2023 Conference Wrap
AITPM 2023/2024 Year in Focus
Sustainability, placemaking and connectivity – the keys to a successful transport future
The 2023 conference was our biggest and best yet, with more than 600 delegates hearing from industry experts, connecting with other professionals, and participating in conversations that will significantly shape future communities.
The conference format encouraged questions, conversations, and debate, and featured leading speakers from Australia and overseas.
With its title of ‘Pathways to a Connected Modern Australia’, the conference focused on the themes of Sustainability, Placemaking, and Connectivity. Its organisation was the result of outstanding work behind the scenes from the conference organising committee, led by co-conveners Mike Willson and Emily Coldbeck, who are both based in Melbourne.
From sourcing and arranging keynote speakers and sorting through presentations to booking venues and organising registration and catering companies, the time and effort put in by the volunteers – who all have day jobs as well – was extraordinary.
The opening day at the iconic MCG featured the increasingly popular Transport Modelling Workshop, which this year attracted more than 200 professionals, the C-ITS workshop, and the welcome reception.
Over the following two days, presentations and speakers addressed and discussed how our strong transport community can better tackle the challenges created by the climate crisis and improve connectivity and accessibility across Australia.
Our Emerging Professionals found the conference particularly inspiring, learning from leaders, making new friends, and extending their networks. A gala awards presentation night was held on 14 September, celebrating the achievements of seven AITPM members who received Emerging Professionals Awards.
The audience at Zinc@FedSquare in central Melbourne heard the seven recipients have a range of interests but all share a passion for the industry.
The awards aim to provide networking opportunities and inspiration to winners to pursue or continue their career in the rewarding transport industry.
Sponsorships and exhibitor participation also reached an all-time high at the 2023 AITPM National Conference, bringing together the most comprehensive group of industry leaders, experts and innovators to date.