3rd IRF Europe & Central Asia Regional Congress & XVIIIth Bulgarian National Transport Infrastructure Conference

“Reimagining Regional Corridors: Safe, Resilient, Connected & Future-Ready”

Join us in Sofia for the 2025 edition of the IRF Europe & Central Asia Regional Congress and the XVIIIth Bulgarian National Transport Infrastructure Conference. This premier regional event will bring together thought leaders, practitioners, and policymakers to explore pressing challenges and opportunities across Europe and Central Asia. Building on previous successes, the 2025 Congress will focus on the following key themes:

• Enhancing Road Safety & Vision Zero Strategies
• Developing Resilient & Connected Corridors
• Digitalization & Smart Mobility
• Next Generation Infrastructure & Materials
• Road User Charging & Travel Demand Management
• Low Volume Road Condition Management

Expect profound insights on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence in transport, innovative safety practices, efficient financing models, and durable pavement solutions. Don’t miss this chance to network, collaborate, and gain actionable knowledge for creating sustainable and resilient roads and mobility systems.

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
  Hear from visionary leaders shaping the future of road networks and transportation.
• Interactive Sessions
  Participate in specialised discussions on AI, sustainability, finance, and more through a scientifically advanced program.
• Networking Opportunities
  Connect with global and regional professionals, industry experts, and decision-makers at dedicated events.
• Exhibition
  Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading companies and service providers showcasing their latest innovations.

Themes

1. Enhancing Road Safety & Vision Zero Strategies

Reducing traffic fatalities through policy, technology, and enforcement

2. Resilient & Connected Regional Connectivity

Discuss strategies to ensure road networks serve diverse populations, enable economic opportunities, and reduce mobility barriers across Europe and Central Asia.

3. Digitalisation & Next Generation Mobility

Explore how data-driven solutions enhance road management, optimize operations, and improve cross-border mobility.

4. Next-Generation Infrastructure & Materials

Explore sustainable construction, low-impact materials, AI-driven asset management, and advanced maintenance techniques to enhance safety, reduce carbon footprints, and extend infrastructure lifespan

5. Road User Charging & Travel Demand Management

Explore innovative funding models, from public-private partnerships to distance-based charging, empowering regions and cities to build, maintain and manage vital corridors sustainably.

6. Low Volume Road Condition Management

Explore the maintenance and preservation of low-traffic roads by utilizing cost-effective strategies and innovative technologies to ensure their safety and longevity, while optimizing resource allocation.

Why Participate?

• Expert Insights
  Learn from prominent authorities about integrating advanced technologies (AI, ITS) and resilient design principles into transportation systems.
• Innovation Showcase
  Gain exposure to the latest road safety measures, climate-resilient methods, and eco-friendly engineering solutions through real-world case studies.
• Policy & Strategy Development
  Understand evolving policy frameworks for public-private partnerships, road user charging, and corridor-based transport planning.
• Networking Opportunities
  Build lasting connections with global peers, industry innovators, and public-sector officials through dedicated sessions and social events like the gala dinner.
• Sustainability Focus
  Discover how thoughtful planning, design, and maintenance contribute to greener roads, minimized environmental footprints, and community well-being.

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:

Call for Abstracts (No Paper Required)

1. Enhancing Road Safety & Vision Zero Strategies

• Innovative, low cost and effective safety technologies and best practices
• Road risk diagnostics & safety audits
• Advanced variations in barrier technologies
• Workzone safety and vulnerable road users protection
• Supporting the police: Effective enforcement and risk diagnostics

2. Resilient & Connected Regional Corridors

• Infrastructure planning for cross-border mobility
• Financing, Management and Operation of multinational infrastructure.
• Connecting TEN-T with Central Asia
• Intermodal connections.

3. Digitalisation & Next Generation Mobility

• Case Studies: Improving road management and operation through digitization.
• AI and predictive analytics in traffic management
• Inclusive urban mobility: case studies and trends
• Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) deployment

4. Next Generation Infrastructure & Materials

• Low impact materials and sustainable construction
• Innovative maintenance, repair, and replacement techniques
• Cutting-edge bridge management and inspection approaches
• AI in Asset Management

5. Road User Charging & Travel Demand Management

• Case studies on road pricing and PPP models
• Emerging trends in distance-based charging
• Urban road pricing: trends and challenges

6. Low Volume Road Condition Management

• Rural Low Volume Road Policies
• Heavy Trucks and Bearing Capacity Design
• Drainage and Proactive Maintenance
• Gravel and Forest Road Maintenance Management
• Rural Road Survey Technologies

► Abstract Submission Deadline: May 15, 2025 (no Paper required)
► Abstract Acceptance Notification: May 25 , 2025
► Optional Paper Submission Deadline: July 10, 2025 (Top Papers to be published in a Scopus-indexed IRF Publication)
► Paper Acceptance Deadline: August 15, 2025

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.

Click here to view the exhibition floor plan

Exhibit Rates

Click here to view the exhibition floor plan

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

Inter Expo Center

Address: 147, Tsarigradsko shose blvd, Sofia 1784, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 (02) 9655205
Website: https://en.iec.bg/

Hotels Nearby

Expo Hotel Sofia ( Venue Hotel )

Website: https://sky-eu1.clock-software.com/spa/pms-wbe/#/hotel/14817
Address: 149 Tsarigradsko Shosse blvd., 1784 Sofia, Bulgaria

• the Conference guests can use Promo Code: ITE  to get promo prices. The code is valid for reservation from 10^th to 18^th October 2025
• Prices – 100 EUR per room per day ( for single room) ; 110 EUR per room per day ( for double room ). Breakfast included

Premier Airport Hotel

Website: https://sky-eu1.clock-software.com/spa/pms-wbe/#/hotel/15238 
Address: NPZ Iskar, bul. “Bruksel” 11, 1592 Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia Hotel Balkan

Website: IRF Europe & Central Asia Regional Congress & XVIII Bulg. Nat. Transport Infrastructure Conference
Address: 5 Sveta Nedelya Square, Sofia, Bulgaria, 1000

Hilton Sofia

Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/sofhihi-92r-1563aadb-7c7c-4bcc-bf3a-ae2989f01c58/
Address: g.k. Lozenets, Bulgaria Blvd 1, 1421 Sofia, Bulgaria

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 celebrates pioneering construction techniques and methodologies with 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 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 May 23. 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 June 29, 2025