The 2026 Smart Cities Connect, taking place September 22-24, is where the smart cities community meets. The conference provides meaningful content and connects a thoughtful community of decision-makers to empower smart cities at all stages of growth. The event’s goals are to accelerate the adoption of smart technology solutions, aid in problem solving, and amplify city resources for the betterment of cities, communities, and residents.
This fall, Smart Cities Connect will delve into the critical aspects, strategies, and collaborative approaches required to foster sustainable transformations within city communities. The conference brings together thought leaders, urban planners, technologists, policymakers, researchers, and industry experts to discuss and dissect the multifaceted dimensions of catalyzing lasting change in urban settings.
By fostering a collaborative environment where diverse stakeholders can exchange ideas, insights, and experiences, Smart Cities Connect generates a roadmap for cities. Attendees will leave equipped with the knowledge and strategies required to steer smart cities towards sustained, meaningful transformations. Cities attend at no cost!
The 2026 Smart Cities Connect Conference & Expo features five focused tracks highlighting innovative projects and ideas driving the future of connected sustainable communities.
- Digital Transformation: Attendees explore the latest advances in connected devices, private networks, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), big data and analytics, cybersecurity, and connectivity solutions. This track focuses on how digital technologies fundamentally reshape city operations and services.
- Urban Infrastructure & Operations: Participants examine innovations in core city systems—from waste, water, and lighting to grid and energy management—that drive efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. This track highlights practical solutions and forward-looking strategies that strengthen infrastructure and enhance emergency response, helping cities prepare for evolving challenges.
- Mobility: Attendees focus on transportation systems and public transit advancements that enhance city mobility, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility for all residents. This includes transportation solutions such as adaptive traffic signals, integrated public transit management, shared mobility services, and emerging technologies like electric and autonomous vehicles, all designed to create a safer and more sustainable urban experience.
- Community Engagement: Participants review policies, governance models, and strategies for resident engagement and funding that drive inclusive, collaborative smart city initiatives. This track highlights approaches that empower residents to actively participate in decision-making, foster transparency, and cultivate trust between city officials and the community to ensure smart city projects reflect diverse voices and needs.
- The Connection Lab: Attendees engage in dynamic mini workshops, facilitated networking sessions, and live demonstrations designed to provide hands-on learning experiences and foster meaningful collaboration among a diverse range of smart city stakeholders. This interactive track creates a unique environment for attendees to explore innovative technologies, share best practices, and build valuable partnerships that accelerate smart city solutions from concept to implementation.
