With the ITS European Congress in Istanbul (27–29 April) fast approaching, we sat down with Pamela Valente, Senior Coordination Manager of the ITS Congresses, to discuss the "continuous rhythm" of her role, the unique energy of live events, and why the 2026 Congress is more than just a meeting, it’s a bridge between continents and ideas.
Orchestrating the Vision Behind the Flagship Experience
Pamela’s role is one of transformation, working with the congress team to turn months of planning into a tangible, three-dimensional reality. “I oversee the operational delivery cycle of our flagship events,” she explains. “But it’s a true collective effort. I work with a fantastic team of professionals, ensuring we deliver each milestone, stay aligned, and remain motivated as we work towards a shared goal.”
This alignment extends far beyond the ERTICO office. Pamela serves as the primary point of contact between the host city, our Partner MCI, and the logistics partners, keeping everything moving cohesively.
“During the Congress itself, years of preparation materialise. It is a moment where we are fully focused on delivering the event while managing and troubleshooting the unexpected hiccups along the way. That dynamic energy is exactly what makes my role so rewarding.”
Setting the Stage for Istanbul and the Future of ITS Congresses
Right now, all eyes are on the 17th ITS European Congress in Istanbul, taking place from 27–29 April. “It is a very intense but exciting period,” Pamela says. “We are finalising the programme, filling the last exhibition spaces, and fine-tuning the details for the social events to ensure a seamless overall experience.”
But in the world of Congress management, the horizon is always expanding. Even as Istanbul takes shape, Pamela is already on the preparationsfor the ITS World Congress 2027 in Birmingham, working closely with the host to build strong interest and engagement from both the local and international ITS ecosystem. Looking further ahead, she is also working on the next tender cycle to host the ITS Congresses in 2028, 2029, and 2030.
“It is a continuous rhythm," she notes. "An unmissable annual meeting point for the ITS community, where each year moves to a different City and brings a slightly different focus.”
Moving Beyond the Pilot Phase to Real-World Deployment
The theme of this year speaks for itself: “Bridging Innovation: Integrated, Safe and Seamless Mobility.” And of course, the location adds something unique. Istanbul, as a bridge between continents, perfectly reflects the spirit of the Congress, connecting ideas, people, and perspectives from across Europe and beyond, across all modes of mobility.
“The ITS sector is evolving very quickly, and our programme truly reflects the key challenges and opportunities in mobility today, as well as the shift from testing and pilots towards real deployment. This is something we are strongly highlighting in this year’s Congress: how solutions are being implemented in cities and making a tangible impact.”
All of this will be experienced throughout Congress, through the sessions in the programme and the ITS Arena, across the exhibition, through live demonstrations and technical visits.
A Professional Journey Driven by Human Connection
Despite the high-tech nature of Intelligent Transport Systems, Pamela’s primary motivation remains deeply human.
“What motivates me the most when preparing these large-scale events is the people,” she shares. “I have been working on the ITS Congresses for many years now, and it has been fascinating to see how both the events sector and the mobility ecosystem have evolved. What I enjoy most is that we create a platform where best practices are shared, partnerships are formed, and where innovation in mobility is pushed forward, ultimately benefiting our everyday lives”.
Essential Advice for Navigating Your First Congress
If you are attending an ITS Congress for the first time, Pamela has two key pieces of advice to help you navigate the rich, high-energy environment:
- Tailor your journey: Identify key sessions or themes in advance. Download the Congress app to customise your three days based on your specific interests.
- Engage between the sessions: The most valuable moments often happen outside the formal sessions, through networking and discussions in the exhibition. Engage actively, ask questions, and connect with people from different parts of the ecosystem. That is where new ideas and collaborations often start.
The ITS congress offers a unique environment, under one roof, where you can move seamlessly from learning to exploring real solutions in practice.
Pamela concludes: “I hope attendees leave with new insights, inspiration, and meaningful connections that they can build on.”
Join us in Istanbul! Experience the future of mobility firsthand from 27–29 April. Registrations are now open, and the detailed Interactive Programme is live. We look forward to seeing you there.