I live in a place that undoubtedly boasts the most beautiful summer weather in the entire United States—Colorado. With its sunny skies, low humidity, and cool mountain breezes, it’s hard to imagine wanting to be anywhere else during the summer months. So why, you might ask, am I genuinely excited to head to Orlando,
Florida, in the middle of August when the heat and humidity are at their peak? The answer is simple: the ITE Annual Meeting!
As I often tell people, the weather at a conference is always the same—an unwavering 68 degrees and just a bit drafty. Conference centers around the world seem to follow this universal climate standard. So whether we’re in Florida in the summer or Alaska in the winter, the indoor experience is consistent. That’s why I say: why not embrace the destination and enjoy all the other amazing aspects of the meeting?
Each year, I eagerly anticipate the ITE Annual Meeting. It’s a highlight on my calendar, and for good reason. It’s a chance to reconnect with colleagues and friends I haven’t seen in a while, to immerse myself in a wide range of fascinating technical sessions, and yes, to explore a bit of the local flavor outside the conference center walls. This year’s meeting, taking place August 10–13, 2025, in Orlando, Florida, promises to be another unforgettable experience. Here’s what I’m most looking forward to:
Social Events. Let’s be honest—one of the best parts of the annual meeting is the people. I’m excited to catch up with friends and colleagues from across the United States, Canada, and even a few from overseas. The welcoming atmosphere and shared passion for transportation make it easy to connect and build lasting relationships.
Technical Content. The breadth and depth of technical sessions at the ITE Annual Meeting never cease to impress me. Whether your interests lie in old standards like traffic signal timing and trip generation, or emerging topics like designing for e-bikes, there’s something for everyone. The diversity of content ensures that every attendee can find sessions that resonate with their professional interests and goals.
Student Competitions. ITE’s student members bring an energy and enthusiasm that’s absolutely contagious. Watching them compete in events like the Transportation Technology Tournament or the ever-popular Traffic Bowl is a true highlight. These competitions are not only fun to watch, but also showcase the incredible talent and creativity of the next generation of transportation professionals.
Workshops. If you’re arriving early, don’t miss the pre-conference workshops on Sunday. These sessions offer deep dives into important topics, such as AASHTO’s new Bike Design Guide and strategies for advancing rural transportation. These sessions are a great way to kick off the meeting and gain valuable insights before the main program begins.
Council and Committee Meetings. Throughout my travels to District meetings, I’ve emphasized the importance of ITE’s technical Councils and Committees. In Orlando, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about their work and discover how you can get involved.
Finally, this year’s Annual Meeting marks the end of my summer District meeting travels—a bittersweet milestone. It feels like the year just began, and yet here we are. What a fantastic way to wrap up the journey, surrounded by friends, learning, and inspiration. Hope I’ll be seeing you there!