Sponsored by: Mercedes Benz

Special Presentation by Professor Bharat Balasubramanian, Vice President, Research & Advanced Engineering Electrics/Electronics, Information Technology, Processes, Mercedes Benz

New York City is known for its diverse culture, its role as financial capital of the world and, of course, its wide range of transportation pathways. In New York, people and goods are in constant motion. With this in mind we celebrate the vibrance of motion in the city that never sleeps by taking the ITS community on a journey through the streets of New York with transportation as the backdrop.

Using video, music, dance, and acrobatics, this Opening Ceremony will welcome you with both content and flair. From the moment you enter, you will know that this is a new kind of Opening Ceremony.

And, of course, the final destination on the evening's journey will be unforgetable! Straight from the fabled playhouses of Broadway, a dazzling musical revue will captivate you! Performers from past and current Broadway musicals will perform your favorite hits.

This cultural and multimedia journey through the streets of New York will bring you to your feet clapping for more!

Shuttle service will be provided from the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers and Sheraton Manhattan at Times Square to the Convention Center.

NOTE: Simultaneous translation of English to Japanese and Japanese to English will be provided during the Opening Ceremony.

All delegates are invited to a reception inside the exhibit hall! Enjoy an exclusive opportunity as a World Congress delegate to connect with colleagues, do business and mingle with friends in a casual atmosphere.  There is no cost to attend this reception.

First-time attendees to the World Congress are invited to meet ITS America’s volunteer leadership and staff for an informational briefing that will show you how to make the most of your conference experience.  Stop by the ITS America booth (#609) located in front of the VII Transportation Management Center of the Future for an overview of the World Congress and Annual Meeting activities.  This is a great opportunity to meet and network with other delegates, too!

No one under the age of 18 will be allowed in the exhibit hall during this or any other time during the World Congress.

If you’re thinking about attending your first World Congress, congratulations! You are about to embark on a wonderful experience. First-time delegates to the World Congress and Annual Meeting are invited to meet ITS America’s volunteer leaders and staff for an informational briefing that will show you how to make the most of your conference experience.  Stop by the ITS America booth (#609) located in front of the VII Transportation Management Center of the Future for an overview of the World Congress and Annual Meeting activities.  This is a great opportunity to meet and network with other delegates, too!

No one under the age of 18 will be allowed in the exhibit hall during this or any other time during the World Congress.

Join members of the International Benefits, Evaluation and Costs Working Group for an evening of networking over light refreshments.  There is no cost to attend this reception.

Hosted by: Intelligent Transportation Society of Connecticut 

For 95 years Grand Central Terminal has served as the gateway to New England for train travelers.  Come join co-hosts, Connecticut Department of Transportation and the Intelligent Transportation Society of Connecticut, for a networking reception on the northeast balcony overlooking the terminal’s fabulous Main Concourse. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of New York City’s oldest and most preeminent transportation hub. Gaze up at the wonderful cerulean blue oil and gold leaf astronomical mural by French Artist Paul Helleu that depicts 2,500 stars and the constellations in a Mediterranean sky.  Look below at the concourse's Tennessee marble floor where more than 100,000 daily commuters cross en route to and from their trains below. Tickets can be purchased when you register for the World Congress.

Tuesday, November 18, 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., $100/Tickets Required  

Hosted By: Intelligent Transportation Society of New York

The New York Transit Museum is the largest museum in the United States devoted to urban public transportation history. Housed in the historic 1936 IND subway station in Brooklyn, the museum explores the development of the greater New York Metropolitan region through exhibits dealing with the cultural, social, and technological history of public transportation.

Come network with transportation leaders and fellow World Congress attendees at this unique, entertaining, and informative event featuring historical exhibits of vintage transit equipment and rolling stock, friendly and knowledgeable Museum guides—many of whom are former transit system employees with stories to share—and, of course, old-fashioned New York City hospitality! Tickets can be purchased when you register for the World Congress.

Join your fellow 15th World Congress delegates for a truly special evening that is sure to be a hit when we take over the ESPN Zone!  Located in the heart of Times Square, the ESPN Zone is a world where sport is king. You’ll enjoy a tasty menu featuring generous portions of expertly prepared American grill food, an arena of interactive games and attractions and an unparalleled sports viewing experience.  Tickets can be purchased when you register for the World Congress.

Limited shuttle service will be provided from the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers and Sheraton Manhattan at Times Square to the ESPN Zone.