polisMOBILITY 2024: Cologne will be the hotspot of the transport transition in May

From discussions with nationwide relevance between the professionals from the public and private sectors to dialogue at grassroots level in Cologne's city centre

From 22 to 25 May 2024, Cologne will be the hotspot for Germany’s discussions about the transport transition. Under the umbrella of the polisMOBILITY brand, various event formats will take place that will look at the urban mobility of the future from a holistic perspective, encompassing the private sector, the public sector and civil society. The polisMOBILITY exhibition and conference on 22 and 23 May at Koelnmesse’s Congress Centre East will spearhead the programme of events, bringing together decision makers from various industries and sectors to discuss the latest important challenges and solutions. They will be followed on 24 and 25 May by the polisMOBILITY camp on Rudolfplatz in the centre of Cologne, which will explore the transport transition in the cathedral city by providing information, encouraging public dialogue and offering creative activities. 

The transformation of the transport system is right at the heart of global efforts to bring about a more sustainable future. It is one of the key factors when it comes to reducing emissions, improving air quality and creating urban spaces that support a good quality of life. In view of these challenges, polisMOBILITY acts as a hub for innovation and progress, bringing together thought leaders from the worlds of science, business, politics and civil society. 

“In Cologne, we’re assembling the brightest minds to talk about the latest developments in the field of urban mobility,” explains Professor Dr Johannes Busmann, CEO of the publishing house Müller + Busmann GmbH & Co. KG, a strategic partner of Koelnmesse that is playing a key role in designing the conference programme. “We encourage everyone who wants to play a part in the future of mobility to be there in May. It will be an opportunity to come together to learn, discuss, forge new paths and offer guidance for navigating future challenges.” 

Conference provides inspiration in core aspects of the mobility transition 

The main themes of this year’s polisMOBILITY expo & conference will be the municipal mobility transition, local public transport & mobility services, and the transition in drive systems and energy in urban areas. Over two days, these key topics will be explored in depth in presentations, panel discussions and workshops. Renowned industry experts will share their experience and offer visionary perspectives on what the future holds for urban mobility and innovations in the field. Speakers will include Meredith Glaser, CEO of the Dutch-based Urban Cycling Institute, Markus Lewe, President of the Association of German Cities, Kerstin Haarmann, Federal Chair of German transport association Verkehrsclub Deutschland e.V. (VCD), Ingbert Liebing, Managing Director of the German Association of Local Public Utilities (Verband kommunaler Unternehmen e.V., VKU), and author and journalist Friedemann Karig. The event will also address the ongoing shortage of skilled workers in the public and private sectors by expressly integrating the recruitment of young talent into its event concept. 

The first day of polisMOBILITY, Wednesday, 22 May, will be devoted to the key topics of the transition in drive systems and energy in urban areas and the municipal mobility transition. Partner conferences, such as the Vision Logistik conference, will round off the programme and open up further perspectives. Alongside the municipal mobility transition, the focus of the second day of the trade fair, Thursday, 23 May, will be on local public transport and ways to strengthen ecomobility. On that same Thursday, the AGFS Congress organised by the Working Group of Pedestrian- and Bicycle-Friendly Cities, Municipalities and Districts in North Rhine-Westphalia (AGFS NRW e.V.) will also be held as part of polisMOBILITY for the second time. This event will be followed by another highlight: the presentation of the Deutscher Fahrradpreis 2024, an annual cycling award presented by the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) and the AGFS. In the evening, there will be a relaxed reception organised by the BMDV, AGFS and polisMOBILITY. 

Special formats such as the Start-Up Pitch and the Call for Best Practices will expand the spectrum of expert dialogue on both days in order to highlight innovations and examples of successfully implemented projects in the field of urban mobility. While new businesses will present their visionary ideas and technologies to a wide audience in the Start-Up Pitch event, the Call for Best Practices will give cities, municipalities and municipal companies the opportunity to present their projects that are offering practical solutions to the challenges of the transport transition at municipal level so that participants can learn from and inspire each other. 

Exhibition showcases innovations and promotes networking 

The polisMOBILITY 2024 exhibition forms the second cornerstone of the event and adds an important dimension to the conference by serving as a platform for companies, cities and municipalities to present their latest technologies and solutions. Established industry leaders as well as new market participants will exhibit their solutions on site and invite dialogue. From innovative charging infrastructure to new forms of shared mobility, visitors can interact directly with the people behind the diverse mobility solutions of tomorrow – or even experience them for themselves. An interactive testing area right next to the exhibition will give visitors the chance to try out selected mobility innovations in a realistic setting. 

“The combination of conference and exhibition creates a unique synergy that allows participants not only to find out about the latest trends and developments, but also to gain direct insights into their practical application and implementation. This makes polisMOBILITY a comprehensive experience that offers a perfect blend of knowledge sharing, innovation and networking,” summarises Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse GmbH. “In 2024, the trade fair will set new benchmarks in the discussion about the future of mobility. It’s the ideal place to play an active role in shaping the necessary processes of change.” 

polisMOBILITY camp returns to the city centre 

On Friday, 24 May 2024, Kidical Mass, Bicycle Mayor (BYCS) and cargobike.jetzt (Bike Sharing Europe) host further conferences under the umbrella of polisMOBILITY. The day will be opened by Professor Carlos Moreno, architect behind the Parisian mobility turnaround under Anne Hidalgo and father of the 15-minute city. More best practice and expertise on sustainable urban development and future-proof mobility will be available at inspiring presentations, discussion panels and workshops. These conferences will broaden specialist dialogue and facilitate a smooth transition to discussions with civil society. Held this year on Rudolfplatz in Cologne’s city centre on 24 and 25 May, the polisMOBILITY camp will continue this conversation. It will offer a space for information, an exchange of ideas and creativity on all aspects of the transport transition in Cologne and highlight the importance of the public playing an active role in shaping the future of mobility.