What’s HappeningNewsReflecting on the 2024 TAC Conference

Reflecting on the 2024 TAC Conference

November 7, 2024

The 2024 TAC Conference & Exhibition brought together a record number of participants, marking a valuable opportunity for feedback, learning, and growth. 1,767 delegates, including 93 exhibitors and 39 sponsors, joined us in Vancouver, making this year’s conference TAC’s most attended on record.

From the Welcome Reception to the sessions on Wednesday afternoon, this year’s TACConf offered rich experiences and memorable interactions. Access the TACConf program to review the full schedule and session details on the Conference website.

View the 2024 TACConf Photo Gallery

Conference Feedback & Future Improvements

We asked for delegates’ feedback on the event through a survey. Here are some areas we’re actively considering for future improvements, as a result of what attendees told us.

Lunch and Networking
We understand that networking is central to the TAC Conference experience. We’re exploring ways to meet attendees’ need to network and foster connections with each other during lunch and breaks, while still delivering key presentations and programming outside of the technical sessions. Our goal is to create more time for organic interactions without interruption.

Technical Tours
Due to high demand and limited capacity, technical tour seats can fill up quickly. We’re reviewing the sign-up process and exploring ways to expand access so more attendees can experience the unique insights offered by learning about local infrastructure projects and facilities.

Conference Size
This year’s sold-out attendance was a testament to the growth of TAC’s network, its broad and expanding scope of work, and incredible engagement from the transportation community. While the strong turnout created an energizing atmosphere, it also meant crowded session rooms and plenaries. We’re committed to looking at ways to maintain this energy while managing space limitations for an optimal experience.

2024 Technical Program Insights

The technical program featured 98 sessions, panels, and workshops led by 447 presenters, covering TAC’s focus areas. Here’s a snapshot of average attendance per session:

Safety, Design &
Operations
Safety, Design &
Operations

55

55

Workforce
Development
Workforce Development

53

53

Mobility
Mobility

48

48

Infrastructure
& Asset Management
Infrastructure
& Asset Management

45

45

Environment & Climate Change
Environment & Climate Change

39

39

Technology
Technology

30

30

Accessing Conference Recordings

Recordings of the 2024 TAC Conference Opening Plenary session, lunch presentations, and technical sessions are now available to registered attendees and those who have purchased access on the Conference Virtual Portal. You should have received an email with instructions on how to access these recordings, so you can catch up on any sessions you missed or rewatch your favourites.

If you didn’t attend in person, you can still buy access to the session recordings and watch them at your convenience until March 2025.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As the 2024 conference wrapped up, delegates got an exciting preview of what’s in store for next year; the 2025 TAC Conference & Exhibition will take place in historic Quebec City, October 5-8. The theme, Building a Sustainable Transportation Legacy, will continue the conversation around innovation, sustainability, and progress in the transportation sector.

Thank You for Making TACConf 2024 a Success

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this year’s conference possible—from our dedicated TAC volunteers, presenters, exhibitors and sponsors to every delegate who brought their curiosity and expertise. As Dr. Sarah Wells, TAC’s Executive Director, noted: 

“There is no question that an event of this size, duration, and complexity needs many, many people rowing together toward the finish line to be successful.”

The TAC Conference continues to thrive because of the commitment of its community. We will use the successes and lessons from this year as we look forward to planning an even more engaging TAC Conference in 2025.