ITS America adds cyber zone to Detroit transport expo

ITS America Conference & Expo will add a Cybersecurity & Data Zone to its 2026 event in Detroit. The dedicated area will bring together more than 30 exhibitors focused on connected-vehicle security, data management, and infrastructure protection.

The zone will be located within the Huntington Place exhibit hall at the annual transport technology event organised by ITS America and RX Global. It is intended to address growing security and data management demands as transport systems become more connected and automated.

Exhibitors will include Palo Alto Networks, Flock Safety and Cisco Systems. The line-up will span cyber and digital security, data management and data analytics, with products and services aimed at connected vehicles, smart infrastructure and wider transport networks.

The addition gives cybersecurity a more prominent place at an event that already brings together public and private sector transport professionals. The conference typically features demonstrations and discussion on traffic systems, vehicle connectivity, emergency vehicle pre-emption and autonomous mobility.

Security Focus

Transport agencies and technology suppliers face growing scrutiny over the resilience of digital systems as vehicles, roadside equipment and control networks exchange larger volumes of data. That has sharpened attention on how operators protect infrastructure, manage information and maintain public confidence as they deploy intelligent transport systems.

Laura Chace, President and Chief Executive Officer of ITS America, linked the new exhibition area directly to those concerns.

"Cybersecurity is a fundamental requirement for the safe deployment of intelligent transportation technologies that connect our vehicles, infrastructure, and data systems," said Laura Chace, President and CEO, ITS America. "The Cybersecurity & Data Zone represents our industry's commitment to safe innovation and demonstrates how we can advance transportation technology while maintaining the highest security standards that protect people and the critical infrastructure they use."

The zone is being positioned as a practical meeting point for transport officials, suppliers and specialists addressing threats to vehicles, infrastructure and data networks. It will also give visitors access to cybersecurity tools and data-focused products in one section of the exhibition floor.

"Transportation leaders need practical tools and strategies to address cybersecurity challenges while continuing to advance innovation," said Jaime McAuley, Event Vice President, RX Global. "This zone creates a focused environment where professionals can explore solutions, connect with experts, and develop the knowledge needed to deploy secure transportation technologies that benefit communities nationwide."

Broader Agenda

Alongside the exhibition area, the conference programme will include sessions on data exchange, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence in transport decision-making, data integration and cyber resilience. One workshop will focus on building cyber-resilient transportation systems.

The agenda reflects a wider shift in the transport sector, where cybersecurity is increasingly treated as an operational issue rather than a narrow technical function. As agencies expand connected traffic systems and deploy software-led mobility tools, the risk profile extends beyond information technology to public safety and service reliability.

Palo Alto Networks is among the companies named for the zone, with its cybersecurity platforms used by more than 70,000 customers worldwide. Flock Safety will bring automated number plate recognition, video surveillance and other detection systems, while Cisco Systems is expected to showcase networking and cybersecurity products relevant to transport operators.

The Detroit event will also feature demonstrations of automated traffic signal performance measures, emergency vehicle pre-emption systems, connected vehicle integration and autonomous mobility. By carving out dedicated floor space for cybersecurity and data issues, the organisers are signalling that digital risk management now sits alongside those technologies as a central concern for transport agencies and suppliers.

The event is run by RX Global in partnership with ITS America, the US industry body for intelligent transportation technologies. RX operates exhibitions across multiple sectors and countries, while ITS America works with public and private sector organisations involved in transport technology deployment.