2024 Annual POLIS Conference
The Annual POLIS Conference 2024 will take place on 27-28 November in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
The Annual POLIS Conference is Europe’s leading sustainable urban mobility event, providing an opportunity for cities and regions to showcase their transport achievements to a large audience of mobility experts, practitioners, and decision-makers from both the public and private sectors.
After a record-breaking edition in 2023, the POLIS Team and our Conference hosts and POLIS members Baden-Württemberg and Karlsruhe are glad to welcome you to another fantastic Conference.
REGISTRATIONS
The registrations for the Annual POLIS Conference 2024 are open!
Secure your spot at the early bird rate of EUR 350 (excluding VAT)—an offer valid up to 30 September 2024. Registration will close on 12 November 2024.
If you are a POLIS member, you will be pleased to know that three of your representatives may register for the Conference for free. Moreover, we are offering free media tickets pending a press card or proof of profession and a special undergraduate discount (Conference dinner not included for both)!
PROGRAMME
Our carefully crafted draft programme is finally available!
We are once again gathering the brightest minds, policymakers, industry leaders, and city and region representatives from all over Europe and beyond to engage in 32 insightful sessions and 2 thought-provoking plenaries. Plus, as part of our conference, our host city is offering a total of 6 site visits, putting the spotlight on Karlsruhe and Baden-Württemberg’s sustainable urban mobility initiatives.
Site Visits
#1 Transport transition in Karlsruhe: Active mobility in public space
As a city committed to transport transition, Karlsruhe aims to systematically and extensively promote cycling and walking, thus making a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions. By redistributing traffic space, the city will strengthen sustainable transport and improve quality of life. The so called ‘Kombilösung’ of Karlsruhe (Karlsruhe Combined Solution) supports this effort by freeing up above-ground traffic space through tunnels for public transport and cars. Join us on a cycling tour to witness this transformation firsthand.
#transporttransition #cycling
- Capacity: 40 (2 groups of 20)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Final Destination (after the tour): Central Railway Station
#2 ‘Karlsruhe Model’ and ‘Kombilösung’: Experience the tram-train-system and the new underground of Karlsruhe
Established in 1992, the ‘Karlsruhe model’ revolutionised transport by connecting the surroundings with the city centre with a tram-train system. Instead of passengers transferring, the tram/train seamlessly switches system. In 2022, this innovative approach was enhanced with the addition of the newly built underground in the city centre. You can experience both the tram-train system and the underground by riding a historical tram with us!
#tramtrainsystem #publictransport #fromtheregiontothecity
- Capacity: 35
- Duration: 3 hours
- Final Destination (after the tour): Central Railway Station
#3 Visit the new dm-headquarter ‘dialogicum’
Consolidating from seven to one, since the completion of the new company headquarters, 4,100 employees of the Karlsruhe-founded company now work at a single location instead of seven. The ‘dialogicum’ embodies a holistic sustainability concept, featuring a green façade, the use of recycled materials, and prioritising the needs of employees. Join us for a guided tour to learn more about the building and the mobility alternatives available for employees.
#employeemobility
- Capacity: 15
- Duration: 3 hours
- Final Destination (after the tour): Central Railway Station
#4 How to (safely) get 5760 kWh electricity in buses
The Karlsruhe Transport Authority is converting its bus fleet to electric vehicles—a transition that requires the construction of new depots specifically designed for vehicle charging and fire safety. Join us for a guided tour of the new depot to discover the essential features and considerations involved in planning and building an electric bus facility.
#emobility #buses #depot
- Capacity: 20
- Duration: 3 hours
- Final Destination (after the tour): Central Railway Station
#5 On-Demand Mobility with autonomous vehicles in Baden-Württemberg’s Autonomous Driving Test Area
Karlsruhe has a long tradition in mobility innovation, from the invention of the bicycle to the development of the tram-train system. Today, the city is at the forefront of future mobility concepts, particularly the Test Area for Autonomous Driving Baden-Württemberg (in German: Testfeld Autonomes Fahren Baden-Württemberg, or TAF-BW). This cutting-edge site tests novel mobility systems and integrates individual mobility with public transport. A highlight is the multi-modal route planning, which includes autonomous shuttle bus rides for the first and last mile of transport in Karlsruhe.
