MEET THE TEAM
The place to be As the industry looks forward to the first in-person Intertraffic Amsterdam for four years, Joyce de Winter, exhibition director for the event, reflects on how the industry has evolved and picks notto-be-missed highlights to watch out for at the 2022 gathering
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he last two years has been hugely challenging for the whole world as businesses navigate the Covid pandemic. But the transport industry has proved more resilient than most, with new traffic management methods and infrastructure catering for the active-travel boom and on-demand public transit seeing a surge in popularity. As Joyce de Winter looks forward to the first in-person Intertraffic Amsterdam for four years, she reflects on how the mobility sector has changed, with Covid-19 forcing society to accelerate smart mobility solutions. “Covid has disrupted mobility worldwide,” she says. “The various lockdown periods and travel restrictions have forced society to rethink mobility. Travellers are now much more focused on healthy, safe and hygienic transport, and sharing mobility has less focus, with private cars proving popular again. This will accelerate the introduction of automated and autonomous driving.” Digitialisation is also accelerating, and de Winter notes that data-driven solutions have become key for sustainable and responsible mobility, while on-demand mobility services are becoming an important way for travelers to plan routes. “These developments will bring nextgeneration themes and new key players to our show floor,” de Winter continues. “Players coming from other markets, such as data, telecoms and IT, are set to take a leading role in where our industry is going. Furthermore, new business models and Intertraffic Amsterdam in numbers • 29 March to 1 April 2022 • 13 halls showcasing the latest mobility trends, products, and services • 900+ exhibitors, including market leaders, game changes and start-ups • 100+ nationalities represented • 120+ experts speaking as part of the extensive summit program, which includes interactive theatre sessions, demos, and presentations
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Intertraffic World | Annual Showcase 2022
collaborations will evolve. This might even mean that companies from the traditional industry who are not adapting their business models toward a connected and data-driven era, might decline. “It’s also important to not forget about the startup industry: they bring us the next-generation of innovative solutions. Collaboration with start-ups will keep us focused on developing new business models to stay in The approximate number the game.”
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Show highlights
of different nationalities that will be represented at Intertraffic Amsterdam 2022
Next-generation themes are key highlights to watch for at Intertraffic Amsterdam 2022. “They form a key part of our broad summit programme,” says de Winter. “I am also looking forward to engaging in the match-making platform we have developed, called Intertraffic Connect, which could lead to new collaborations in the industry.” The summit programme covers everything from big data, CAVs and MaaS, to road safety, traffic management and urban parking. For de Winter, the main highlight will be the simple fact that the event will be live again. “The in-person interaction and breathing and feeling the dynamic atmosphere cannot be replicated by the virtual events we all experience during Covid-19,” she says. “Virtual events make collaboration and spontaneous interactions more difficult, and people can become disengaged. As human beings we communicate with each other in many ways beyond just voice. Body language and facial expressions, for example, are part of our communication and they alone can lead to discussions. When people meet each
other in person, they are more likely to contribute to the conversation and this is important for building strong relationships, and for loyalty and trust.” De Winter notes that “coincidental encounters” are another important benefit of in-person events. “These kinds of encounters are highly appreciated by both visitors and exhibitors because they could lead to new business and opportunities. This cannot be replaced by a 2D virtual meeting,” she adds.
Health and safety
The Intertraffic team has spent a lot of time and effort making sure that the event can go ahead in the safest way possible. The event will comply will all the latest official Covid-19 protocols and the organizers are asking for all attendees to either have proof of vaccination or show a valid negative test or proof of recovery. The relevant checks will be carried out by a team at the entrance.
It’s important to not forget the startup industry: they bring us the next-generation of innovative solutions. Collaboration with start-ups will keep us focused on developing new business models
Joyce de Winter, exhibition director, Intertraffic Amsterdam
