Chattanooga Connect Agenda
UTC media
Explore the 2026 Agenda below:
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 | |
| 5:00p.m.–7:00p.m. | Chattanooga Connect Welcome Reception and Check-In Hunter Museum of American Art 10 Bluff View, Chattanooga TN 37403 |
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026 | |
| 8 a.m. | Chattanooga Connect Check-In and Breakfast Chattanooga Convention Center 1 Carter St, Chattanooga, TN 37402 |
| 8:30 a.m. | Welcome |
| 9:00 a.m. | General Session |
| 9:30 a.m. | Autonomous Mobility: From Pilot to Public Service Leaders from Jacksonville, Atlanta, and Chattanooga will compare different stages of autonomous transit deployment -- from years of operation to launch and preparation. The discussion will focus on lessons learned, public acceptance, implementation challenges, and scaling pilots into reliable public service. |
| 10:15 a.m. | Coffee + Networking Break |
| 10:35 a.m. | Quantum for Transportation: What Leaders Need to Know An accessible introduction to quantum technology and its potential transportation applications. Speakers will explore where quantum may create value, what capabilities exist today, and how transportation leaders can begin preparing for future opportunities. |
| 11:25 a.m. | From Ideas to Impact in Tennessee: AI, Quantum, and Mobility A conversation on building Tennessee’s innovation ecosystem and turning advances in AI, quantum, and mobility into real-world impact through entrepreneurship, research, and cross-sector collaboration. |
| 12:10 p.m. | Lunch & Keynote Speaker |
| 1:20 p.m. | BREAKOUT SESSION 1: Connected Safety: V2X Deployment and Real-World Impacts A practical look at deploying vehicle-to-everything technology to improve roadway safety. Topics will include infrastructure readiness, implementation challenges, safety measurement, real-world results, and the role of federal programs. BREAKOUT SESSION 2: Next Generation Traffic Optimization: AI, Quantum, and Digital Twins How AI, quantum optimization, and digital twins can help agencies anticipate congestion and improve traffic operations. Speakers will discuss predictive management, smarter signal systems, simulation, and pathways from experimentation to deployment. |
| 1:55 p.m. | Networking Break |
| 2:20 p.m. | Connected Freight Corridors: Where Commerce Meets Connectivity A regional conversation on creating more connected freight corridors across the Southeast. The panel will examine data sharing, port-to-inland visibility, connected and automated trucking, digital infrastructure, and supply-chain resilience. |
| 3:05 p.m. | Transportation 2035: Perspectives from Industry Industry leaders will share their perspectives on the technologies, business models, and partnerships likely to shape transportation over the next decade. The conversation will highlight emerging opportunities, barriers to adoption, and what public and private-sector leaders should prioritize now. |
| 3:50 p.m. | SMART: Moving from Pilot to Deployment A practical discussion on moving SMART-funded initiatives from demonstration projects to sustainable operations. Topics will include data governance, public-private partnerships, organizational readiness, scalable implementation, and long-term funding. |
| 4:35-5 p.m. | Closing Plenary |
| 5 p.m.-7 p.m. | Networking Happy Hour Join us after the conference sessions for the Chattanooga Connect Networking Happy Hour at Table South in the Chattanooga Marriott Downtown, conveniently connected to the Convention Center and just a short walk from the day’s programming. Connect with fellow attendees, speakers, and partners over drinks and conversation. |
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2026 | |
| 8:00 a.m. | Coffee, Bagels, & Networking Waterhouse Paviliom 850 Market St, Chattanooga, TN 37402 |
| 8:45 a.m. | USDOT SMART Grant Demonstration Join leaders from the U.S. Department of Transportation, the City of Chattanooga, UTC, and project partners for a live demonstration of technology being advanced through Chattanooga’s USDOT SMART Grant. The demonstration will take place near the intersection of MLK Boulevard and Market Street, just outside Waterhouse Pavilion. |
| 9 a.m.–12 p.m. | Continuous Demos Expo-style demonstrations from UTC Research Institute and other industry partners. |
| 9:30 a.m. | Commsignia Workshop "The Hidden “Truth” of V2X" |
| 10 a.m. | Miovision Workshop "From Data to Real-World Solutions" |
| 10:45 a.m. | ITSA Worksop "Federal Priorities, Funding & Deployment" |
| 11:30 a.m. | DENSO & UTC Workshop "Connected Sensing and Edge AI for Safer Intersections" |
8:00 a.m.
| UTC CUIP Lab Tour (Optional; Registration required) The UTC CUIP Lab Tour is the only Wednesday activity requiring separate registration, and space is limited. After the tour, attendees can head directly to Waterhouse Pavilion afterward and join the rest of the morning's programming. Click here to register for the optional UTC CUIP Lab Tour! |