The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) welcomed thousands of attendees to Houston for the start of EXPO 2014 at the George R. Brown Convention Center on Monday.  

This year’s EXPO will feature more than 750 global exhibitors displaying the latest products, services and technologies, with the EXPO set to offer attendees a peek at more than 60 buses and at least two mockup railcars. With its theme “Powering Possibilities,” the 2014 EXPO will also offer attendees more resources than ever, including 80-plus educational sessions as well as forums, tours and networking events. 

New for this year’s EXPO are seven “Learning Zones,” which will highlight the latest product innovations as well as international presentations with lessons learned from what’s happening all around the world.

APTA also added a new space on the convention center’s third floor, called “Mobility Management for Livable and Sustainable Communities,” which will feature a special plaza focusing on livable and sustainable communities, complete streets and transit oriented development. It is designed to generate new membership for APTA as the lead association for this transit niche.

In addition to a host of educational sessions, including a session with Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx, APTA is also set to celebrate the best and the brightest in the industry during its Annual Awards Breakfast and the AdWheel Awards, which acknowledge the creative excellence of member public transportation systems and business members in advertising, communications and marketing. Meanwhile, “Celebrating Tomorrow’s Leaders,” will honor APTA and American Public Transportation Foundation’s scholarship award winners.

Stay Tuned to METRO’s daily for up-to-the minute live coverage and more throughout the show.