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. 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. 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.

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.

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 Guidelines – Before You Submit

• You MUST be an APTA member in good standing to submit abstracts
• Be concise when submitting your abstract ideas (approximately 350 words 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)
• 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)
• Submissions should avoid being a sales pitch or overly commercial
• All proposals must be submitted using the online form, to be considered
• Submitters may submit multiple abstracts but will only have one opportunity to speak, if selected.
• APTA will confirm if your submission has been accepted as a speaker on a panel or another opportunity
• APTA will communicate with the submitter for all notifications and deadlines, who must then share the information as needed with their speaker(s)

Selection and Logistics – What to Expect After Submission

• After a careful review, all submitters will receive an official notification by email.
• If selected, your submission will be paired with other similar submissions to curate a well-rounded session. APTA sessions are typically 60 minutes long consisting of a 45-minute presentation and 15-minute Q&A. Each speaker or both co-speakers jointly will have approximately 10 to 12 minutes of presentation time on average.
• If selected, speakers are encouraged to support the event by registering. APTA does not cover registration, hotel or other expenses for speakers.
• Session topics are subject to change, depending on volume and quality of submissions received.
• 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 to late April 2026.

TOPICS

Technology track:

• Advanced Research
• Artificial Intelligence
• Asset Management
• Autonomous & Connected Vehicle Technologies
• Business Strategies for Intelligent Transportation Systems Adoption and Scaling
• Customer Experience and Accessibility
• Cybersecurity
• Data Governance
• Developing Partnerships
• Emerging Technologies
• Mobility & Innovation
• Obsolescence
• Operational Technologies
• Safety, Security & Risk Management Technologies
• Systems Lifecycle Engineering
• Workforce Management

Fare Collection Systems track:

• Account-Based Fare Collection: Maturity, Tradeoffs, and Operational Reality
• Affordability and Access Fare Programs at Scale: Design, Administration, and Sustainability
• AI and Automation in Fare Collection Operations
• Contracting for Modern Fare Systems
• Fare Collection Data as an Enterprise Asset
• Fare Policy Complexity (Technology integration, Business rules, Fare capping, and Discounts)
• Open Payments and What Comes After EMV
• Regional Interoperability and Integrated Fare Ecosystems
• Safety, Security, and Revenue Protection in Modern Fare Systems
• Scaling Fare Collection Solutions Across Agencies of Different Sizes
• Transition Strategies for Fare Collection Systems

TIMELINE:

• Online Submission Opens: January 22, 2026
• Online Submission Closes: March 13, 2026
• Decision Notifications Sent by: Mid to Late April 2026

Please use the online Submission Portal to submit your abstract.