Transport transition - we need to talk!

We remain true to our focus: the transport transition in all its complexity takes centre stage, with a particular focus on urban areas. The three overarching topics of ‘municipal mobility transition’, ‘public transport & mobility services’ and ‘urban drive and energy transition’ form the common thread.

As a cross-sector dialogue platform, we bring together experts from business, municipalities, politics and science. To this end, we create an activating setting to ask the right questions and consciously dissolve the boundaries between the usual silos and sectors. The overarching question: How do we shape mobility together for a liveable city of tomorrow?

There have been easier times for the transport revolution, that much is clear. In these crisis-ridden times, polarisation is growing in many places and a longing for the old familiar is spreading - including in mobility and urban development. The early elections are making this tangible: It is almost impossible to predict today where exactly we will be tomorrow! This omnipresent volatility is of course challenging - I think I speak for both the economic and political dimensions of the transport transition. But let's be honest, can we go back at all? A broken traffic light does not stop the transport transition.

So we want to continue to spread a spirit of optimism and draw attention to the numerous good examples and solutions. Because we continue to firmly believe in the common goal of green, public welfare-orientated and effective mobility and in the forces of renewal in public institutions and sectors. No matter where I look - from the barrier-free train station to the digitalised mobile station, the electric car and the 15-minute city to the autonomous cargo bike: things are on the move and that is encouraging!

Of course! Our tried-and-tested workshop programme is aimed specifically at those shaping the transport transition at municipal level and in professional fields related to urban development and mobility. The focus here is on practical applicability and sharing experiences. Once again, our call formats play an important role, because the best ideas are to be found in practice! With the Call for Best Practices, we are once again offering those shaping the transport transition in cities and municipalities the opportunity to share their successes and challenges, learn from each other and inspire others to follow suit. The Call for Innovations, launched for the first time, opens the stage for innovative companies with hands-on solutions - from start-ups and SMEs to industry leaders.

In general, the new premises of the Conference Centrum Nord with the light-flooded boulevard and an outdoor area with a testDRIVE area are all about encounters and interaction - from business breakfasts and spotlight receptions in the middle of the exhibition to an evening happy hour: there will be numerous occasions to get into conversation and make new contacts or refresh old ones. The various docking points that polisMOBILITY offers its partners to set their own accents are particularly important to me.

polisMOBILITY sees itself as a dialogue platform that is designed together with its partners. Our new expo partnerships therefore go far beyond a traditional exhibitor presence. In addition to stands, we offer partners the opportunity to provide impetus at our expoSTAGEs and actively participate in the curated stage programme. We work closely with stakeholders from the public sector, science, civil society and the private sector.

The adjacent Conference Centrum Nord also offers numerous customisable rooms for ‘docking’ partner events - from meetings and committee meetings to specialist conferences. We would therefore like to take this opportunity to invite you to contact us if you would like to become part of polisMOBILITY 2025!

My personal highlight this year was the moment when the mouse entered the visionSTAGE hall and accepted the German Bicycle Award to thunderous applause and beaming faces. Of course, it's hard to top that, but we'll think of something. Maybe we need our own mascot?

No, seriously: I think events like polisMOBILITY thrive on their atmosphere. From the tingling in the air after an inspiring keynote or a courageous panel statement, from the feeling of wanting to make a difference together and from the many small personal encounters where ideas sprout and resonate. Above all, I am looking forward to being surprised!