This transportation-focused conference includes a mixture of panels, workshops, and discussion-based sessions, with a range of transportation-related topics open to individuals with years of experience in the field and those who are just beginning their transportation careers.
Follow the link below to begin online registration.
| Registration Type | Registration Rate |
|---|---|
|
Early Bird (on or by June 24, 2025) |
$485 |
|
Regular (after June 24, 2025) |
$550 |
|
RPO America Subscriber** |
$450 |
|
One-Day Attendance |
$275 |
|
Mobile Workshop Add-On: Des Moines Rail Transload Facility |
$30 |
|
Mobile Workshop Add-On: Riverfront Walking Tour |
$30 |
**If your organization paid an RPO America Subscription for 2025, you are eligible for a discounted registration rate of $450! Email Kar’ron Grant, [email protected], to take advantage of this perk or for more information on becoming an RPO America Subscriber.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel
401 Locust Street
Des Moines, Iowa, 50309
Reservations can also be made online using the “Book Now” button above, or by calling (800) 468-3571 or (515) 244-2151 x1. Be sure to name the conference to receive the discounted group rate.
The Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel is a historic property located in the heart of downtown Des Moines. It’s connected to the Des Moines Skywalk system, providing easy access to local attractions such as the Iowa Events Center, Court Avenue Entertainment District, and the State Capitol. Attendees might also enjoy nearby cultural attractions like the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Science Center of Iowa, and the vibrant local dining scene.
Amenities:
Parking:
Daily: $35.00
Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
(approximately 4.7 miles from the hotel)
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Click here to access the 2025 Sponsor and Exhibitor form.
We are seeking potential sponsors to help support and elevate the National Regional Transportation Conference!
Take advantage of this opportunity to get your company’s name and message in front of our conference attendees from organizations across the country.
In a typical year, this conference is attended by 125 – 150 individuals, most of whom are regional planning practitioners working on transportation, economic development, and other planning in rural and small metropolitan regions around the United States. State agency staff and other planning partners also attend. Sponsorship is designed to allow for optimal interaction with these audiences of attendees, as well as NADO’s greater membership of regional planning and development organizations and their partners.
Contact Brittany Salazar at [email protected] for more information about sponsorships and becoming and exhibitor.
Des Moines, Iowa | July 15–17, 2025
On behalf of the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) and the NADO Research Foundation, we look forward to welcoming you to the 2025 National Regional Transportation Conference in Des Moines, Iowa. This reference guide contains helpful information to prepare you for your trip.
Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel
401 Locust St.
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 244-2151
Check-in: 4:00 p.m.
Check-out: 11:00 a.m.
Valet Parking: $35/day
Self-Parking: City of Des Moines Parking Garage 4th and Grand 0.1 Miles
Valet service available 6:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Self Park available 24/7 at City of Des Moines facility.
Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
Distance from Hotel: 4.7 miles (~15 minutes by car)
The conference hotel has a complimentary Airport Shuttle. Rides are by request. Call 515-244-2151 to make arrangements.
Other Transportation:
Conference Mobile App – WhovaThis year’s conference will utilize the Whova mobile app. Download the Whova app if you haven’t already (App Store/Google Play) and sign up with your conference registration email. Refer to the “What to Know Before You Go” email for the app invitation code if needed, or contact us if you have trouble accessing the event in the app.
Features: View the program, create a personalized schedule, connect with attendees, message organizers, post photos, and more.
No printed programs: Download and print the PDF program linked at the top of this email if desired.
Questions? Email Brittany Salazar.
Complimentary Wi-Fi will be available in guest rooms and meeting spaces. Login instructions will be provided upon check-in.
Expect July temperatures to range from the mid-60s in the morning to high-80s during the day. Please pack for warm weather and bring a light sweater for indoor meeting spaces, which may be cool.
Registration will be located near the meeting rooms on the hotel’s 2nd level outside of the Savery Ballroom.
Hours of Operation:
Questions? Contact Kar’ron Grant.
Business casual is recommended. Be sure to dress in layers to stay comfortable in air-conditioned spaces.
Check the latest agenda on the “Agenda” tab for information on mobile workshops and optional offsite activities. If you are interested in adding a mobile workshop to your registration, stop by the registration desk when you arrive onsite at the conference.
All participants are expected to maintain a professional, respectful environment. View our Code of Conduct here (PDF).
We encourage you to post and engage on social media! Tag NADO on LinkedIn and Facebook and use #NRTC2025.
Presentations are linked as PowerPoints or PDFs in either the session title or presenter’s name below.
Please note: Sessions from this conference qualify for AICP Certificate Maintenance (CM) credits. Follow this link to log credits.
1:00-2:15 p.m.
Disaster Risk and Response
9:00-10:15 a.m.
Regional/Rural Roles in Statewide Transportation
9:00-10:15 a.m.
Regional Safety Planning
10:30-11:45 a.m.
Getting the Most out of Your Local Match for Successful Project Outcomes
Rural Safety Countermeasures
11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Plenary Luncheon – Communicating for Regional Impact: Rural Road Safety Awareness Week
Transportation Technical Assistance Listening Session