From Conferences to Connections: What We Learned at ITS Istanbul
Walking into a large conference can feel overwhelming.
Thousands of people, multiple stages, packed schedules and one quiet question many don’t say out loud:
Where do I start?
At the ITS European Congress 2026 in Istanbul, one of the most important gatherings in the mobility sector, this question was more relevant than ever.
Because while these events are designed to bring people together, the reality is often different - especially for young professionals entering the space.
At the Young Mobility Network , we see this gap clearly.
And we set out to address it.
That is why the Young Mobility Network shows up at events and creates a space for connection. This year we had the pleasure of hosting a Talent Matchmaking Session at the ITS European Congress in Istanbul.
YMN at ITS European Congress Istanbul May 2026 / © ERTICO
What Events can do to cater for the next generation and why it matters
ITS brings together the full spectrum of the mobility ecosystem:
policy-makers, industry leaders, researchers, startups, and public authorities.
It’s where ideas are shared, partnerships are formed, and the future of mobility is shaped.
But for many attendees - especially students and early-career professionals — the experience can feel fragmented:
Conversations are hard to enter
Networking feels unstructured
Opportunities are present, but not always accessible
The intention of connection exists.
The design to enable it often doesn’t.
Video Interview at the YMN Talent Matchmaking Session t ITS European Congress with Anna Filby / © ITS International
Creating Space for Real Connection
At ITS Istanbul, YMN partnered with ERTICO – ITS Europe to create a different kind of space.
Through our Talent Matchmaking session, we brought together young professionals and organisations with a clear objective:
to make networking more accessible, structured, and meaningful.
We didn’t leave connection to chance.
The session was intentionally designed to guide participants through the experience:
Starting with practical insights on how to approach events and conversations
Breaking the ice through interactive formats
Creating visibility for organisations through short pitches
Opening the space for informal but focused exchanges
The shift in the room was immediate.
What started as a group of individuals became a network of conversations — dynamic, open, and surprisingly natural.
“The Talent Matchmaking session organised by the Young Mobility Network was an excellent initiative and a refreshing addition to the Congress programme. Anna and the team did a great job in bringing together emerging and experienced professionals. It’s a strong, future-oriented format that fosters meaningful exchange, encourages collaboration, and creates valuable connections across generations of the mobility community.”
Joost Vantomme - CEO at ERTICO
“Our cooperation with the Young Mobility Network reflects a shared commitment to supporting the next generation of mobility professionals with leading industry experts. It was really encouraging to see so many valuable conversations and new connections being made during our first edition of the Talent Matchmaking session in Istanbul, bringing together participants from different generations, sectors and regions across Europe. This mirrors exactly what the ITS Congresses are about, and initiatives like this are essential to strengthening these collaborations across our community. A big thank you to everyone for making it a true success, and we look forward to strengthening our collaboration towards the 33rd ITS World Congress in Birmingham 2027.”
Didier Groteman - CFOO at ERTICO
What We Learned And What the Industry Can Learn Too
-
Large events assume that people will connect naturally.
In reality, most people need an entry point.A simple structure - even a small prompt or shared activity - can make the difference between silence and conversation.
-
The size of an event does not determine its value.
What matters is whether people feel comfortable participating.Creating smaller, intentional spaces within large events allows people to engage more confidently.
-
When people attend as part of a community, the experience changes.
They arrive with:
a sense of belonging
shared context
and a reason to engage
At ITS, this was visible in how quickly connections formed within the YMN group and beyond.
-
One of the most unexpected - and important - conversations during the congress was around attending events as a parent.
It highlighted a broader issue:
participation is not equally accessible to everyone.If we want diverse voices in mobility, we need to rethink:
schedules
formats
expectations
Inclusion cannot be an afterthought. It needs to be built in.
-
One of the strongest takeaways from the session was the quality of conversations led by young professionals.
Insightful questions, fresh perspectives, and a willingness to challenge assumptions - all of these added real value to the discussion.
The narrative needs to shift:
young professionals are not just learning - they are already shaping the industry.
© ZAG Daily
Beyond the Session: The Human Layer
While the structured session played a key role, the most meaningful moments often happened outside it:
conversations continuing in hallways
introductions turning into collaborations
spontaneous exchanges across backgrounds and roles
These are the moments that define the real impact of an event.
Not just what is presented;
but what is carried forward.
What This Means for the Future of Mobility Events
If the goal of events like ITS is to accelerate innovation and collaboration, then the way we design them needs to evolve.
We need:
more interactive formats
more intentional networking spaces
more support for first-time attendees
and more focus on inclusion and accessibility
The Role of YMN
At the Young Mobility Network, this is exactly where we focus our efforts.
We don’t just bring people into rooms -
we create environments where they feel able to participate.
Across our activities - from talent matchmaking sessions to guided tours, meetups, and workshops - the goal remains the same:
make networking more human
connect young professionals with real opportunities
and build a community that extends beyond individual events
What we saw in Istanbul reinforces that this approach works.
And more importantly . that it’s needed.
Looking Ahead
ITS Istanbul was not just another event.
It was a reminder of what’s possible when the right people are brought together in the right way.
As we move forward, the focus remains clear:
creating spaces where people don’t just attend - but connect, contribute, and grow
Because the future of mobility will not be shaped in isolation.
It will be shaped in rooms where people feel confident enough to speak, curious enough to listen, and connected enough to act.
If we want better mobility systems, we need better ways of bringing people together.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If moments like these resonate with you; being part of conversations, connecting with people across the industry, and shaping what comes next — then YMN+ is designed exactly for that.
YMN+ is our way of going deeper:
→ connecting you directly with mobility experts and organisations
→ giving you access to curated sessions, workshops, and insights
→ and creating opportunities to grow within a community that supports you
Whether you’re just starting out or already active in the field, YMN+ helps you turn participation into progress.
Explore YMN+ and become part of a community shaping the future of mobility
What’s next in the ITS world with YMN? Mark your calendars for the World Congress in Birmingham 2027. Sneak Peak: We are just starting to get involved and hope to be part of an interactive and engaging programme for young professionals at this event too! Stay tuned.
© WMCA