I recently attended and participated in the Transportation Research Board (TRB) 87th Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, including an exhaustive schedule of meetings and events during the four-day trip as part of my candidacy for International Vice President.
On January 12, 2008, I participated in the ITE Coordinating Council meeting, which included the Chairs of the Specialty Councils, a TRB representative, members of the Executive Committee and ITE staff. This meeting focused on the ITE Strategic Plan and the future of the Councils.
That evening I attended the ICTPA (International Chinese Transportation Professionals Association) Board of Directors meeting in my capacity as President of the Northeastern Chapter. Much of the discussion included the 2008 conference in Nanjing, China, as well as the cultivation of relationships with NACOTA (North America Chinese Overseas Transportation Association) and ITE.
On the morning of January 13, 2008, I attended the ITE Executive Committee Meeting, which focused on strategic planning, MEGA issues and leadership development. Next up was the ITE/ICTPA/NACOTA lunch meeting to identify areas in which the three organizations could forge strategic alliances that would be mutually beneficial. A framework for cooperation and collaboration was discussed, as well as opportunities to meet mutual objectives.
I also had the opportunity that day to attend a series of meetings to learn more about the latest activities of several councils and committees, including the Traffic Engineering Council, Transportation Expert Witness Council and Pedestrian and Bicycle Council.
The next day, January 14, 2008, I was present at meetings of the Policy & Legislation Committee, Management & Operations/ITS Council, Parking Council and Ethics Task Force Committee. Following the Matson Distinguished Speaker Luncheon, I attended meetings of the Accessible Intersection Committee, Freight Mobility Council and Highway Grade Crossing Committee. I also participated in the well-attended ITE Student Member Reception, where a brief presentation was made by ITE members Jeff Arey and Neil Schaffer and ITE Executive Director Thomas Brahms.
My day concluded with meetings of the Transportation Education Council and Transportation Planning Council, and an ITE Member Reception at ITE Headquarters.
The TRB Meeting, and ensuing ITE meetings and events, was an incredible experience that allowed me to see first-hand the focus and determination that drives each group to identify current issues and develop strategies and solutions for the future.