Phoenix Convention Center
Phoenix, AZ
March 25-26, 2009

The Conference
Our nation’s highway network is vulnerable to disruption from a number of events that range from traffic incidents, weather/nature, planned special events and construction to security threats. These events oftentimes cause severe degradations to mobility and can significantly affect both public and responder safety. Whether or not directly affected by an event, emergency, or crisis, the highway network is always the means by which response and recovery are facilitated. The conference will highlight the essential working relationships among transportation and public safety professionals and emergency responders and facilitate dialogue between them.

To mitigate the impacts of these planned and unplanned events, ensure that the safety of the traveler and efficiency of the highway network, transportation and public safety professionals have to be prepared to deal with these situations whenever they occur. Departments of transportation, law enforcement, emergency management, fire and rescue, towing and recovery and other emergency responders must recognize the importance of planning and preparedness prior to an event as well as cooperation and communication during their response; have the resources and training necessary to manage any situation effectively, and commit to regular dialogue regarding their respective roles and best practices.

This conference immediately follows the 2009 ITE Technical Conference and Exhibit, Transportation Operations in Action. The conference will specifically address nonrecurring congestion and its associated safety impacts as part of a Traffic Incident Management (TIM)-Planned Special Events (PSE)-Emergency Transportation Operations (ETO) continuum. Attendees will have an opportunity to share lessons learned, exchange information with their peers to:

• Maximize the use of finite staff and resources
• Develop and implement traffic management plans for special events
• Apply the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) as a basis for response
• Incorporate training and exercises
• Implement responder communication and public information
• Use tools, technology and infrastructure
• Apply case study examples and innovative successful operations strategies
• Learn about ongoing TIM/ETO related initiatives from USDOT-Federal Highway Administration, AASHTO, Institute of Transportation Engineers, National Traffic Incident Management Coalition and Transportation Research Board.

The Program
The conference will include concurrent sessions in three tracks—planning, operations and training. Poster sessions, discussion circles and a table-top exercise will be used to enhance participants’ learning and networking experiences.

Who Should Attend?

• Departments of transportation/public works and transit agencies
• Law enforcement
• Fire and EMS
• Towing and recovery
• Emergency management

Transportation professionals are strongly encouraged to bring a public safety buddy to the conference to enhance balanced transportation-public safety discussions and perspectives. Others involved in TIM/PSE/ETO activities including consultants and planned special event managers will also benefit from attending the conference.

Professional Development Hours
Attendees of the 2009 Transportation Operations for Planned and Unplanned Events Conference may earn PDH for technical sessions they attend. 1 PDH is earned for each hour of session attendance or presentation. To successfully earn PDH, the professional development tracking form must be completed and submitted to ITE Headquarters. The tracking form will be provided in the final program. Please contact Nicola Tavares at +1 202-289-0222 ext. 155 if you have questions about this process.

Attire
Participants are encouraged to wear business casual attire.

Restrictions
Videotaping or audio recording of sessions or technical exhibits as well as the unauthorized sale of ITE-copyrighted material is prohibited.