What to Expect at ITS America 2026: Tech, Cybersecurity and the Future of Transportation

Transportation leaders in the public and private sector will head to Detroit June 9-12 for the ITS America Conference & Expo, where innovation across the industry will take center stage.

Event organizers Rx Global and ITS America have opened registration and released the full conference program for the four-day event, themed “Empowering Innovation,” at Huntington Place.

Industry professionals will explore emerging technologies designed to create safer, smarter and more connected transportation networks through hands-on demonstrations and real-world deployments.

The conference also provides opportunities to learn from experts and policymakers, with discussions centered on industry trends, solutions and the future of modern transportation infrastructure.

Educational sessions will run throughout the event, covering a wide range of intelligent transportation system topics, including connected and automated vehicles, smart infrastructure, data-driven mobility and accessible transportation solutions.

Cybersecurity and Data Drive Transportation Innovation

As transportation systems become increasingly connected, cybersecurity and data management are playing a larger role across the industry.

Attendees can take part in specialized programming focused on cyber risk and data resilience, including conference sessions on emerging threats and opportunities, as well as interactive workshops exploring how to strengthen transportation networks against cyber vulnerabilities.

At the Exhibit Hall, the Cybersecurity & Data Zone will showcase technologies focused on protecting connected vehicles, securing smart infrastructure and improving system-wide resilience.

Hands-On Learning and Tech Tours

Beyond classroom sessions, attendees can participate in three tech tours on June 9, offering a behind-the-scenes look at real-world deployments across the Detroit region.

The ACM and UMTRI Tech Tour includes stops at the American Center for Mobility in Ypsilanti and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) in Ann Arbor. Participants will explore vehicle testing environments, EV interoperability and connected vehicle development, along with a guided tour of Mcity, a 32-acre facility dedicated to autonomous and connected vehicle testing.

The Macomb County Traffic Management Center Tech Tour highlights the Communications and Technology Center (COMTEC), where agencies collaborate to monitor real-time traffic and emergency response systems using cloud-based software and connected vehicle technologies.

At the Integral Blue Tech Tour in Auburn Hills, attendees will get an inside look at ITS network operations, including live demonstrations of system integration, incident response and V2X applications.

Future Workforce and Networking Opportunities

Students and young professional can participate in the Future Leaders Program for $50, gaining access to networking opportunities and insights. The program — sponsored by Southwest Research Institute — includes an essay competition, with winners earning the opportunity to present during the event.

The conference also features the Transportation Hub, a central space for networking, live podcast recordings and industry discussions, along with interactive opportunities like professional headshots and fireside chats with transportation leaders.

As the transportation industry faces workforce shortages and growing system demands, events like the ITS America Conference &Expo highlight how technology — from automation to data analytics — is playing a critical role in improving safety, mobility and infrastructure performance.

Register here to attend this year’s event.