5th International Symposium on Freeway and Tollway Operations

The 5th International Symposium on Free and Tollway Operations
25–28 May 2027
Melbourne, Australia

The 5th International Symposium on Free and Tollway Operations (ISFO) will convene in Melbourne, bringing together global leaders, experts, and innovators in road infrastructure, traffic management, and tollway operations.

In partnership with the Transport Research Board, this prestigious event, hosted in one of the world's most vibrant and connected cities, offers a unique platform to explore advancements in technology, policy, and operations that shape the future of transport systems.

In 2027, this event will also incorporate the annual ITS Australia Roads, Tolling & Tech conference to further enhance attendee value. Co-hosted with Transport Research Board (TRB) and supported by TRB's committee on Limited Access Roadway Operations 

The Symposium, most recently hosted in Vienna, welcomed 320 participants across 36 nations all focusing on six key themes around transport into the future. You can see a wrap up of the Vienna Symposium here. You can also download the Symposium recap report here. 

Find out more

If you are interested in learning more about the 5th ISFO to be hosted in Melbourne in 2027, please contact admin@its-australia.com.au

About the ISFO

The ISFO was established by the Transportation Research Board (TRB) which is part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (US). The TRB mobilises expertise, experience, and knowledge to anticipate and solve complex transportation-related challenges. For example, committees, researchers, and staff are currently focused on advancing resilient infrastructure, exploring transformational technology, and caring for the public’s health and safety.

The ISFO was first held in 2006 in Athens Greece, and has subsequently been held in Honolulu, USA (2009); Berlin, Germany (2016); and Vienna, Austria (2023).

Discover the Heart of Melbourne’s Events Scene - Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

Step into Melbourne’s premier hub for connection, creativity and world-class experiences. Nestled on the scenic banks of the Yarra River in the vibrant South Wharf precinct, MCEC is where big ideas take centre stage and unforgettable moments unfold against the backdrop of Australia’s cultural capital. 

From global conferences and industry-leading trade shows to electrifying expos and community festivals, this expansive 70,000 m² venue offers unparalleled flexibility and scale. With pillarless exhibition halls, state-of-the-art plenary theatres, 63 adaptable meeting rooms and visionary event spaces, it’s designed to bring your most ambitious concepts to life. 

MCEC is also a pioneer in sustainability - the first convention centre in the world to earn a 6-Star Green Star environmental rating - reflecting Melbourne’s commitment to innovation and responsible design. 

Located steps from dining, entertainment, boutique shopping and easy transport links, plus connected hotels and amenities, MCEC offers a seamless event experience that delights attendees and planners alike. Whether you’re hosting a landmark international summit or discovering the latest in pop culture and gaming, there’s always something happening here. 

Experience Melbourne’s most dynamic events destination - where ideas thrive, connections spark and inspiration begins.

The committee’s role is to provide leadership on program themes, develop the plenary program, review submitted abstracts, and actively promote engagement across their networks by encouraging speakers, attendance, and sponsorship.

Co-Chairs

• Jeff Adler, Kemp Mill Consulting
• Matthew Hall, Victoria Department of Transport and Planning

Committee

• Darren Henderson, GHD
• Silje Troseth, Q-Free
• Zoltan Maklary, NELink STC
• Martin Russ, AustriaTech
• Doug Spencer-Roy, Eastlink
• Mark F. Muriello, IBTTA
• Phillip Walsh, Yunex Traffic
• Susan Harris, ITS Australia
• Alex Hendrik, MRWA
• Dean Zabrieszach, HMI Technologies
• John Gaffney
• Angelos Amditis, ERTICO
• Gerrald Mateo, Kapsch
• Hendrik Zurlinden, NTRO
• Chris Koniditsiotis, Phronesis
• Matthew O’Connor, Transurban
• Declan Lucas, Transmax
• Rob McInerney, iRAP
• Fred Curtis, Vitronic
• Ian Patey, WSP (UK)
• Tamara Djukic, ERTICO
• Donal Hodgins, ITS Nationals
• Vladimir Vlorotovic, ERTICO
• Gonzalo Alcaraz, IRF
• Malika Seddi, Asecap
• Johanna Tzanidaki, SAE
• Noboru Kondo, Nippon Koei
• Tan Yen Xin, Nippon Koei
• Yukiko Sakai, Nippon Koei
• Mr. Mitsuishi, NEXCO-East
• Tim Haile, CCTA
• Lindy Johnson, CCTA
• Emily Owen, CCTA
• Michael Blasky, CCTA

The ISFO 2027 themes and topics will be built our by the industry, for the industry. This is our opportunity to present high-quality, cutting edge technology developments and provide our industry with exclusive opportunities to network and work together. Below are some indicative themes and topics as well as suggested abstract themes to consider as we work towards the finer details of the Program: 

Global Perspectives on Freeway and Tollway Management:
Explore case studies and innovative solutions from international projects, with insights into managing congestion and safety, optimizing operations, and delivering sustainable infrastructure.

