In January, I participated in meetings and gatherings held in conjunction with the Transportation Research Board’s Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, USA. Engaging with the International Board of Direction, ITE Technical Council leaders, the 2024 LeadershipITE class, fellow professionals, and students proved enlightening and fruitful, offering exceptional networking opportunities for all involved.
During my travels in February, I had the pleasure of attending outstanding Student Leadership Summits hosted by students in the ITE Districts of Florida Puerto, Southern, and Western. Each Summit was informative and provided excellent avenues for learning about leadership and fostering valuable connections as well as developing professional skills.
As we move forward, our regional gatherings for ITE Districts are set to kick-off in April. I encourage you to join me at one of the upcoming District meetings. For more details, see the calendar on page 15 of this issue of ITE Journal or check out the ITE website’s Events/Meeting Calendar at www.ite.org/events-meetings/event-calendar.
At ITE, we pride ourselves on being an individual membership association for transportation professionals. Central to our identity is the emphasis on personal professional interactions and relationships. While District events are valuable, I encourage you, if unable to travel, to actively participate in at least one event or gathering of your local Section or Chapter.
In these gatherings, ITE is brought to life. I challenge each of you to attend at least one meeting to broaden your experience within our vibrant community of transportation professionals. Regardless of whether your primary work activities align with the topic in transportation planning or engineering that is being presented, take this opportunity to delve in and learn about a new topic and meet some new colleagues.
By doing so, you not only enrich your knowledge but also expand your horizons. This diverse experience can prove beneficial as you advance in your career and may even unlock doors to new and exciting opportunities. Challenge yourself to broaden your experience and knowledge in transportation planning or engineering and the collaboration between them. Seize the chance to connect with others, learn, and grow within ITE! Who knows what possibilities await?
Don’t miss the unparalleled opportunity to take part in a top-tier international event, all from the convenience of your home or office space. I am referring to the annual ITE Virtual Spring Conference, themed “The Journey to Safer Communities,” scheduled for March 19-20. Take advantage of this exclusive chance to enrich your knowledge and skills in crafting communities that prioritize safe and active transportation. See pages 12–13 for more information on the program, speakers, and all this event has to offer.
Ensure you register by March 19 to secure your spot. Additionally, for public agencies, a special offer is available for those sending five or more attendees. Don’t miss out on this exceptional opportunity to contribute to the discussion on creating safer and more vibrant communities. As a bonus, each conference session is recorded for later viewing.
Let’s make 2024 a year of heightened engagement and collaboration within ITE. I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event. Stay safe and be well!