IBTTA Tech Summit 2024: AI and data in Atlanta

Artificial intelligence, data, electrification and digitisation are on agenda at tolling event
Charging, Tolling & Road Pricing / May 2, 2024
By Adam Hill
Artificial intelligence data tolling electrification © Judy Kennamer | Dreamstime.com
Georgia's State Road & Tollway Authority is hosting Atlanta event (© Judy Kennamer | Dreamstime.com)

Artificial intelligence is one of the key themes of the IBTTA Technology Summit 2024, which runs from 4-7 May in Atlanta, US - along with big ideas such as data utilisation, safety, electrification and digitisation.

One of the key sessions of the event will be Artificial Intelligence Implementations – Opportunities & Challenges with Joseph Averkamp from the board of directors at Neology; Samuel Coldiron, division manager, Oklahoma Department of Transportation; Martin Malone, technology delivery lead at Accenture; Michael Shay, chief information officer, Illinois Tollway; Edward Van Buren, executive director, Deloitte AI Institute for Government, Deloitte Consulting; and Nevine Amer, customer success lead at Arcadis.

The session, on Monday 6 May, will focus on understanding the areas within tolling that are relevant for automation and autonomy, as well as the challenges and pitfalls that may be associated with deploying AI. Presenters will demystify the potential and practical applications of AI, dispelling myths and providing a clear understanding of real-world achievements. When it comes to effective deployment, there are crucial prerequisites, including data readiness, infrastructure requirements and alignment with business objectives.

Chief meeting organisers are Annie Gillespie, chief engineer, State Road & Tollway Authority (SRTA), and Edward Thomas, senior manager, Deloitte Consulting. They will both participate in the opening session on Monday 6 May, along with IBTTA executive director and CEO Pat Jones; IBTTA president Bill Halkias; SRTA executive director Jannine Miller and Ferzan Ahmed, executive director of Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission.

On Tuesday 7 May there will be an unusual event: the Product Safety Shark Tank. Ten companies will compete for a prize as IBTTA’s most innovative roadway safety product. "There will be voting and there will be a winning prize!" says IBTTA. "You, the audience are the sharks and there can only be one winner." Facilitator is Tyler Milligan, managing partner of Milligan Partners.

Meanwhile, on Sunday 5 May, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel, IBTTA's community service project is to support people in Atlanta who are hungry and in need. Together with US Hunger, the goal is to assemble 25,000 food boxes in two hours to make a difference to families facing food insecurity. There is also a three-hour technical tour to SRTA's Northwest Corridor Reversible Express Lanes, a 30-mile stretch boasting both the longest land bridge in Georgia and the highest interchange ramp.

For more details on the programme and sessions, click here