Students are invited to showcase their current ITS research on any topic of their choice at the poster session during the ITS Heartland Annual Meeting on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel at the Convention Center (6100 College Boulevard, Overland Park, Kansas 66211). To participate, students must submit their poster proposals by Friday, March 29, 2025.

The ITS Heartland Student Competition Committee will evaluate all submissions based on the criteria outlined below to determine the winners. The top three winners will receive cash prizes:

  • First Place: $800
  • Second Place: $400
  • Third Place: $250

Each student participant will also receive a $100 travel stipend to offset travel costs. In addition to the competition, students are encouraged to attend the full conference, which is free of charge for all student participants.

Recognition and Awards

  • Winners will be featured in a post on ITS Heartland’s social media channels.
  • An official announcement and congratulations will be given during the conference.
  • The winning projects will be highlighted during the event.

This is an excellent opportunity to share your research, network with industry professionals, and gain valuable experience in the Intelligent Transportation Systems field. Don’t miss your chance to participate!

Project Evaluation Criteria

Poster Size and Format:

  • Required size: Landscape format, 36 inches high by 48 inches wide (92 cm x 122 cm).
  • Alternatively, European size ISO A0 (84 cm x 119 cm) is acceptable.

Mounting:

  • Posters must be mounted using push pins, which will be provided by the organizing committee.

Display and Presentation:

  • Each presenter will be allocated one poster board.
  • Presenters have a strict 2-minute time limit when discussing their poster. Do not read the poster aloud—highlight key points instead.
  • Judges will cut you off after 2 minutes to ensure fairness and keep the competition on schedule.
  • Presenters must be available to defend their posters during the judging period (8:30 AM - 10:30 AM) for inclusion in the conference proceedings.

Content and Design Requirements:

  • The poster title must be in block letters at least 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) high.
  • All text must be legible from 1 to 2 meters, with lettering at least 1 cm high. Avoid paragraphs—use bullet points and concise text instead.
  • Graphs and charts should be at least 8.5 x 11 inches (25 x 30 cm) or larger.
  • Include:
    • An introduction (outline)
    • A summary or conclusion
    • Numbered sections to indicate logical progression

Engagement and Materials:

  • Be prepared to answer questions and discuss your work with viewers.
  • Provide handouts or copies of your paper for attendees interested in studying your work further.
  • Have business cards available for networking.
  • Bring blank paper or a tablet for detailed discussions about your poster content.

Evaluation Criteria:

Projects will be evaluated based on:

  • Clarity and engagement of the poster presentation
  • Effectiveness of visual communication – Is the poster well-organized, easy to read, and visually engaging without excessive text?
  • Clarity of verbal explanation – Does the presenter effectively summarize key points within the 2-minute time limit?
  • Logical flow and organization – Is the information structured in a way that makes it easy to follow?
  • Engagement and professionalism – Does the presenter confidently answer questions and engage with judges and attendees?
  • Relevance to the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) industry
  • Analysis and reasoning demonstrated in the project
  • Timeliness, originality, and creativity of the topic
  • Quality and depth of research
  • Understanding of ITS issues and challenges

Eligibility Requirements:

  • The author must be a full-time student enrolled in an accredited institution within the ITS Heartland region.
  • One entry per student.

Key Reminders:

  • Set up between 7:30 AM and 8:15 AM.
  • Remove posters between 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM. Posters left after 4:30 PM will not be stored or secured by the organizing committee.

PRIMARY Author Contact Information

Abstract Information

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Questions?

Feel free to contact Kelsey, our administrator at kfarago@meetingsnorthwest.com, with any questions.