What is the Young Leaders Summit?
CUTA is the national voice for public transit. Our members include transit systems that carry 95% of the country’s riders, public bodies, companies that supply the sector, and experts in urban mobility. We advocate for investment and support from governments. We share best practices. We facilitate conversations and connections to help transit professionals keep up with the latest, and we’re the leading data collector in the field.
CUTA hosts the Young Leaders Summit (YLS) on a bi-annual basis.
YLS is a three-day youth conference that seeks to inspire a new generation of transit leaders. This is accomplished through a series of speakers from across the transit industry, technical tours, case competitions, and unique networking opportunities. Delegates have the opportunity to attend the summit at a relatively low cost, as well as have access to the full CUTA Annual Conference and Transit Show at a discounted rate.
The last Young Leaders Summit (YLS) was held in Edmonton, AB from Nov 10 – 12, 2023 (Weekend Preceding CUTA’s Fall Conference & Annual Transit Show).
The Theme: Shaping the Future of Transit
We looked specifically at:
• Infrastructure in cities
• Technology and innovation
• Workforce and transit users
Recap of the Edmonton Event
The first day of the Young Leaders Summit took place at the Coastal Hotel, as delegates from various corners of the transit industry convened. The energy was palpable as connections were formed, and teams began to take shape. The highlight of the evening was the enchanting dinner reception where attendees were privileged to hear insightful speeches from distinguished leaders, including Marco D’Angelo, President and CEO of CUTA, Carrie Hotton-MacDonald, Director of Edmonton Transit Services, and more. Their wisdom set an inspiring tone for the days ahead.
Day two commenced with a delightful breakfast reception, fueling delegates for a day filled with exploration and knowledge. Concurrent Sessions, addressing multifaceted aspects of transit and urban mobility, provided a basis of knowledge for enlightening discussions led by the delegates. The Technical Tours provided a behind-the-scenes look at Edmonton’s groundbreaking transit advancements, offering a glimpse into the future of transportation. The day concluded with a vibrant networking event, allowing delegates to engage and interact with seasoned transit leaders, fostering invaluable connections.
The closing day provided a continuation of enriching concurrent sessions, delving deeper into critical transit subjects. The pinnacle of the summit was the Case Competition, where teams showcased their strategic thinking and innovation, presenting solutions developed over the course of the event. It was a testament to the young leaders’ prowess and dedication to shaping the future of transit.
Thank You To Our Corporate Supporters!
Stay Connected!
Delegates are invited to join the Young Leaders Summit Alumni LinkedIn group to continue networking and stay updated on future events. Additionally, you can relive the memorable moments through our Flickr photo gallery.
Looking Forward to the Next YLS?
The Young Leaders Summit will expose you to new ideas, and networking opportunities with fellow young professionals and current leaders in transit, through a fun, creative, informative, and affordable manner.
Getting involved with the Young Leaders Summit provides a unique opportunity to scout new talent, develop inter-generational professional relationships, and learn new ideas from the next generation of young professionals.
Join the Young and Emerging Leaders Sub-Committee
Are you passionate about shaping the future of transit? Join CUTA’s Young and Emerging Leaders Sub-Committee! Engage in monthly meetings to drive discussions on nurturing talent among young leaders in the transit industry. Contribute your ideas, network with industry experts, and play a pivotal role in fostering the next generation of transit leaders.
Apply for CUTA’s Mentorship Program
Seeking guidance or eager to mentor aspiring professionals? Apply to be a mentee or a mentor in CUTA’s Mentorship Program! Gain valuable insights, expand your network, and contribute to the growth and development of transit professionals. Whether you’re looking for guidance or ready to share your expertise, this program is the perfect platform to learn and inspire.