The organisers of this year’s ITS World Congress in Los Angeles have announced that it won’t go ahead as a physical event.
Instead ITS America and its partners Reed Exhibitions will host a digital series called “ITS World Congress ALL ACCESS.” This is designed to be “an immersive experience of education sessions, discussion groups, recommended content, solutions and case-studies, a knowledge and resources centre,” they say.
They add there will be other online opportunities to “connect our global community of intelligent transportation leaders and influencers”. In a statement they say the health and safety of visitors to the Los Angeles Convention Center (pictured) meant they have taken the decision now.
These challenging times have made clear that technology is even more critical as we contemplate the post-pandemic world,” the statement continues. “As we look towards 2021, we are pleased to announce today that the ITS America 2021 Annual Meeting will take place in Atlanta, Georgia May 17-20, at the Georgia World Congress Center. We look forward to welcoming the entire intelligent transportation community to ITS America 2021 in downtown Atlanta next year.”
Shailen Bhatt, President & CEO, ITS America commented, “We are disappointed not to gather in person, but the spirit of innovation to solve transportation challenges is more important than ever right now. Join us for a virtual engagement to learn from leaders around the world on how different countries are using technology to solve challenges during this difficult time.”
Recently CEO of charity Roadpeace, Nick Simmons, told Highways News that speeding drivers were “selfish idiots” adding, “Excess speed means more danger for people coming out of side roads, just around a corner or cycling or walking. And at the moment all the restrictions we’re dealing with are designed to make sure the NHS isn’t overwhelmed. Well so much for protecting the NHS if you’re speeding. A road crash victim can be in hospital for months – putting a completely unnecessary strain on it.”
