Unlike traditional congresses that focus on immediate outputs like attendance and revenue, the ITS World Congress was designed with clear, long-term objectives: to demonstrate Australia’s leadership in transport innovation, engage local and national government stakeholders, foster industry collaboration, and promote workforce diversity in tech.
The congress left behind tangible legacies, such as:
- Advancing Australia’s national transport technology strategy
- Strengthening government-industry-academic partnerships
- Inspiring new education and talent development initiatives
- Providing a global platform to address gender diversity in STEM
For associations, the case underscores the value of aligning congress themes with host city priorities, while also building legacy frameworks into planning from the outset. By doing so, associations can:
- Elevate the strategic value of their events
- Strengthen relationships with local governments and institutions
- Enhance their brand as a catalyst for industry advancement
- Generate meaningful impact for members and communities
BestCities’ initiative encourages associations to measure success not just in terms of attendance or media coverage, but in policy shifts, innovation outcomes, and long-term societal gains.
This case reinforces the message: when associations and destinations co-design congresses with legacy in mind, the benefits can echo for years after the closing keynote. Associations have a unique opportunity to drive industry change through purposeful event design.
