcome Reception featuring DC based Go-Go band Rare Essence!

Welcome Reception/Opening Ceremony (Offsite)
6:00PM - 9:00PM

  • Nothing says, 'Welcome to COMTO' like the historic Union Station. Nothing says, 'Welcome to DC' like renowned DC Go-Go band Rare Essence: The Wickedest Band Alive! Join us as we celebrate 55 years of COMTO while networking and enjoying festive food and beverages.
  • Individual ticket purchases available HERE
  • Transportation will be provided
    • Union Station - 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
    • Included in full conference registration

 

Sunday, July 26, 2026

Rise and Shine Experience 

Morning Movement & Meditation (Yoga)
7:00AM - 8:00AM

  • Mats will be provided
    • Grand Hyatt Washington - Banneker (Declaration Level)
      *Must be registered for the conference to attend.
  • Sign up HERE

 

Monday, July 27, 2026

Rise and Shine Experience 

Morning Movement & Meditation (Yoga)
7:00AM - 8:00AM

  • Mats will be provided
    • Grand Hyatt Washington - Banneker (Declaration Level)
      *Must be registered for the conference to attend.
  • Sign up HERE

 

Technical Tours (Presented by COMTO DC & COMTO MD)

From Bridge to River to Renewal: DC's Waterfront Transformation 
8:30AM - 11:30AM

  • Riding from the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge through Navy Yard, Buzzard Point, the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, and the RFK Stadium area, discover how multimodal infrastructure and trails support accessible development, and long-term revitalization in this guided E-bike tour. Distance: 10 - 12 miles
  • Sign up HERE

Transit, Construction, and the Public Realm: Downtown Silver Spring
8:30AM - 11:30AM

  • This transit-accessible walking tour examines how major transportation investments are reshaping travel and the public realm in downtown Silver Spring, MD.  Distance: 1.5 - 2 miles walking
  • Sign up HERE

Designing for Safety and Youth: Vision Zero in Arlington
8:30AM - 11:30AM

  • This Metrorail-accessible walking tour explores how Vision Zero–driven investments in Arlington, VA are improving safety for children, youth, and families along busy corridors. Distance: 1.2 - 1.4 miles walking
  • Sign up HERE

BWI: A Glimpse into Airport Facility Operations Behind the Scenes
10:30AM -Duration TBA

  • Tour behind-the-scenes of BWI as we showcase BWI's security operations, A/B Connector terminals, and more.
  • Sign up HERE

Metro Integrated Command & Communications Center (MICC) Technical Tour
9:00AM - 11:30AM

  • Get a behind the scenes technical tour inside WMATA’s Metro Integrated Command & Communications Center (MICC). Experience real-time bus and rail operational coordination, observe dispatch and communications operations, and engage with MICC leadership and operational staff regarding incident management, service coordination, and emergency response operations.
  • Sign up HERE

 


Tuesday, July 28, 2026

 

Rise and Shine Experience 

Sound Bath Relaxation & Meditation
7:00AM - 8:00AM

  • High achieving professionals need rest. That's the focus of author Amanda Miller Littlejohn who has now incorporated her popular book, The Rest Revolution, with the art of sound bath. Littlejohn guides you through resonant sounds from singing bowls, gongs, and chimes for deep relaxation and stress relief.
  • Mats will be provided
    • Grand Hyatt Washington - Banneker (Declaration Level)
      *Must be registered for the conference to attend.
  • Sign up HERE