Overview
This annual event provides peer-to-peer learning for regional transportation planners, state DOT representatives, and their partners. The conference will provide training and networking opportunities on a variety of rural and small metropolitan transportation topics.
With hands-on workshops, best practice panels, and facilitated networking sessions that feature peer trainers and expert speakers, the conference will offer training for organizations and individuals just beginning to work in transportation, as well as those with more experience.
Conference information:
- The conference will begin at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 24 and end around midday on Friday, April 26
- The call for presentation abstracts is open until March 1
- Conference organizers will apply to the American Planning Association to offer AICP CM credits for each training session
- View the Sponsor and Exhibitor Brochure (PDF)
Feedback from prior attendees:
- I always enjoy the National Rural Transportation Conference. It is good to network with transportation professionals through RPO America.
- I came away with much more information and many more contacts than I would ever have expected. Thank you!
- Each year, the National Rural Transportation Conference is a great way to exchange peer information and continue networking regarding transportation issues.
- I always enjoy interacting with others at the conference. I get great ideas, and it gives me a chance to see how others organize their programs and to learn about new topics.
- Overall, I was impressed with the quality of the conference content, management, organization, and scheduling. This model seems to work well for the audience.
- Excellent conference! Very valuable information!
Looking for materials from last year's conference (April 2012, Burlington, Vermont)? Click here.
Questions?: Contact Carrie Kissel at 202.624.8829 or ckissel@nado.org
Registration
Registration for this event started on February 15, 2013 and is currently Open.
Fee Schedule:
- Early Bird Registration Rate (before March 26 ): $250.00
- Regular Registration Rate (after March 26 ): $300.00
- Additional fees may apply for off-site workshop attendance
Please contact us for one-day, student, or other special registration rates.
Conference Registration Includes:
- Admission to the 2013 National Rural Transportation Conference
- Attendance at training and networking sessions
- Copies of special reports and training materials released at the conference
- AICP CM credits may be available for training sessions
Agenda & Presentations
The conference will use a variety of plenary and breakout session formats to offer training from the morning of Wednesday, April 24 through midday on Friday, April 26. The sessions will include training appropriate for individuals and organizations new to transportation, as well as those with more experience.
Wednesday, April 24th
Learn about the language defining Regional Transportation Planning Organizations in MAP-21, including how to set up an RTPO and what the fundamental responsibilities are. A perfect introduction to the conference training for new attendees or organizations new to transportation planning.
Learn the latest in applications and innovations making technology available to assist with transportation planning.
Hear how federal agencies are working together to deliver programs and resources to assist communities in rural and small metro regions, and from a local perspective how to overcome obstacles and to focus on implementation.
Gathering meaningful input from stakeholders and the general public is not easy. Learn about techniques to engage stakeholders and build consensus to guide future regional plans.
Despite overall declines in fatalities in the U.S., over half of fatal crashes are still occurring in rural areas. This session will focus on practices to incorporate safety into rural and small metro transportation planning work.
All attendees are encouraged to attend the meetings and join in on a discussion of how regional transportation planning organizations in rural and small metro areas can demonstrate their value in the planning process.
Participants will share information about promising new practices that are making a difference in regions across the nation.
Thursday, April 25th
Through a series of several short presentations, presenters will focus on the theme, how can rural and small metro regions work to improve mobility?
Incorporating public and local official input into a vision leads to the development of a long-term plan to guide transportation system priorities. Learn from promising practices and how MAP-21 may change future plan updates.
Regional planning organizations, transit agencies, and others are increasingly turning to mobility management strategies to ensure people can get where they need to go.
One of the requirements for an RTPO in MAP-21, a transportation improvement program translate the long-range plan’s vision and goals into local projects that move the vision forward.
Learn how freight flows now, how future scenarios may affect transportation networks and demand, and what regional organizations can do to address freight in their plans.
Workshops under development will combine presentations with off-site training to provide attendees’ with experiential learning opportunities. Sessions may include training on freight movement, techniques to address safety, advances in technology, and more. Some workshops may require an additional fee to cover costs such as off-site transportation.
Friday, April 26th
Through this facilitated discussion session, learn from your peers about their challenges and successes in regional transportation planning practice related to a variety of topics, including rural safety, bicycle/pedestrian planning, regional organizations’ role in supporting statewide planning, engaging freight stakeholders, and more.
Six months into MAP-21 implementation, hear how the new legislation is shaping transportation practice, with a focus on significant policy issues for rural and small metropolitan areas and for planning at RTPOs, MPOs, state DOTs, and their partners.
~ Please note this schedule is subject to change. ~
Travel & Venue
Hyatt Regency Greenville
220 N Main St.
Greenville, South Carolina 29601
1.800.891.3797
Room Rate: $129 single/double
Room block deadline: March 25
Artfully stylish. Contemporary. Gracious. Urbane. Ideally located on Main Street, our award-winning downtown Greenville hotel offers innumerable opportunities to enjoy the best the city has to offer from arts and culture to elegant dining, glorious outdoor pursuits and that famous Southern hospitality.
- Greenville is conveniently located in the Southeast along the 1-85 corridor, between Atlanta, GA and Charlotte, NC.
- Greenville was named as one of America's Best Downtowns by Forbes.
- Learn about Greenville's dining scene (PDF) and see a list of restuarants.
~ Some or all of this information was provided by the hotel/venue and CVB. ~
- What airlines fly into Greenville?
Allegiant Airlines, American Eagle Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Northwest Airlines, United Express Airlines, US Airways, and Southwest begins service to GSP in March 2011! - What is the distance from the airport to downtown?
15 minutes
Use the Hotel Address below for Mapquest/GPS directions:
Sponsors
Interested in supporting the National Rural Transportation Conference as an exhibitor or sponsor? Please view our Sponsor and Exhibitor Brochure (PDF) for information on sponsorship levels, attendee profiles, and more conference information.
As a conference exhibitor or sponsor, your organization will be listed in the conference program, in pre-conference marketing materials, and on the conference website, receiving hundreds of hits each month. You will also have access to all conference events—including the many built-in opportunities for networking during receptions, breaks, and meal functions. Your display space will be located in the registration area, conveniently close to the conference sessions, a perfect location for attendees to browse and talk with you about your services and products.
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