2025 Annual POLIS Conference
The Annual POLIS Conference 2025 will take place on 26-27 November in the City of Utrecht, The Netherlands.
After a record-breaking edition in 2024 with over 1,000 participants, the POLIS Team is getting ready for yet another thrilling conference hosted by the City of Utrecht, our current POLIS President. POLIS 2025 will take place in the Beatrix Building (Royal Jaarbeurs), next to Utrecht Central Station and within walking distance from the city centre.
REGISTRATIONS
Early bird registration is open until 19 September 2025.
With discounted rates available for students, free access for POLIS members (up to 3 representatives) and media, and a limited number of spots are also available for our Conference Dinner on 26 November, you cannot miss this opportunity:
PROGRAMME
The draft programme for #POLIS25 is now available.
With more than 30 breakout sessions covering everything from decarbonisation and data governance to public transport, freight, safety, and social equity, our programme brings together voices from cities, regions, research, and industry.
Kicking off with the high-level opening plenary ‘Happy if Healthy: Mobility as a Mood’, and closing with ‘Enriching the Mobility Menu: Tackling Transport Poverty’, the conference sets the stage for bold conversations on the future of transport and aimed at informing, inspiring, and connecting.
SITE VISITS
Utrecht has prepared five unique site visits for 27 November!
Join one of our expert-led excursions to explore Utrecht’s best-in-class mobility practices—from cycling superhighways to digitalised rail operations and smart freight delivery.
If you are interested in joining one of these site visits, please send your preferred option to polis@polisnetwork.eu once you are registered for the Annual POLIS Conference.
#1: Cycling through Utrecht’s urban makeover
On this bike excursion, you will get to explore how the city of Utrecht has been redeveloped to create more space for greenery and bikes.
We will cycle along the famous highway-to-canal transformation and continue toward the city’s second ring road, where the roadway has been narrowed from 2×2 to 2×1 lane. Intersections with traffic lights have been adapted to priority squares. Numerous innovations have been implemented to give priority to public transport and emergency services, and to help prevent gridlocks.
Details:
- Capacity: 25
- Duration: 2 hours
#2: Joining forces for better public transport
Experience the collaboration between national, regional, and local authorities on this public transport excursion.
The Public Transport Terminal in Utrecht is a perfect example of the ‘One roof’ philosophy, demonstrating coordinated efforts despite differences in funding and cost allocation. You will see first-hand how the city and province work together on the tram system and its importance to the Utrecht Science Park. The excursion concludes with a bus tour through the historic city centre, highlighting the challenges Utrecht faces in balancing liveability and accessibility.
Details:
- Capacity: 45
- Duration: 2,5/3 hours
#3: 10-minute city: From footstep to pedal
Active mobility is key to Utrecht’s vision of becoming a ’10-minute city’.
Already renowned for its extensive network of bike lanes, cycling streets, and bike parking facilities, Utrecht continues to lead by example. Iconic projects such as the Dafne Schippers Bridge, connecting the city with new residential areas in the east, and the large-scale bike parking facilities at train stations, which support seamless bike and public transport travel, are just a few highlights worth exploring. But it all starts with a single step: before you hop on your bike, get into your car, or board a train, you walk. Join us on a walking and cycling tour to experience Utrecht’s transformation toward healthy urban living for all.
Details:
- Capacity: 70 (two groups of 35)
- Duration: 2,5/3 hours
#4: Managing freight the Utrecht way
Discover Utrecht’s transformative approach to urban logistics on this inner-city walking tour.
As you explore the historic inner city, you will witness firsthand the measures being implemented to support efficient, low-impact, and sustainable urban freight solutions. Stroll along Utrecht’s centuries-old canal system—once one of the largest inner-city ports in the world—now revitalised and serviced by the iconic ‘beer-boat’, ‘eco-boat’, and light electric vehicles. If we are lucky, we might even spot some in action!
Along the route, we will also visit a truck-free, zero-emission construction site and observe smart loading zones to streamline deliveries. The tour concludes with a true Utrecht experience: climbing the Dom Tower for a panoramic view of the city!
Details:
- Capacity: 70 (two groups of 35)
- Duration: 3 hours
#5: Behind the scenes of the Dutch Railways
Visit the Netherlands’ Operational Control Centre Rail (OCCR)!
This excursion begins with a look at Utrecht Centraal, the busiest train station in the country. From there, we will walk to the Operational Control Centre Rail, where real-time management of the national rail network takes place.
Here, all train operators—both passenger and freight—collaborate to manage disruptions, minimise delays, and inform the public. This visit is made possible with the support of ProRail, the Dutch rail infrastructure manager, and NS Dutch Railways, the national train operator.
Details:
- Capacity: 30
- Duration: 2 hours
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Call for Sponsors & Exhibitors
Do you wish to enhance the visibility of your organisation or initiative through one of our packages?
Our Call for Sponsors and Exhibitors is now available, offering packages designed to elevate brand visibility and engage with key decision-makers.
Do not miss the opportunity to meet 1,000 key stakeholders involved in smart, innovative, and sustainable transport solutions in cities and regions.
FAQ
Wondering how to get to and around Utrecht and more?
Our Travel and Accommodation information document is available here: more information could be read below in the next section (blue slider).
I have issues with my registration—who should I reach out to?
To sort out any issues related to registrations, please contact Alexia at acollignon@polisnetwork.eu.
I would like to receive updates about the Annual POLIS Conference 2025 in my inbox—who should I reach out to?
To be added to our Conference updates mailing list, please contact Alexia at acollignon@polisnetwork.eu or, alternatively, Alessia at agiorgiutti@polisnetwork.eu. You can also sign up to the POLIS newsletter here.
