METRO and the Public Transit & Technology Exchange (PTTX) announced Commander Kirk Lippold, USN (Ret.), will serve as the keynote speaker for its 2025 event, taking place September 22 to 24 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Commander Lippold is scheduled to speak during the opening dinner keynote on Monday, September 22.

About the Speaker

Lippold is best known for his leadership as the commanding officer of the USS Cole, which came under attack by al Qaeda terrorists in the port of Aden, Yemen, in October 2000. 

The bombing, which killed 17 American sailors and injured dozens more, was one of the most significant pre-9/11 terrorist incidents involving U.S. forces. Lippold and his crew were widely recognized for their efforts in saving the ship from sinking.

Today, Commander Lippold is a highly regarded speaker on topics such as leadership, crisis management, and organizational integrity. 

His presentation at PTTX will draw upon his personal experiences and his "Pillars of Leadership" framework to explore strategies for leading effectively in the face of uncertainty — insights that resonate deeply within the evolving landscape of public transportation and mobility technology.

Bringing Buyers and Sellers Together

PTTX is a curated, invite-only event designed to foster meaningful dialogue between public transit professionals and technology solution providers. 

Unlike traditional trade shows, PTTX focuses on relationship-building, best-practice sharing, and actionable takeaways in a small-group setting.

The 2025 event will be held at a resort venue in Scottsdale, and includes keynote presentations, one-on-one meetings, roundtable discussions, and informal networking opportunities.

Qualified transit agency professionals receive a full travel grant that covers roundtrip airfare, hotel accommodations for two nights, ground transportation, and all scheduled meals.

Applications for operator attendance and supplier participation are currently open.