Detroit, Michigan | June 9-12, 2026

The ITS America Conference & Expo is one of the transportation industry’s premier events, bringing together leaders from the public and private sectors to explore the technologies, partnerships, and strategies shaping the future of mobility. Taking place June 9–12, 2026, at Huntington Place in Detroit, Michigan, the conference features educational sessions, technology demonstrations, an expansive expo hall, and opportunities for collaboration across the intelligent transportation ecosystem.  

The event focuses on advancing safer, smarter, and more connected transportation systems through innovation, research, policy, and implementation. Topics include connected and automated transportation, accessibility, workforce development, emerging technologies, data integration, and the partnerships needed to support future mobility solutions.

PLUM submitted a session proposal that was selected as part of the ITS America Conference & Expo program and will present Co-Designing Accessibility: Human-Driven Design for Inclusive Automated Mobility, a session exploring how accessibility, lived experience, and human-centered approaches can help shape more inclusive transportation systems and emerging mobility solutions.

Sarah Birdwell, Engagement Strategist & Accessibility SME, and Allanté V. Whitmore, Ph.D., Director of Research & Social Impact, will attend the conference on behalf of PLUM. Throughout the event, they will connect with transportation agencies, industry partners, researchers, and community leaders working to advance accessibility, workforce development, community engagement, and transportation innovation.

We look forward to engaging with transportation leaders from across the country and exploring new opportunities for collaboration.

www.itsamericaevents.com/expo/en-us.html

---

Conference Highlights

The PLUM Catalyst had a successful and engaging week at the ITS America Conference & Expo 2026, joining transportation leaders, technology innovators, public agencies, researchers, and community partners to explore the future of mobility.

During the conference, PLUM contributed to important conversations around both the technological and human dimensions of transportation innovation. Allanté V. Whitmore, Ph.D., facilitated a panel discussion exploring how artificial intelligence can support more efficient, responsive, and customer-centered transit operations. Sarah Birdwell participated in a fireside conversation with Michael Thomas of ConnectIDD focused on the critical role of accessibility, lived experience, and co-design in shaping inclusive automated mobility systems.

One of the strongest themes emerging throughout the conference was that innovation alone is not enough. Building the future of transportation requires bringing together technology, operations, accessibility, workforce development, and lived experience to create mobility systems that work for everyone.

The conversations, insights, and partnerships shared throughout the week reinforced the importance of designing transportation systems that are not only innovative, but also accessible, equitable, and human-centered. We look forward to continuing these conversations and advancing collaborative approaches that help communities prepare for the future of mobility.