ITS America Conference & Expo will host 170 exhibitors in Detroit, including nearly 70 first-time participants. The 2026 event will also introduce an ITS StartUps Zone for emerging transportation companies.
The show at Huntington Place is expected to bring together more than 3,000 transportation leaders, researchers and decision-makers from the public and private sectors.
The expanded exhibitor base reflects continued activity in intelligent transportation, with companies working in artificial intelligence, connected transportation, cybersecurity, data analytics, digital infrastructure, autonomous vehicles and smart city systems joining the floor.
New exhibitors include BusPatrol, which focuses on school bus safety programmes using AI; Claro, which provides video analytics and cybersecurity products for logistics and supply chains; and Connected Signals, which supplies predictive traffic light information to vehicles. Other first-time participants include Chainzone Technology, a maker of LED variable message signs, and Raytec Systems, which develops LED lighting for uses including licence plate recognition and wrong-way detection.
Startup focus
A new feature of the exhibition is the ITS StartUps Zone, a dedicated section for early-stage transportation companies. About five companies are expected to take part in that area, while other startup businesses, including Mobito Neuweb, Inex.Net, ASX, ViaSight and Intreelligent, will exhibit elsewhere on the show floor.
The format places newer companies alongside larger, more established transport suppliers. That arrangement is intended to increase contact between startups, agencies, investors and potential commercial partners.
Laura Chace outlined the rationale for the broader mix of exhibitors.
"The growth in new exhibitors and startups reflects the extraordinary momentum building across the intelligent transportation sector," said Laura Chace, President and CEO, ITS America. "Cities, agencies and industry partners all benefit when the full range of innovation, from established platforms to emerging technologies, is represented in one place. ITS America Conference & Expo is exactly that place, and we are proud to be the platform where the future of transportation comes to life."
Broader range
The larger roster gives attendees a wider view of technologies already in use or being prepared for deployment by transport agencies and private operators. Highlighted areas include cybersecurity tools, AI-based traffic management, connected vehicle systems and digital infrastructure.
The event is organised through a partnership between RX Global and ITS America. ITS America Events, managed by RX Global, oversees the conference and expo brand as well as the ITS World Congress when that event is held in North America.
In Detroit, the mix of established suppliers and younger businesses points to a market that is still broadening as transport authorities and operators seek software, hardware and communications systems to address traffic flow, safety, roadside information and urban mobility needs.
Jaime McAuley said the startup area was created in response to interest across the sector.
"The ITS StartUps Zone is a direct response to the appetite we see for emerging technology across the transportation sector," said McAuley. "We created this dedicated space so the boldest new innovators in transportation can stand alongside the industry's most established names, because that kind of access accelerates innovation and drives real results for the communities transportation professionals serve."