IT-TRANS Call for Papers: Advancing mobility together

Discover new congress structure that puts knowledge transfer and industry insights at the heart of the trade fair

IT-TRANS is the international exhibition and congress dedicated to the digital transformation of public transport. From 3 to 5 March 2026, experts from around the world will gather in Karlsruhe.

Representatives from transport operators, cities and municipalities, science and research, industry and politics are now invited to become part of the new congress structure by submitting their topic proposals via the Call for Papers.

In 2026, the congress and exhibition will be seamlessly merged – with integrated congress rooms in both exhibition halls, enabling flawless knowledge transfer and exchange.

Since 2008, IT-TRANS has been the innovation hub for digitalisation in public transport – with a concrete focus on cutting-edge technologies, strategic concepts and practical applications. The 2026 event is expected to welcome more than 6,000 exhibition visitors and 240 exhibitors, alongside 120 speakers and 500 congress participants from over 30 countries.

Showcase your expertise and help shape the future of public transport

Experts are invited to submit their insights, research, best-practice examples or future-oriented concepts to the 2026 congress programme.

Key topics include:

• Demand Responsive Transport

• Autonomous Mobility

• Rural Mobility

• Ticketing & User-Centred Mobility

• Data & Interoperability

• Cyber Security

• Planning, Operations & Digitalisation Concepts

• Energy & Smart Cities

• Workforce & Skills

• Vehicle Concepts & Passenger Information

A high-level, interdisciplinary Programme Committee is overseeing the congress preparation, including distinguished professionals such as PD Dr.-Ing. Martin Kagerbauer (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, KIT), Dr. Kaan Yildizgoz (Modaxo Inc.), Dr.-Ing. Miriam Ruf (Fraunhofer ICT), Dr. Alexander Viehl (FZI Research Center for Information Technology), Andrea Mohr Braun (INIT Group), Janine Stuchl (PTV GmbH), Daniel Ackers (VDV-ETS), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Martin Chichon (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, KIT), Dipl.-Wirtschaftsing. Benjamin Bock (Karlsruhe Transport Company, VBK), and Jochen Georg (Messe Karlsruhe).

More than just a congress & trade fair: Global networking opportunities

With two evening events – Mobility Vibes on Tuesday and the Karlsruhe Networking Night on Wednesday – exhibitors and participants alike will have the opportunity for inspiring conversations, and the creation of valuable new contacts and international partnerships.

Share your expertise with the public transport forum of the future

Interested parties are invited to submit their innovative ideas, concepts or research projects to the congress via the IT-TRANS website.