ITS NZ takes a quick rearview glance

This story first appeared in the July issue of AutoTalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE

Taking our eyes off the road for a split second, the directors and I have just reflected on our progress over the past year.

Our AGM is coming up next month, brought forward from initial dates specifically because we’ve got big activities ahead, namely the World Congress, ITS Awards and T-Tech 2020.

Here’s a snapshot of the past year, delivering on our business plan.

Our membership is growing, always a great indicator.

Our top-tier membership now includes 13 organisations, almost double last year, and membership has grown in all levels.

Delivered our biggest and most successful T-Tech.

We have doubled the size of our annual conference within three years, a full two-day programme, with twice as many delegates and speakers.

International and national experts, more future transport topics and more diversity.

Expanded programme with papers and awards.

First time in Christchurch.

Outstanding feedback, over 86% rated it as very good or excellent.

Launched business plan to take ITS forward in NZ (read online), for the first time we’ve set out our goals and explained how membership revenue is allocated.

Our international speaker events on Micromobility and Trackless Trams have inspired significant media discussion leading the future transport conversation, helping New Zealand plan our cities and transport networks of the future.

With networking events featuring reports on international innovations, we’re bringing New Zealand up to speed on international direction and developments.

Supporting students to attend the ITS World Congress Youth Leadership Programme, we’re aiming to help develop the next generation of transport technology professionals.

The road ahead – the World Congress and more

ITS New Zealand is affiliated with ITS Asia-Pacific and we will be in Singapore in October to help promote New Zealand innovations and expertise.To make it cost-effective we’ve partnered with ITS Australia and ITS Asia-Pacific on a large, prominent expo stand and networking events.

The World Congresses attract about 10,000 people over four days, one of the world’s largest transport technology and smart city events.Our president Mohammed Hikmet (HMI Technologies and Ohmio) is a global ambassador for the World Congress organising committee and at this year’s congress several of our members will be speaking and moderating sessions.

Our international networks have proven useful to many organisations, put New Zealand’s innovations on the global stage and have attracted international business to New Zealand, so we hope to repeat that again this year.

After the World Congress we hope to hold review events again, discussing the innovations and hot topics in transport and cities being debated globally.

We’re also preparing to hold our inaugural ITS Awards later this year, recognising excellence and leadership – visit www.ITSNZ.org for details.