Melbourne welcomes the world in opening spectacular

Through the melodic rhythm of the didgeridoo and traditional dancing, the 2016 ITS World Congress opening ceremony reflected the 2,500 generations that indigenous people have lived in Australia while the speakers considered the challenges facing host city Melbourne, other urban areas around Australia
October 10, 2016 Read time: 1 min
Local indigenous Australian Ian Hunter, performs a smoking ceremony believed to have cleansing properties and the ability to ward off bad spirits
Through the melodic rhythm of the didgeridoo and traditional dancing, the 2016 ITS World Congress opening ceremony reflected the 2,500 generations that indigenous people have lived in Australia while the speakers considered the challenges facing host city Melbourne, other urban areas around Australia – and indeed the world. Delegates were told that Melbourne’s population is expected to double by 2050, exacerbating the transport challenges that are so prevalent across an increasing urbanised world. So during the congress, more than 1,000 discussions, 300 exhibitors, 13 demonstrations and technical tours of all transport modes will help the 9,200 delegates take ideas and solutions back to 70 nations.

Then, having cut the ribbon to officially open the Congress, delegates, exhibitors and presenters alike were treated to a welcome reception sponsored by Cubic Transport System were treated to networking opportunities and colourful entertainment.

Related Content

  • Smoothing out city freight movements
    May 28, 2014
    David Crawford welcomes a national first. Urban freight movements, while commercially and socially vital, are a growing logistical headache for planners and people alike. Figures from France’s Lyon Laboratory of Transport Economics indicate that goods transport in major urban areas accounts for: 20% of traffic; 35% of CO2 emissions made by all urban trips; and 50% of the diesel used; while final km delivery runs account for 20% of the total cost of the transport chain.
    Read More
  • Australian ITS summit focus on safety, congestion, sustainability
    July 24, 2012
    From 18-20 November 2009, the Australian Intelligent Transport Systems Summit will be held in Melbourne. Tim Pallas, Victorian Minister for Roads and Ports sets the scene and explains its objectives. Co-hosted by the Victorian Government and ITS Australia, the Australian Intelligent Transport Systems Summit (ITS 09), being held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, is expected to attract in excess of 300 delegates with presentations and workshops providing a comprehensive update of ITS technologi
    Read More
  • Intertraffic 2022 gets ready for business
    January 27, 2022
    Relaxation of Dutch Covid rules means event at RAI Amsterdam will have 'usual occupancy'
    Read More
  • Sony helps Rio get a better view of the Olympics
    June 29, 2016
    With the Olympics approaching, Sony’s Stephane Clauss examines how the latest camera technologies can help cities cope with the huge crowds attending major events. This August will see more than 10,000 athletes head to Rio de Janeiro for the Olympics Games. Alongside them will be their coaching staff, a hoard of logistics teams, thousands of volunteer marshals (London 2012 had 70,000) and millions of spectators. All such major events have nervous jitters on the way to the opening ceremony. This year has see
    Read More

Highlighted Content