Over 250 roading sector professionals attended Future Roads 2023 conference and exhibition at Claudelands Events Centre 8-9 November.
Future Roads is an annual two-day conference for the New Zealand roading sector, providing a forum for strategy, discussion, and execution.
This year the focus was on building resilience into roading networks, with new streams and sessions covering asset management, technology and innovation. Highlights included presentations from international speakers, Jimmy Scott – general manager, Queensland Reconstruction Authority and Eric Ferrebee – senior director of technical services, American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA).
Sector leadership and central and local government priorities were discussed during the opening Leaders’ Panel and closing Mayors’ Forum. And many more insights were shared on procurement, road construction options, and new for 2023, smart traffic signals technology.
As well as plenary sessions, separate conference streams covered materials, procurement, resilience, technology, regulation, and smart traffic signals. The integrated exhibition space boasted a mix of booths, equipment, and networking areas. Additional networking and relaxing entertainment were provided at the end of day one at the conference dinner hosted by performer and MC, Greg Ward.