ITS America Conference & Expo Partners with SwRI to Lead the 2026 Future Leaders Program

• ITS America Conference & Expo June 9-12, 2026 in Detroit
• Essay competitions with February 28 and April 1, 2026 deadlines
• $50 student registration with career development and mentorship

DETROIT, Mich. (February 24, 2026) - Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), a leading research and development organization, announces its sponsorship of ITS America Conference & Expo's 2026 Future Leaders Program. The program empowers the next generation of ITS innovators and invites them to discover transportation solutions at the ITS America Conference & Expo, organized in partnership by RX Global and ITS America, from June 9-12, at Huntington Place in Detroit, Michigan.

The Future Leaders Program targets students and young professionals with discounted $50 registration that includes full access to education sessions, networking activities, refreshments, and lunch. Participants gain insights from industry experts through engaging sessions, plenaries and workshops while connecting with exhibitors, sponsors, and technology providers who offer career guidance and mentorship. The program features career development opportunities through campfire-style sessions in the Transportation Hub, where attendees discover career pathways, emerging roles, and professional development tips.

"The Future Leaders Program represents our commitment to investing in the next generation of transportation technology leaders," said Laura Chace, President and CEO, ITS America. "By empowering innovation through programs like this, we're building the workforce of the future that will transform how people and goods move safely and efficiently across our communities."

The ITS America Conference & Expo essay competition, sponsored by SwRI, challenges participants to explore how artificial intelligence will transform transportation systems across the United States. Students and young professionals respond to the challenge question that examines AI's potential to create safer and smarter transportation networks, from saving lives and improving emergency response times to optimizing infrastructure maintenance and system planning. The program connects emerging talent with established professionals who shape the future of intelligent transportation systems through hands-on learning experiences and direct access to industry leaders.

"SwRI's partnership creates meaningful opportunities for emerging talent to showcase innovative transportation solutions," said Josh Johnson, Executive Director of SwRI's Intelligent Transportation Systems Department. "When students present their research at the ITS America Conference & Expo, they engage directly with industry professionals who are building tomorrow's mobility infrastructure."

The Future Leaders Program offers comprehensive educational opportunities for students at all levels through multiple competitions and learning experiences. Michigan high school students can participate in the PAVE Essay Contest and Scholarship Program, exploring automated vehicle technology with essays due February 28, 2026, while college students and young professionals compete in the SwRI-sponsored essay competition with submissions due April 1, 2026. Square One Education Network connects K–12 students with hands-on STEM experiences through Innovative Vehicle Design projects showcased at the conference.

Complete program details are available at https://www.itsamericaevents.com/expo/en-us/experiences/future-leaders-program.html.

About SwRI
SwRI is an independent, nonprofit, applied research and development organization based in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 3,200 employees and an annual research volume of $966 million. For more information, please visit www.its.swri.org. SwRI has been working in the ITS industry for over 28 years developing advanced transportation management systems, integrated corridor management systems, data exchanges, automated vehicles, and connected vehicle systems.

About ITS America
The Intelligent Transportation Society of America advances the research and deployment of intelligent transportation technologies to save lives, improve mobility, and increase efficiency and productivity. Our vision is a better future transformed by transportation technology and innovation: Safe. Smart. Connected. For more information, please visit www.itsa.org.

About RX
RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 41 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com.

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