Looking back at five years of TransportationCamp DC!
TransportationCamp DC is back on January 10, 2026 after a year-long hiatus! We can’t wait to bring the “unconference” back to the District and welcome back transportation nerds, doers, and dreamers from across the nation.
Whether you’ve ever been to TransportationCamp or not, it’s not your average conference. It’s a high-energy, participant-driven “unconference” where ideas that come from attendees are what drives how the day unfolds. Everyone has the chance to pitch their own sessions, vote on what they most want to explore, and dive right into conversations about anything from advocacy, technology, policy, to ideas for change in your local communities.
“The ‘unconference’ format of TransportationCamp allows participants to get straight to what any conference is all about—exchange of ideas, and connecting with people.” –Chris Rall, Director of Outreach for Smart Growth America, TCamp 2020.
T4America began hosting TransportationCamp DC in 2020, and over the years, the event has become the ultimate meeting place for people who love to ask “what if?” What if our bus networks worked for everyone? What if we stopped widening highways and invested in people instead? What if technology could actually make our streets safer and more inclusive? From local advocates to federal policymakers, students to startup founders, the mix of voices and exchange of ideas is what makes TCamp so unique.
“Expanding my horizons on topics I am knowledgeable about but not an expert in was great. It was amazing to learn more about things that I was not even aware of. TransportationCamp DC was a great experience.” —William West Hopper, TransportationCamp volunteer, TCamp 2022
Looking back on past years, here are some of the themes stand out:
Power is in the people, and there is a high level of energy and participation—down to the youngest Camper
For those who have never attended, the day always begins with breakfast and a giant empty wall for session proposals. Any Camper can propose one, and the proposals truly span the range from someone presenting on complex academic research down to “I have an idea I want to discuss.” Campers are consistently empowered to share their personal experiences and ready to engage with anyone and everyone in the room. TransportationCamp is a space to connect, collaborate, and recharge.
Changemaking is a central focus
Over the years, TransportationCamp has evolved from a space for sharing ideas to a catalyst for action. What began as a celebration of innovation in mobility—new tools, technologies, and infrastructure—has become a gathering for changemakers asking the harder questions: How do we turn these ideas into impact? How do we ensure that the future of transportation benefits everyone, not just those with access and privilege? This spirit of collaboration and urgency defines TransportationCamp today, as attendees come together to move beyond discussion and toward real, equitable change.
A happy place for transportation nerds
Attendees have described it as “a cross between a TED Talk and a group project that actually works.” The passion that derives from both those who are leading sessions and those participating is infectious. The like-mindedness and curiosity of campers at TransportationCamp makes it easy to feel included, no matter what your background or experience is. If you are willing to learn, there are endless opportunities to inherit new nuggets of knowledge. Expect lively debates, laughs, and aha moments that carry into your work long after the day ends.
A space to discuss the moments biggest transportation topics
TransportationCamp sets the stage for students, activists, professionals, advocates, nerds, planners to think about how our overall approach to transportation wastes our money, fails to connect people to jobs and opportunity, puts people in danger, and produces inequitable outcomes. Devoting time to learn and grow together is a powerful tool that generates hope for the future, a future where everyone can travel safely and conveniently, no matter where their trip begins and ends.
We hope to see you at TransportationCamp DC 2026!
As we gear up for TransportationCamp DC 2026 on January 12, we’re excited to build on that tradition with even more opportunities to connect and co-create. As cities work to reconnect communities divided by past infrastructure decisions, as new technologies reshape how we move, and as advocates demand safer, more sustainable streets for all, it’s more important than ever that the newest, most innovative ideas bubble up.
Whether you’re a first-timer curious about the world of transportation or an avid attendee ready for another year of conversation, we hope you’ll join us to take part in this fun and inspiring moment that will help shape the future of transportation.
Space is limited, and tickets sell fast, so don’t wait! Join us on Saturday, January 10th, at the Catholic University of America’s Edward J Pryzbala Center from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Register today to secure your spot!