Intertraffic Amsterdam is an international forum for all transport technology professionals worldwide. More than 900 exhibitors from over 100 countries provided a comprehensive overview of the latest trends and developments.
ITS Finland participated in the event with an ITS Nationlas booth, which included ITS Nordic+. ITS Nationlas brought together ten ITS countries from all over Europe on a joint stand with the slogan #togetherwearestronger. This time seven of our members were present at the ITS Finland stand: Fintraffic, Forum Virium Helsinki, Mellenium, Nodeon, Ramboll Management Consulting, ParkCharegPay (Semel Oy), Sitowise. A few Finnish companies also had their own stand at the event.
The fair’s success was significantly bolstered by the support of Connekt / ITS Netherlands, our neighbors at the event with an impressively extensive stand of their own. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Connekt for their warm hospitality and for playing such a pivotal role in enhancing our experience at the fair.
First Day at the Fair: A Hive of Activity
The first day at the fair was a whirlwind of energy and engagement, setting a dynamic tone at the ITS Finland stand. Strategically positioned at the forefront of Hall 2, our booth was a nexus of convenience and visibility, inviting members and attendees alike.
The morning buzzed with anticipation as ITS Finland members were welcomed at the Connekt Pavilion. Marije de Nijs of ITS Netherlands graciously introduced us to a host of Dutch partners and members, kicking off an enthusiastic round of networking that would set the stage for the day’s collaborations.
In the afternoon, it was the turn of the ITS organisations to present themselves at the stand
We held a joint presentation event with Nordic+ organisations with ITS Canada delegation. The atmosphere peaked when the ITS Canada delegation took the stage, delivering an invigorating one-minute pitch session with us that dovetailed seamlessly into an afternoon of networking, complemented by effervescent bubbles. The ITS Canada delegation arrived as our guests for a 1min pitching session, followed by networking and bubbles.
The day’s success flowed into the evening with a Finnish dinner at the Olijfje restaurant, where stakeholders and guests converged over culinary delights, cementing relationships and celebrating the day’s achievements.
Wednesday: Deepening Connections and Exploring Innovations
The fair’s second day dawned with a focus on deepening connections and exploring innovations. The morning was a beehive of meetings, filled with the warmth of reuniting with familiar faces and the thrill of Intertraffic Amsterdam’s magnetic draw. It became apparent just how colossal the event was, with its unparalleled capacity to attract a global audience beyond those with stands; many were there to absorb knowledge and cultivate new connections.
The sentiment was unanimous among attendees: Intertraffic Amsterdam is unparalleled in scale, truly the world’s foremost exhibition in the field of transport technology.
Amsterdam: An In-Depth Exploration with the Nordic+ Family
The study tour, an integral part of the Nordic+ family’s agenda in Amsterdam, commenced with an insightful session at our designated stand. Vincent Lau delivered an illuminating theoretical talk on Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) at the RAI Congress Centre, setting a solid foundation for the day’s exploration.
Post-discussion, the group embarked on a journey via metro from the RAI to Amsterdam’s central station, traversing the heart of the city’s vibrant transport network.
The tour then took a bespoke turn, splitting into two focused groups for specialized visits. Group A accompanied Vincent Lau to Amsterdam’s Traffic Management Centre (TMC). Here, in smaller, more intimate subgroups of four or five, participants had the unique opportunity to step inside the control room, gaining firsthand insight into the city’s nerve center of traffic management.
Meanwhile, Group B delved into the challenges of crowd sourcing and pedestrian management in Amsterdam’s bustling Red-Light District. Guided by Mick Werkendam’s expertise, they observed real-time strategies deployed to navigate the throngs of tourists in this famously crowded locale.
This nuanced approach to our study tour allowed for a deeper understanding of ITS applications in urban settings, reflecting the innovative spirit that defines the Nordic+ community’s pursuit of smart city solutions.
Wednesday evening concluded with the International Intertraffic Dinner organised by Connekt/ITS Netherlands. The dinner was served at the Capital C restaurant in the creative hub of Amsterdam, located in an old diamond store. The dinner brought together representatives of various smart mobility organisations, including several members of ITS Nationals, embassies, consulates and representatives of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.
Summary: Intertraffic Amsterdam as a Pivotal ITS Hub
ITS Finland, in collaboration with ITS Nordic+ and other ITS Nationals, showcased a strong presence, establishing a hub for networking and the exchange of ideas. The meticulously designed stand served as a focal point for members to connect, share insights, and foster partnerships across the European ITS landscape.
Highlighting the first day with presentations, pitching sessions, and the vibrant buzz of networking opportunities, the event demonstrated the potent synergy between various ITS organizations. The success of these interactions was complemented by the warm hospitality of Connekt / ITS Netherlands, enhancing the collaborative spirit of the event.
The study tour on the following day provided a deep dive into the practical applications of ITS in urban settings, including an inside look at Amsterdam’s Traffic Management Centre and pedestrian management techniques in high-density areas like the Red-Light District. These excursions were not only informative but also showcased the practical implications and effectiveness of ITS solutions in real-world scenarios.
Intertraffic Amsterdam, through its assembly of experts, exhibitions, and extensive networking opportunities, solidified its reputation as a cornerstone event for the transport industry. It facilitated a melting pot of ideas and fostered a sense of unity among transport technology professionals, proving to be an event of paramount importance for sharing knowledge, driving innovation, and shaping the future of transport technology.
