IRF Europe & Central Asia Regional Congress & XVIIth Bulgarian National Transport Infrastructure Conference

“Future Roads: Innovate, Invest, Achieve Zero”

The IRF Europe & Central Asia Regional Congress in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, is the premier regional event dedicated to discussing and shaping the future of mobility and road infrastructure. This event will cover a broad spectrum of critical issues in the sector. Experts and leading authorities will offer deep dives into a variety of subjects, such as the integration of artificial intelligence in transportation systems, the advancement of transportation equity, the adoption of cutting-edge safety practices, the implementation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), and the development of green and durable pavement technologies. Additionally, strategic discussions will encompass financial models, focusing on Road User Charging (RUC) and the nuances of transportation financing. This congress is anticipated to be an invaluable hub for networking and rich knowledge exchange with the goal of achieving green, safe, smart, and sustainable roads and mobility systems for the region.

Who will attend?

• Construction Contractors, Engineers, and Managers
• Equipment Manufacturers, Suppliers, and Distributors
• Highway and Municipal Agencies, Transportation Officials
• Design Consultants and Engineering Professionals
• Transport Research Institutes and University Academics
• Traffic Technology and ITS Specialists

Conference Highlights

• Keynote Speeches: Gain insights from the sector’s foremost thought leaders.
• Interactive Sessions: Participate in specialized sessions and a scientifically advanced program.
• Networking Opportunities: Engage with professionals and decision-makers at business networking events.
• Exhibition: Experience an exhibition showcasing the top innovate companies and service providers globally.

Why Participate?

• Expert Insights: Hear from leading authorities about integrating advanced technologies like AI and smart infrastructure into the transportation system.
• Innovation Showcase: Learn about the latest in road safety innovations, climate resilience, ITS and green technologies through case studies and success stories.
• Policy and Strategy Development: Gain a deeper understanding of policy statements and strategies in public-private partnerships and road development planning.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse group of professionals during breaks and social events like the gala dinner, which foster meaningful discussions and potential collaborations.
• Sustainability Focus: Understand how conscious practices in planning, design and road maintenance can contribute to eco-friendly initiatives and sustainable practices.

Prof. Dr. Eng. Nikolay Mihaylov
Head of Scientific Committee, Institute of Transportation Engineering, Bulgaria

Kostadin Dimitrov
Mayor of Plovdiv

Philip J. Wijers
Director Government Affairs – Sensys Gatso Group

Malina Krumova
Chairperson, State Agency “Road Safety”, Bulgaria

Steve Phillips
Secretary General, Confederation of European Directors of Roads

Call for Presentations / Papers (No Paper Required)

*Additional calls will be made for indexed scientific papers

Download the Paper Submission Template

The abstract should be written in English, readily understandable to most readers, and may contain a maximum of 250 words. There is no cost to submit an abstract.

Abstract Topics:

1. Asset Management

• Pavement & Bridge Management: Latest research and practical implementations
• AI in Asset Management: Exploring new frontiers
• Integrated Strategies for Asset Management
• Innovative Maintenance, Repair, and Replacement Techniques
• Cutting-edge Bridge Management and Maintenance Approaches

2. Vision Zero: A Commitment to Road Safety

• AI Applications in Road Safety Enhancements
• Road Risk Diagnostics and Safety Audits
• Advanced Barrier Technologies: Rigid, Semi-Rigid, and Flexible
• Enhancements in Lane Marking and Retro-Reflectivity
• Safety in Workzones and Temporary Traffic Control
• Protecting Vulnerable Road Users: Strategies and Technologies

3. Next Generation Mobility

• Advanced Traffic Management Systems
• Inclusive urban mobility: Case Studies and Trends
• Mobility as a Service (MaaS): Trends and Future Directions
• CAVs Deployment: Strategies and City Integration
• Designing City Streets and Highways for CAVs
• Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I) Communication Breakthroughs
• ITS Role in Climate Change Mitigation

4. Materials and Technologies for Sustainable Pavements

• Recycling and reuse of materials in pavement construction
• Low-impact pavement materials
• Advances in bio-based materials for pavement applications
• Innovative use of industrial by-products and waste materials

5. Sustainable Connectivity

• North-South connection via Bulgaria and the Balkans
• The new silk road a new era between Europe and Asia
• Management and operation of multinational infrastructure
• Intermodal connections

6. Road User Charging & Travel Demand Management

• Innovative Technologies for Managing Travel Demand
• Exploring the Effectiveness of Road Pricing Models
• Distance-Based Charging: Analysis and Case Studies
• Urban Road Pricing Technologies: Trends and Challenges

► Abstract Submission Deadline: May 10, 2024 (no Paper required)
► Abstract Acceptance Notification: May 24 , 2024
► Paper Submission Deadline: July 10, 2024 (Accepted Papers that meet the criteria will be published in a SCOPUS-indexed IRF Publication)
► Paper Acceptance Deadline: August 15, 2024

Place your company’s brand, products and services at center stage during this high-level industry event. With an exhibit or sponsorship package you can build greater market awareness by increasing your exposure in front of top decision makers, government officials and buyers who are directly involved with road and transport infrastructure industry programs.

