ITEC 2024
Case Study: ITEC 2024 – Revitalizing Engagement Amid Industry Shifts
Client: IEEE Transportation Electrification Conference & Expo (ITEC)
Location: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, Illinois, USA
Event Dates: June 19 – 21, 2024
Overview
For over a decade, ITEC has been IEEE’s premier conference on transportation electrification, connecting industry leaders, researchers, and innovators in electric mobility. This year’s event brought together experts from around the world to explore the latest advancements, featuring highlights such as the EcoCar competition sponsored by GM and a new job fair tailored to engineers in the EV industry.
However, the 2024 conference faced several significant challenges:
- A decline in exhibitors and sponsors due to broader market shifts in the electric vehicle sector.
- Post-COVID attendance drop-off, requiring renewed efforts to re-engage participants.
- Managing a costly venue contract, which necessitated last-minute program adjustments.
Challenges We Faced
- Shifting Industry Conditions Impacting Exhibitors and Sponsors
- Economic pressures in the EV industry led to reduced exhibitor participation and cautious sponsorship spending.
- The challenge was to reframe the value proposition and attract organizations despite market uncertainty.
- Rebuilding Attendee Engagement
- Attendance had declined in recent years, requiring fresh strategies to reconnect with past attendees and attract new participants.
- Navigating an Expensive Venue Contract
- To maximize value while controlling costs, program adjustments needed to be made swiftly and strategically.
The Results
- Exhibitors and Attendees Gave Rave Reviews
- Despite industry challenges, those who participated found immense value in networking, technical sessions, and interactive exhibits.
- Many exhibitors and sponsors reported a strong return on investment, reinforcing their commitment to future ITEC events.
- A Record-Breaking Year for Paper Submissions
- The technical program was stronger than ever, with the highest number of paper submissions in ITEC history.
- This achievement solidified the conference’s reputation as a key platform for research in transportation electrification.
- A Well-Executed Event Despite Venue Challenges
- Thoughtful program adjustments ensured a seamless experience for attendees while managing venue costs effectively.
- The event’s organization and execution received high praise, setting a strong foundation for future editions.
Looking Ahead
ITEC 2024 faced industry-wide obstacles, yet it emerged stronger, demonstrating the resilience and value of this premier conference. With record-breaking research contributions, positive exhibitor feedback, and a renewed sense of momentum, ITEC is well-positioned for continued success in the evolving transportation electrification space.