Technological Innovations:
Discover the latest advancements in ITS, including connected and autonomous vehicle technologies, real-time traffic monitoring and control, AI-driven traffic management systems, and smart tunnel management systems.

Event and Disruption Planning:
Examine strategies and practices to manage transport networks during, major local and global events, significant planned network, and major unplanned disruptions.

Sustainability and Resilience:
Discuss strategies for decarbonizing road transport, enhancing climate resilience in infrastructure design, and implementing environmentally conscious freeway and tollway systems.

Workshops, Tours and Networking Opportunities:
Engage in hands-on workshops, panel discussions, and networking events designed to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among professionals, academics, and policymakers.

Although the Program for this momentous event continues to evolve, you can expect to experience the following as part of the ISFO 2027 program: 

• High level executive plenary sessions
• Special interest sessions
• Workshops
• Technical Tours
• Social functions 

Call for Abstracts now open

Click here to complete your abstract submission. 

As a guide, please review the below and consider alternative abstract topics you believe are pertinent for sharing and discussion across our industry: 

• Global Perspectives on Freeway and Tollway Management
• Technological Innovations
• Event and Disruption Planning
• Sustainability and Resilience
• Road user charging, road funding, procurement and contracting 

Your Abstract

• Your abstract must be between 200-250 words and written as a paragraph - full papers are not required. You should not use this submission as means of selling your organisation’s products or services (the submission should not be a sales pitch).
• This event is being planned as an in-person conference and accepted submitted abstract presentations will be given in-person from the lectern.
• All submissions will be reviewed by a panel made up of subject matter experts representing industry, academia and government.
• If successful, your abstract will be scheduled into the program. You will be informed of your presentation schedule and asked to complete Speaker Registration.
• A reduced fee is available for speakers, plus additional discounts for members of ITS Australia.
• Submission deadline is 11.59pm AEST, 26 May 2026. 
   

Diversity and Inclusion

We're committed to building a strong and inclusive industry that reflects. We seek your support as we strive to enhance diversity and inclusion across our event programs and seek your consideration towards nominating speakers that reflect the diversity of the community we serve.

The International Symposium on Freeway and Tollway Operations (ISFO) has come a long way since its inaugural event in Athens, Greece, in 2006. 

Spearheaded by Bill Halkias, CEO of Attica Tollway, a graduate of the National Technical University of Athens and a Transportation Engineering M.Sc. from NJIT-this pioneering symposium was born out of a desire to foster collaboration between European and U.S. institutions. 

That first meeting laid the groundwork for lasting international cooperation and inspired the creation of a joint subcommittee on Active Traffic Management (ATM) under TRB in 2009, fostering advancements in strategies like dynamic shoulder use and real-time traffic optimisation.

Following Athens, ISFO evolved into a global event, with successful editions in Honolulu (2009) and Berlin (2016). The most recent chapter, ISFO 2023, was held in Vienna, Austria, marking a new high point for the symposium. You can watch a wrap up reel from the Vienna event here.

ISFO 2023 in Vienna was a dynamic convergence of global transportation minds, drawing 320 participants from 36 countries. Across 43 unique sessions, attendees explored six key themes shaping the future of mobility: Climate Impact and Severe Weather Management, Urban and Multimodal Traffic Coordination, Collaboration and Data Sharing, Integrated Transportation Systems, Data Challenges, and AI in Transportation. 

Thanks to the dedication of ASFINAG and AustriaTech, who took on hosting duties after a conversation sparked at the 2018 IBTTA Annual Meeting in Baltimore, Vienna delivered a forward-looking agenda that also expanded into new territory-including Governance and Organisational Challenges, Managing and Analysing Operational Strategies and Performance, Next-Generation Traffic Management Systems and Services, and Innovative Financing Models for Infrastructure.

And now, the road ahead leads to Melbourne, Australia. Set to host the next ISFO Summit in 2027 and with the momentum from Vienna still resonating, the global transportation community can anticipate another milestone event that will continue to push the boundaries of freeway and tollway operations worldwide.