Exhibit Rates

Shell Scheme (Includes Walls, 2 chairs, 1 table, & 1 electrical socket, 2 delegate registrations)
IRF Members: 330 Euros per SQM (Minimum 9SQM)
Non-Member: 390 Euros per SQM (Minimum 9SQM)

Raw Space
IRF Members: 200 Euros per SQM (Minimum 36 SQM)
Non-Member: 250 Euros per SQM (Minimum 36 SQM)

Sample Shell Scheme

Conference Sponsorship Benefits & Rates

Place your company’s brand, products and services at center stage during this high-level industry event. The exhibition will help you build greater market awareness by increasing your exposure in front of top decision makers, government officials and buyers who are directly involved in road and transport infrastructure investments.

To reserve a sponsorship or for more information, please contact us At + 1 703 535 1001 or at melabyad@irf.global

	Gold	Silver	Bronze
MEMBER COST	$25,000	$15,000	$10,000
NON-MEMBER COST	$30,000	$18,000	$12,000
NUMBER OF REGISTRATIONS	7	4	3
EXHIBITION	VIP Booth (18 m2)*	Premium Booth (12 m2)	Premium Booth (10 m2)
OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT	Opening Panel
MATCHMAKING SUPPORT
DEDICATED SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS (LINKEDIN & TWITTER)	6	4	2
EVENT PROGRAM AD	Full page ad	Half page ad	Logo
MATERIALS IN BAGS
PRIVATE MEETING ROOM ACCESS
LOGO RECOGNITION AT EVENT

Conference Venue

International Fair Plovdiv
Address: Tsar Boris III Obedinitel Blvd 37Plovdiv 4003, Bulgaria
Website: https://www.fair.bg/en

Hotels Nearby

Hotel Imperial Plovdiv
Address: 6, ul. “Lev Tolstoy” str, 4017 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Website:  https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/
Please click the link above and choose Hotel Imperial Plovdiv and than use the code CONFB for the hotel promo

Park Sankt Peterburg Hotel
Address: Severen, Bulgaria Blvd 97, 4003 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Website: https://sphotel.net/en/

Grand Hotel Plovdiv
Address: KarshiakaSeveren, ul. “Zlatyu Boyadzhiev” 2, 4003 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Website: https://grandhotelplovdiv.bg/en/

Promocode – ITE2024

For additional information

sales2@grandhotelplovdiv.bg

+35932934481

reservation1@grandhotelplovdiv.bg

+35932934163

DoubleTree by Hilton Plovdiv Center
Address: TsentarPlovdiv Center, pl. “Sveta Petka” 1, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/pdvdtdi-doubletree-plovdiv-center

Please send e-mail to reservations.dtplovdiv@hilton com with information that you will be at the Congress and the hotel will provide special prices.

Recommended Shuttle from Sofia to Plovdiv

Europe & Central Asia Congress delegates can contact the shuttle company via one of the possibilities from the contact form https://ditabus.com/en/contacts/

Everyone can ask for individual transfer or group transfer or transfer out of the congress dates or from/to other places.

23^rd and 24^th of September from Sofia Airport to any hotel
10:00
14:00
18:00

27^th of September Hotel – Congress center – Airport Sofia

13:30 ( From the congress center )
18:00

28^th of September
10:00

IRF Europe & Central Asia Regional Excellence Awards

1. Road Finance Excellence Award

Purpose: This award aims to acknowledge exceptional financial strategies and innovations that have significantly improved road infrastructure funding and management.

Eligibility: Open to governments, private sector companies, financial institutions, and public-private partnerships involved in road finance projects within Europe & Central Asia. Projects must demonstrate innovative financing mechanisms, successful funding strategies, or impactful financial management practices implemented within the last five years.

2. Environmental Mitigation in Road Projects Award

Purpose: This award seeks to recognize outstanding efforts in minimizing the environmental impact of road infrastructure projects through sustainable practices and innovative mitigation strategies.

Eligibility: Open to road authorities, contractors, consultants, and environmental organizations active in Europe & Central Asia. Projects should showcase effective environmental impact assessments, implementation of green construction practices, wildlife conservation efforts, or reduction in carbon footprint associated with road projects completed within the last five years.

3. Innovative Construction Methodology Award

Purpose: This award aims to celebrate pioneering construction techniques and methodologies that have advanced road construction efficiency, quality, and safety.

Eligibility: Open to construction companies, engineering firms, and technology providers involved in road construction projects in Europe & Central Asia. Projects must demonstrate innovative construction techniques, materials, or technologies that have significantly improved the construction process or the final road infrastructure, completed within the last five years.

Submission Instructions:

1. Application Form: Complete the official application form available on the IRF Europe & Central Asia Congress website.
2. Project Description: Provide a 500-word detailed description of the project and a 30-slide PowerPoint.
3. Impact Statement: Include a 200-word statement detailing the project’s impact on road finance, environmental mitigation, or construction methodology, highlighting measurable outcomes and long-term benefits.
4. Submission Deadline: All submissions must be received by August 22. Late submissions will not be considered.
5. Evaluation Criteria: Submissions will be evaluated based on innovation, impact, sustainability, and replicability. A panel of industry experts will review all entries and select the winners.
6. Notification: Shortlisted candidates will be notified by September 15, 2024