Detroit to host ITS America 2026 intelligent transport expo
Registration is open for the ITS America 2026 Conference & Expo, a four-day event in Detroit that will bring together public-sector transport officials and private-sector technology suppliers for a programme focused on intelligent transportation systems.
RX Global and ITS America will hold the conference at Huntington Place in Detroit, Michigan. They describe it as the largest gathering of intelligent transportation and technology professionals in North America.
The conference will examine how transport leaders implement and deploy new technologies across road networks and related infrastructure. The agenda also includes sessions on policy, research, and practical delivery in cities and states.
"Our 2026 gathering comes at a pivotal time when technology integration is revolutionizing how people and goods move throughout our communities," said Laura Chace, President and CEO, ITS America. "This year's theme of 'Empowering Innovation' reflects our industry's commitment to driving solutions that make transportation systems safer and smarter, increasing connectivity across the nation. We invite professionals across the transportation ecosystem to join us in Detroit to shape the future of mobility."
Programme Themes
The programme includes educational sessions on intelligent transportation systems across a range of topics, including emerging vehicle technologies, smart infrastructure, data-driven mobility, and accessible transportation.
Workshops and networking events are also planned. The schedule includes technology tours that will take attendees to operational deployments across Detroit.
A Future Leaders Program will run as part of the conference, sponsored by Southwest Research Institute. It is set to bring together students and young professionals with industry representatives and will look at AI and its use in transportation.
Public Sector Focus
State department of transportation roundtables are part of the agenda. The format typically brings together senior officials and delivery teams to discuss implementation and procurement, and to compare lessons from live projects.
Plenary sessions will also feature speakers described by the organisers as industry visionaries. The agenda is expected to cover both near-term deployment issues and longer-term planning for connected and data-led transport systems.
Detroit's location is central to the framing of the 2026 event. Michigan's automotive and mobility supply chain has attracted investment in software-defined vehicles, connected services, and testing for automated driving features. The region also hosts major manufacturers, research institutions, and a network of tier suppliers.
Michigan DOT and Integral Blue will support the city-based tours and demonstrations. These are expected to focus on in-market deployments rather than exhibition-only demonstrations.
"The immersive tech demonstrations and behind-the-scenes tours supported by Michigan DOT and Integral Blue will showcase real-world ITS deployments across Detroit," said Jaime McAuley, Event Vice President, ITS America Events. "Industry visionaries will lead our plenary sessions while the popular state DOT roundtable discussions create a platform where transportation leaders can exchange implementation strategies and share valuable lessons from the field."
Market Context
Intelligent transportation systems have expanded as cities and road operators add sensors, communications, and software to manage traffic and improve safety. Projects often combine roadside equipment with cloud-based platforms that process data from vehicles, infrastructure, and mobile devices.
Transport agencies have also increased investment in tools that measure congestion and emissions, and in systems that provide priority for public transport and emergency vehicles. At the same time, the spread of connected vehicle services has increased attention on standards, data governance, and cybersecurity in transport networks.
The ITS America Conference & Expo typically attracts a mix of public agencies, consultancies, universities, and vendors. Attendees include transport policymakers and engineering teams, as well as technology buyers and product managers. Exhibitors often span traffic management, roadside communications, mapping and data providers, and mobility services.
RX Global manages ITS America Events, which also oversees ITS World Congress when it takes place in North America. ITS America is an industry association focused on research and deployment of transportation technology.
Registration is open for general attendees and media, with interviews available with leaders involved in the programme as the event approaches.