GHSA’s 2026 Annual Meeting spotlights the technology reshaping roadway safety, from AI to Intelligent Speed Assistance, in conversations that will move the needle.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Adam Snider, 202-365-8971
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The nation’s most impactful roadway safety technologies, insightful data sources and key decision-makers will come together at the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) 2026 Annual Meeting in Minneapolis, August 29 – September 2. Under the theme “From Data to Action: Harnessing the Technology Revolution,” the conference will showcase a wide array of lifesaving safety technologies, feature useful educational sessions with unique formats and provide unforgettable networking opportunities for the over 800 attendees from every state in the country.
The latest traffic safety-related products and services from more than 60 private companies, nonprofits, and government and law enforcement agencies will be on display in the sold-out Exhibit Hall – the largest in GHSA conference history. Vehicles from Waymo and Mazda will offer a chance to see the latest safety technologies up close and personal. New this year, Tech Talks in the Exhibit Hall will feature a series of rapid-fire, 15-minute presentations with companies showcasing real-world safety technology in action. Attendees will also get a chance to experience Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) technology first-hand during ride-alongs.
Jonathan Morrison, Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), will help open the educational content at the Opening General Session on Monday, August 31. He’ll share NHTSA’s outlook on current and future roadway safety challenges and highlight the agency’s strategy for improving roadway safety. Morrison will be joined by Laura Chace, President and CEO of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America, Michael Hanson, GHSA Chair and Director of the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety and Bob Jacobson, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
Later that day, experts will explore how Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) technology works and its potential to curb one of the most persistent and deadly threats on U.S. roadways. Through three interview-style vignettes, safety leaders will explore how ISA can address repeat speeding offenders, strengthen fleet operations and improve teen driver safety. Panelists include Michelle Anderson, Director of Operations, National Road Safety Foundation; Chuck DeWeese, President and CEO, Connecting Clients Consulting LLC; The Honorable Michael Cassidy, Judicial Outreach Liaison, Virginia; Logan Guynn, National Vice President of Public Relations, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America; Mitch Morisset, Vice President, MAGTEC Products Inc.; and Jessica Ross, Driver Programs and Services Program Director, American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA).
The intersection of artificial intelligence, authenticity and influence will be the focus of a keynote presentation on Tuesday, September 1. Anthony Shop, Co-founder of Social Driver, Chairman of the National Digital Roundtable and host of the Chief Influencer podcast, will examine how AI is reshaping communications and what it means for authenticity in roadway safety messaging.
That afternoon, safety leaders will explore the many facets of distracted driving, including how to build a new generation of distraction-free road users, how automakers are addressing the issue, how states are using telematics data, and how coalitions and data can shape safety legislation. Speakers include Jennifer Morrison, Director of Vehicle Safety Strategy, Mazda; Jonathan Nelson, State Highway and Traffic Safety Engineer, Missouri Department of Transportation; Jennifer Smith, CEO, StopDistractions.org; and Mitchell Daugherty, Manager, Automotive Technology Research, State Farm.
On Wednesday, September 2, the final general session will explore the present and future of impaired driving prevention, including passive impairment-detection tools designed to prevent a vehicle from starting when a driver is impaired. Panelists include David Harkey, President, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Highway Loss Data Institute; Leslie Kimball, Executive Director, Responsibility.org; Stacey D. Stewart, CEO, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD); and Jane Terry, Director of the Office of Impaired Driving and Occupant Protection at NHTSA.
In addition to the general sessions, 19 different workshops will feature experts from across the country who will dive deep into an array of complex and critical safety topics. Areas covered include next-generation law enforcement leadership, drug-impaired driving, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) adoption, electric bikes and scooters, pre-hospital blood transfusion programs and more.
This year’s Annual Meeting attracted record sponsorship from national organizations committed to improving traffic safety. 2026 sponsors include Abbott, Alliance Highway Safety, Amazon, BusPatrol, Cambridge Mobile Telematics, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Ford Philanthropy, General Motors, Google, HAAS Alert, Hyundai, LexisNexis Coplogic Solutions, LifeSafer, Mazda, Michelin Mobility Intelligence, Mindr, Nationwide, the National Road Safety Foundation, PrePass Safety Alliance, Replica, Responsibility.org, Smart Start, State Farm, Uber and Waymo.
This year’s Annual Meeting attracted record sponsorship from national organizations committed to improving traffic safety. 2026 sponsors include Abbott, Alliance Highway Safety, Amazon, BusPatrol, Cambridge Mobile Telematics, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Ford Philanthropy, General Motors, Google, HAAS Alert, Hyundai, LexisNexis Coplogic Solutions, LifeSafer, Mazda, Michelin Mobility Intelligence, Mindr, Nationwide, the National Road Safety Foundation, PrePass Safety Alliance, Replica, Responsibility.org, Smart Start, State Farm, Uber and Waymo.
A detailed meeting agenda is available on the Annual Meeting website. Reporters should contact Adam Snider for press credentials. Many general session and workshop speakers will be available for interviews onsite in Minneapolis.
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The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is a nonprofit association representing the highway safety offices of states, territories, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. GHSA provides leadership and representation for the states and territories to improve traffic safety, influence national policy, enhance program management and promote best practices. Its members are appointed by their Governors to administer federal and state highway safety funds and implement state highway safety plans.
