|
|
|
January 29, 2009
|
Seattle Brews Perfect Blend Of Trans Trends, Topics and Tours
With so much to see and do, this year’s Annual Conference attendees may indeed find themselves sleepless in Seattle as we celebrate “Transportation…Bringing Cities to Life.” Registration is now open for this WTS flagship event May 20-22, at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel in the heart of downtown Seattle.
Beginning on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 20, attendees can choose from among technical tours to view Puget Sound’s innovative projects or attend a workshop for professional or personal development. Wednesday evening features the Opening Reception at Seattle’s City Hall, where participants can reconnect and meet with friends and colleagues. In the heart of the three-block Civic Centre, City Hall is noted for its environmentally friendly “green” roof and state of the art features expressing the spirit of the modern Northwest.
Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels will welcome attendees at the opening plenary session Thursday morning. Industry leaders and DOT state and local officials will participate in two morning panel discussions, setting the transportation landscape in the current economy and environment.
Breakout sessions Thursday afternoon will serve up a selection of diverse topics, such as “Beyond SAFETEA-LU – A Bold New Rail Passenger and Freight Program to Create More Livable Cities;” “London 2012 Olympic Games: Diversity in Action;” and “iMove, TransLink – Vancouver BC.”
Thursday night’s Awards Banquet will recognize the contributions of individuals and companies making a difference in advancing women in transportation as well as our future leaders who will receive WTS scholarships. Throughout the conference, WTS Scholarship will hold its annual Silent Auction to raise funds for future gifts.
Additional workshops and tours highlight the day Friday, along with luncheon keynote speaker Anne Levinson, who has served as a judge, deputy director for the Seattle Monorail project, chairwoman of the Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission, and deputy mayor of Seattle. Most recently, Levinson took Seattle by storm when she and three other women formed Force 10 Hoops LLC and bought the WNBA club Seattle Storm.
For full information on the conference program and logistics, visit Annual Conference. Watch for additional updates on the website and in member notifications.
|
|
|
 |
Dear WTS Members:
This month I write to you from snowy Davos, Switzerland where I am attending the World Economic Forum. It's been an incredible experience, especially in 2009 as the world financial order is changing in fundamental ways. The thrust of this year's discussion- not surprisingly- is the global financial crisis and the path forward.
How do we bring about greater stability? How do we protect our key institutions? What new regulatory regimes are required? During these conversations, the focus of my organization has been on financial crisis and global security. In economic recession, what is the impact on crime, in particular corruption, counterfeiting and terrorism? How can public and private sectors work together to address these threats?
From a transportation perspective, how can we ensure that our air transportation network is protected from harm and from use by those with nefarious intent? Perhaps what is most interesting about this forum is the wide variety of participants- from social entrepreneurs to CEOs to non-profit organizations and heads of government. It is invigorating when interested and committed people share ideas across a range of cultural, social, and intellectual approaches. The results can be amazing!
What is the link to WTS? Aside from the obvious links to the state of our economy and its impact on the transportation industry, the Davos events have been a great opportunity to think about our WTS Annual Conference and how we can create our own forum for addressing our most pressing challenges- with diversity of views and approaches.
In May, we will host our annual conference in Seattle. The Conference Committee is busy with finalizing the program and preparing for an excellent event. Just like Davos, it is equally important to ensure a wide variety of participants from all sectors of transportation (and even beyond) to help us think through the challenges facing our industry, our communities, and our professions. I urge you to consider attending this year and being part of the WTS experience in a more fundamental way.
We started off 2009 with our WTS-TRB annual reception in Washington, DC. We had over 200 participants and were honored that TRB Executive Director Robert Skinner was able to join us and provide brief remarks. Next month, the WTS International Board will hold its quarterly meeting in Tucson.
We look forward to connecting with the local chapters- Phoenix and Tucson- and moving forward with our work under our strategic plan and governance process. Many of us will attend the Phoenix Chapters annual awards ceremony. I am honored to speak at this event, and at the February event for the South Florida chapter. One of the best parts of serving as your president is connecting with members at chapter events- it is always fun and I learn so much from the members of this organization!
I hope your year is off to a great start. Keep in touch and mark your calendars for May in Seattle.
-Elaine
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
