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LA World Congress will be 'virtual' not 'in-person'

Covid-19 forces organisers to think again - and Atlanta 2021 dates are announced
By Adam Hill June 1, 2020 Read time: 2 mins
Los Angeles will not host an 'in-person' ITS World Congress this year (© Blvdone | Dreamstime.com)

This year's ITS World Congress, due to be held in Los Angeles in October, will not take place as a 'face-to-face' gathering.

The latest date in the international calendar to be disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic has been repurposed by ITS America and Reed Exhibitions as ITS World Congress ALL ACCESS, a digital event series in the autumn.

“We are disappointed not to gather in person, but the spirit of innovation to solve transportation challenges is more important than ever right now," said Shailen Bhatt, president & CEO, ITS America. 

"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.”

More details will follow in the next few weeks, but the organisers say it will be "an immersive experience of education sessions, discussion groups, recommended content, solutions and case studies, a knowledge and resources centre, and other online opportunities to connect our global community of intelligent transportation leaders and influencers".

At the same time, they have announced that the ITS America 2021 Annual Meeting will take place in Atlanta, Georgia, from May 17-20 at the Georgia World Congress Center.

"We’re encouraging all amounts paid for exhibit space or sponsorship to date for the ITS World Congress 2020 to be rolled over towards participation ITS America 2021 in Atlanta Georgia next May," the organisers say. "We will be crediting/refunding any price differential to exhibitors."

Will Wise, Reed group vice president, added: "We are enthusiastic about the opportunities to engage digitally to provide strong education and training, to connect global ITS professionals for discussions and meet-ups and to chart the course for 2021 events to be conducted in a safe and healthy environment."

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