Summit focuses on sustainable transportation

The Fresno State Transportation Institute, in partnership with the Fresno County Economic Development Corporation and Measure C, will host the Fresno International Transportation Innovations 2025 S.T.E.P. Summit from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday, March 7, at Valdez Hall (702 M St.) in downtown Fresno.

The global conference brings together leaders in the transportation energy sector, along with policymakers, engineers and advocates for sustainable transportation worldwide.

The goal of the 2025 S.T.E.P. Summit is to promote innovations in sustainable transportation design, planning and policy, focusing on alternative energy like hydrogen, biofuels and electrification.

“I think the future of transportation in Fresno and how public and private agencies continue to tackle the challenges that our region faces is important to bring to light, and I believe that our summit provides an opportunity for people both within and outside of engineering industries and sectors to gather, network and learn from each other,” said Alexis Zane Alexander, civil engineering student and Fresno State Transportation Institute student fellow. 

The summit will feature speakers, panel discussions and research projects, covering critical topics such as transportation energy, infrastructure, sustainability and emerging technologies.

Randell Iwasaki, president and CEO of Iwasaki Consulting Services, Inc., will be the morning keynote speaker. Bill Elrick, executive director of the Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Partnership, will deliver the lunch keynote. California Assemblywoman Lori Wilson will also speak on a panel about transportation funding and projects.

“We are expecting 200 to 300 attendees at this year’s summit,” Alexander said. “We are excited to welcome distinguished speakers from both public and private sectors and there will be several new exhibitions that we have not featured before.” 

In addition to discussions, the summit will showcase a vehicle exhibition, as well as the “Moving Tomorrow: Art of Clean Futures Juried Art Exhibition” in partnership with the Fresno Arts Council, highlighting the intersection of transportation and creativity.

Graphic design student Anahi Labra is one of the Fresno State students who will present research during the poster exhibition portion of the summit. Labra’s research focuses on creating a website that allows users to choose the most sustainable transportation method based on a map.

“It’s been very interesting working with the Transportation Institute,” Labra said. “I’m learning about engineering and collaborating with them at the same time to create something great.” 

The summit will conclude with an awards ceremony and raffle for attendees.

This year’s event is sponsored by public and private agencies throughout the state, including Caltrans, Fresno Council of Governments, Measure C, CA High-Speed Rail, Amtrak and more.

To register or to see the full agenda, visit https://www.fresnotransposummit.org/.