Innovation Happens Everywhere. Share Your Story!
Application Deadline: Friday, November 6
Innovation takes many forms: From practical technology tools and workforce initiatives to creative solutions that help agencies work more effectively.
The Self-Help Counties Coalition (SHCC) invites agencies, consultants, technology partners, and industry leaders to share projects, programs, and practical innovations that address transportation and workplace challenges.
As part of the 2026 Focus on the Future Conference, the Projects Shaping the Future: Innovation & Workforce Solutions Poster Showcase will highlight approaches to employee support, workforce development, organizational effectiveness, technology, collaboration, and transportation project delivery. Artificial intelligence is welcome, but not required.
Selected posters will be displayed throughout the conference and featured during an interactive networking session where attendees can connect directly with presenters.
★ Updated Application Deadline: November 6, 2026 ★
WHO SHOULD APPLY
We welcome submissions from public agencies, consultants, technology providers, universities, non-profits, and partner organizations advancing transportation through practical innovation, collaboration, and workforce solutions.
Poster topics may include workplace improvements, workforce challenges, transportation projects, technology applications, organizational innovation, or successful partnerships.
Examples include:
- Workforce recruitment, retention, training, and professional development
- Technology tools supporting employees and improving everyday workflows
- Employee engagement, organizational change, and knowledge sharing
- Innovative project planning, delivery, and asset management
- Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and operational improvements
- Data analytics, visualization, and digital transformation
- Practical AI applications and responsible technology adoption
- Customer service, accessibility, and community engagement
- Innovative transportation programs, processes, and partnerships
- Pilot projects, research, and lessons learned that others can apply
Marketing or sales materials promoting a specific product or company will not be considered.
SELECTION CRITERIA
- Relevance: Addresses transportation, workforce, organizational, or technology challenges and offers ideas relevant to the future of the industry.
- Originality & Practical Application: Demonstrates creative thinking, effective solutions, or new approaches to familiar challenges.
- Value to Attendees: Lessons learned and takeaways that can be applied across projects and programs.
- Completeness: A thorough, well-developed application.
POSTER SESSION LOGISTICS
The Poster Showcase provides an opportunity for agencies and industry partners to demonstrate how practical innovation—including workforce initiatives, improved processes, partnerships, and technology—is strengthening transportation planning, project delivery, operations, employee support, and organizational effectiveness.
Poster Specifications
Poster Size
- Maximum size: 36″ H × 48″ W (landscape orientation recommended)
- Posters should be designed for easy viewing and engagement by conference attendees.
Printed Poster
- Posters should be professionally printed in full color.
- Laminated posters are strongly encouraged to improve durability and presentation quality.
- Posters may be mounted on lightweight backing material or submitted as a laminated standalone poster.
- Push pins and display materials will be provided onsite.
Digital Submission
To extend the reach of the Poster Session beyond the conference, all accepted presenters must also submit:
- A high-resolution PDF version of their poster
- One representative project image (optional)
- Presenter contact information for attendee follow-up
Digital posters will be made available through the conference website and/or mobile app for attendee reference before and after the event.
Setup & Display
- Poster setup must be completed by 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 15, 2026.
- Each poster station will include an identification sign and display materials.
- Posters will remain on display throughout the conference unless otherwise instructed.
Poster Session Presentation
Formal Poster Session | Monday, November 16, 2026 | 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Presenters (or a project representative) are expected to be available at their poster during the full session to engage with attendees, answer questions, and discuss project outcomes, lessons learned, and future applications.
Optional Featured Spotlight
Selected poster presenters may be invited to participate in a brief recorded interview highlighting their project and its relevance to the future of transportation. Featured interviews may be shared through conference communications and digital platforms. Interviews will take place after the conference, via Zoom.
HOW TO APPLY
Complete the application below (or a separate version) and email it to Jenny Devine at selfhelpcounties@gmail.com by the updated deadline (to be announced). The SHCC Executive Director and the Focus on the Future Conference Planning Committee will review all applications and select posters that best fit the 2026 program.
