Call for Abstracts – APTAtech

APTAtech is APTA’s preeminent transportation technology conference focusing on innovations in mobility, information technology, fare payment systems and revenue management while helping the industry rise to the challenges of the ever-moving transportation landscape and evolving ridership. As APTA members, you are an integral part of the call for abstracts / call for session ideas. This is an opportunity for you to be part of the educational program and share your expertise and skill set with your peers in the industry.

Please Note: we are seeking individual speaker submissions ONLY at this time – not full panel ideas. Please craft your abstract around you and/or a partner presentation not a full panel of moderator and several speakers. If selected, your submission will be paired with other similar submissions to curate a well-rounded session.

Our internal subject matter experts have curated the session topics based on extensive feedback from committee meetings, survey results, and one-on-one member conversations. Once submissions are reviewed by a committee of members and staff; staff will begin extending invitations to those who were selected based on their experience and partnerships that are aligned with the program.

We appreciate your interest in participating at our upcoming event. If you have more questions about this process, please email abstracts@apta.com

Access the Submission Portal to submit your proposal.

Submission Details:

• You MUST be an APTA member in good standing to submit abstracts.
• Submit abstracts separately.
• Do not submit duplicate abstracts under different topics. Select the topic closest to your main ideas.
• Do not submit preselected full panel abstracts.
• Be sure to add ALL proposed speakers (you and a partner, if it’s a joint presentation)
• APTA will communicate with the submitter for all notifications and deadlines, who must then share the information as needed with their speaker(s)
• Submissions should avoid being a sales pitch or overly commercial.
• All proposals must be submitted using the online form to be considered.
• Be concise when submitting your abstract ideas (approximately 350 words in total)
  • Abstract Summary  (100 words max)
  • Abstract Methodology and Approach (75 words max)
  • Abstract Innovation and Uniqueness (75 words max)
  • Abstract Expected Outcomes and Impact (100 words max)
• Submissions should reflect innovative, cutting-edge content.
• APTA will confirm if your submission has been accepted as a speaker on a panel or another opportunity.
• Submitters may submit multiple abstracts but will only have one opportunity to speak, if selected
• After a careful review, all submitters will receive an official notification by email.
• Submissions are not automatically accepted and APTA reserves the right to make all final decisions on speaker selections.

NOTE:  Decision notifications will be sent out by mid-May 2025.

TOPICS

Fare Collection Systems:

• Best Practices and Lessons Learned in Fare Collection: Strategies for Efficient and Customer-Centric Systems
• Differences and Similarities Between Small, Mid-size and Large Agency Fare Collection Systems: Implementing Similar Technologies Across Various Size Agencies
• Elevating Customer Experience Through Fare Collection
• Fare Collection System Data Collection: Data Validation and Agency Use from Finance to Reporting.
• Fare System Deployment – Lessons Learned
• Key Considerations for Implementing a New Fare Collection System
• Optimize Existing Fare Equipment While Adding Additional Fare Payment Options
• Other Fare Collection Topics (Agencies Only): Want to be a speaker at APTA Tech? Have any ideas to share with other agencies? Share with us your idea that may not fit into the above categories.
• Promoting Impartiality in Fare Collection: Ensuring Fair Access to Public Transit
• Safety and Security While Tackling Fare Evasion
• Setting the Stage: Establishing your Fare Policies and Business Rules to guide the Implementation of a New Fare Collection System
• The Future of Fare Collection: Embracing New Innovations

Technology:

• Advanced Research – New and innovative research topics
• Artificial Intelligence – Generative AI, Machine Learning Applications e.g. video, etc.
• Asset Management – Tools/techniques to help agencies maintain a good State of Good Repair
• Autonomous & Connected Vehicle Technologies – Emerging technologies related to automated & connected vehicle applications
• Back Office – New Technology applications e.g. Natural Language Processing, Knowledge Management
• Communications Innovations –Improvements and innovations in high-data-rate real-time wireless connectivity for both voice and data
• Customer Experience and Accessibility – Wayfinding, English as a second language, digital certification etc.
• Cybersecurity – Cyber Risk Management Guiding Principles and Standards, Cybersecurity Requirements for Operational Technology Procurement, Cybersecurity Force Multiplier Strategies, tools and techniques to prevent and detect cybersecurity including technology and training best practices
• Data Governance – State of the Art Analytics, Reporting tools, Data Integration, organization, etc.
• Developing Partnerships – New and innovative ways to fund projects, developing resources
• Emerging Technologies –Mobility as a Service, Urban Air Mobility, Etc.
• Mobility & Innovation Topics
• Operational Technologies – Newest operations delivery, fleet, yard and crew management technology
• Safety, Security & Risk Management Technologies – Technologies to enhance crew, passenger and asset safety and security and associated risk management functions
• Systems Lifecycle Engineering – Maintaining, expanding and upgrading operationally-critical technologies in brownfield environments
• Workforce Management – Tools to attract. train and retain knowledge and assist workers in performing their duties

TIMELINE:

• Online Submission Opens: February 4, 2025
• Online Submission Closes: March 12, 2025 (extended)
• Decision Notifications Sent by: Mid-May 2025

Please use the online Submission Portal to submit your abstract.