#autonomousdriving #minibuses
- Capacity: 30
- Duration: 3 hours
- Final Destination (after the tour): Central Railway Station
#6 Football Moves – How to build a new Stadium and get 30,000 fans there
In 2023, the Karlsruhe second league club celebrated the inauguration of the new BBBWildparkstadion with a match against Liverpool. Join us for a guided tour of the stadium, where you will learn about the traffic management plan for match days and the role bicycles play in it.
Please note: currently, the tour is only available in German. We are working to offer it in English, but this cannot be guaranteed.
#football #sustainablearrival
- Capacity: 30
- Duration: 3 hours
- Final Destination (after the tour): Central Railway Station
Call for Sponsors & Exhibitors
Do you wish to enhance the visibility of your organisation or initiative through one of our packages?
Our Call for Sponsors and Exhibitors is now available, offering 13 packages designed to elevate brand visibility and engage with key decision-makers.
Do not miss the opportunity to meet 1,000 key stakeholders involved in smart, innovative, and sustainable transport solutions in cities and regions.
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FAQ
Where do I find the information for travelling and accommodation?
Do not fret—we are finalising the document where you will find all the information and we will upload it on this page on Monday, 1 July, at the latest!
I have questions about my registration: who should I contact?
For questions about registrations, please contact Alexia at acollignon@polisnetwork.eu.
I would like to receive updates about the Conference in my inbox—who should I reach out to?
To be added to our Conference updates mailing list, please contact Alexia at acollignon@polisnetwork.eu or, alternatively, Alessia at agiorgiutti@polisnetwork.eu.
What is the address of the Conference?
The Conference will take place at Messe Karlsruhe (full German name: Karlsruher Messe und Kongress GmbH). The address of the venue is Messeallee 1, 76287 Rheinstetten, Germany.
I am a POLIS member—when and where is the Annual General Assembly going to take place?
The Annual General Assembly (a POLIS member-only event) will take place on 26 November. We will provide you with all the information to reach its venue (Gartenhalle) in due time!
THE BEST OF Baden-WürttemberG
Do you want to explore the state of Baden-Württemberg and visit other POLIS members during your German stay in November?
The host city and co-host of the Annual POLIS Conference 2024, renowned for its distinctive fan-shaped layout, offers a wealth of transport innovations and tourist attractions.
Explore the vibrant Gutenbergplatz market or the Baden State Museum, relax in the Botanical Gardens, or hop on a bike to enjoy Karlsruhe‘s cultural and nature cycling tours. Nearby, you can also ride along the Rhine Cycle Route, Rhine Valley Trail, Black Forest Trail, and Stromberg-Murrtal Cycle Route, ensuring there is plenty to add to your itinerary!
Distance from KARLSRUHE:
- 45 minutes by train
- 4 hours and 30 minutes by bike
- 1 hour and 20 minutes by car
The Stuttgart region stands as the geographical, economic, and political heart of Baden-Württemberg. Renowned for its economic prowess and as the birthplace of the automobile, it hosts numerous global players and innovative medium-sized enterprises.
The area also boasts stunning landscapes along the Neckar River, where industrial hubs are interspersed with forests, meadows, and vineyards. Moreover, Stuttgart is an ideal destination for leisure and sport cycling and is actively working to enhance its bike-friendliness for commuters!
Distance from KARLSRUHE:
- 40 minutes by train
- 2 hours and 45 minutes by bike
- 45 minutes by car
Heidelberg captivates visitors with its blend of historic architecture and scenic natural landscapes, all easily accessible on foot or by bicycle. Indeed, according to the 2018 nationwide survey ‘Mobility in Germany,’ 33% of all journeys in the city are made by bike. Moreover, Heidelberg boasts an extensive network of cycle paths totalling 260 kilometres, making it the cycling leader in Baden-Württemberg—the city aims to enhance its appeal to cyclists even further with its ‘Bicycle Strategy 2030,’ a significant step towards more sustainable mobility.
Beyond its romantic charm and bicycle-friendliness, Heidelberg is an academic powerhouse. It is home to Germany’s oldest university, esteemed institutions, and renowned research centres and companies, showcasing a nexus of knowledge and innovation.
