The second IRF “Europe and Central Asia” Regional Congress and Exhibition and the XVII National Conference on Transport Infrastructure “Future Roads: Innovate, Invest, Achieve Zero” is the most elite and large-scale event in Europe for the year. For the first time, the International Road Federation chooses Bulgaria to hold its event. The Congress will be co-located with the XVII National Conference on Transport Infrastructure and will be dedicated to discussions and analyzes of the future of mobility and infrastructure. The events will be held in the congress center of the Plovdiv Fair during the International Technical Fair. During the four days of the Conference,  more than 1,500 delegates from all over the world, more than 200 lecturers divided into 24 thematic areas and more than 20,000 visitors to the exhibition part of the Conference, which will be the largest exhibition in the Balkans, are expected. 

Event schedule powered by sched – download the application and find the Congress under the name IRF Europe & central Asia Regional Congress

Who should participate? 

Meet the lecturers: https://irfecaregionalcongress.sched.com/directory/speakers?iframe=no

• Construction contractors, engineers and managers 
• Equipment Manufacturers, suppliers and distributors• State officials, municipal and public organizations
• Designers and consultants
• Students and representatives of the scientific community
• Technology companies 

Main highlights: 

• Keynote Speakers:  Be the first to hear the ideas of the sector’s foremost thought lectors and scientific experts 
• Interactive sessions: Take parte in specialized sessions and debate with the world’s leading experts. 
• Networking opportunities: meet the world’s level experts and decision makers in the sector 
• Exhibition: Participate in an exhibition showcasing the best innovative companies and service providers worldwide

Topics: 

1. Asset Management 

• Pavement and Bridge Management: Latest Research and Practical Experience/implementation
• AI in Asset Management: Exploring New Frontiers 
• Integrated strategies for asset management 
• Innovative maintenance, repair and reconstruction techniques 
• New approaches to bridge management and maintenance 

2. Vision Zero: A Commitment to Road Safety

• Applications of artificial intelligence in road safety enhancements
• Road Risk management and safety audit 
• Road restraint systems 
• Improvements to road markings and their reflectivity 
• Safety of road workers and temporary traffic control
• Protecting vulnerable road users: strategies and technologies

3. Next-generation mobility 

• Advanced traffic management systems
• Inclusive urban mobility: case studies and trends
• Mobility as a Service (MaaS): Trends and future directions
• City strategies and management
• Designing city streets and highways
• Vehicle to infrastructure Communication 
• ITS role in climate change

4. Materials and technologies for sustainable pavements 

• Recycling and reuse of materials in the pavement 
• Low environmental impact pavement materials 
• Advances in bio-based materials for pavement
• Innovative use of waste materials

5. Sustainable connectivity 

• North-South connection via Bulgaria and the Balkans 
• The New Silk Road, a new era between Europe and Asia 
• Management and operation of multinational infrastructure
• Intermodal connections 

6. Transport infrastructure users charging 

• Innovative travel demand management technologies 
• Exploring the effectiveness of road pricing models
• Distance based charging: analysis and case studies 
• Urban Road Pricing Technologies: Trends and Challenges

Why participate? 

1. Expertise: Hear from leading authorities on the integration of advanced technologies such as AI and smart infrastructure into the transport system.
2. Showcasing innovations: Learn about the latest innovations in road safety, climate resilience, ITS and green technologies through case studies and good practices/success stories. 
3. Policy and Strategy Development: Gain a deeper understanding of policy statements and strategies in public-private partnerships and road development planning.
4. Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse group of professionals during breaks and social events like gala dinner, which encourage meaningful discussions and potential collaborations. 
5. Sustainability Focus: Understand how conscious practices in road planning, design and maintenance can contribute to environmental-friendly initiatives and sustainable practices.

Participation fee

BGN 1000 excluding VAT. up to 01.08.2024

BGN 1200 excluding VAT. after 01.08.2024

Information about hotels:

Doubletree by Hilton – the guests must send e-mail to reservations.dtplovdiv@hilton com with information that they will be at the Congress and the Hotel will give special prices.

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/pdvdtdi-doubletree-plovdiv-center/

Hotel Imperial Plovdiv

https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/   At that page the guests must choose Hotel Imperial Plovdiv and than use the code CONFB

Grand Hotel Plovdiv

https://grandhotelplovdiv.bg/

Promocode – ITE2024

For additional information

sales2@grandhotelplovdiv.bg

+35932934481

reservation1@grandhotelplovdiv.bg

+35932934163

Sankt Peterburg Park Hotel

https://sphotel.net/

Additionally, hotels, gala dinner rates, and indexed report rates will be announced. 

Shuttle by Ditabus https://ditabus.com/

Please contact Ditabys by WhatsApp, Viber, Mobile or e-mail

Shuttles from Sofia Airport to Any Hotel in Sofia or to the Congress Center are at price of 22 EUR/person.

For shuttle from/to other places or at different time or for group shuttles please contact Ditabus.

23^rd and 24^th of September from Sofia Airport to any hotel

10:00

14:00

18:00

27^th of September Hotel – Congress center – Airport Sofia

13:30 ( From the congress center )

18:00 ( From hotels )

28^th of September

10:00 ( From hotels )