Innovation and the Future of Mobility

September 24, 2026 2:45 pm – 4:30 pm Hybrid | Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Overview

Gain a global perspective on the mobility trends reshaping how people move, connect, and access opportunity.

Explore emerging technologies—from autonomous vehicles to micromobility—and what they could mean in Massachusetts

Learn what Greater Boston can take from global mobility leaders as the region plans for a more connected, competitive future.

Tickets

Free to Members & Non-Members

From Vision to Vehicle: Advancing Transportation Solutions

From workforce access and affordability to economic competitiveness and sustainability, the future of mobility will shape how people, businesses, and communities move across Massachusetts for decades. As new technologies evolve, communities must rethink how transportation systems can better connect people to jobs, housing, education, and opportunity.

Join us on September 24 for a forward-looking conversation with John Moavenzadeh, Executive Director of the MIT Mobility Initiative, as he shares insights into the global trends reshaping transportation and what they could mean for Massachusetts and the broader U.S. transportation landscape.

Drawing on lessons from Asia, Europe, and other leading markets, John will examine how innovative mobility solutions are helping communities address complex transportation challenges while enhancing the quality of life and economic opportunity.

The conversation will explore:

The evolving role of transit in an increasingly multimodal transportation ecosystem.
How innovations such as autonomous vehicles, robotaxis, electrification, and micromobility can be deployed at scale while earning public trust.
Why public perceptions of emerging technologies may influence policy decisions, investment strategies, and adoption.
What Massachusetts and regions across the country can learn from global mobility leaders as they work to remain competitive in a rapidly changing world.

Following the presentation, John Moavenzadeh will join James E. Rooney, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, for a fireside chat to further discuss why mobility matters and its implications for workforce access, regional competitiveness, affordability, and long-term economic growth.

Whether joining us in-person or virtually, attendees will leave the conversation with a deeper understanding on the innovations, policies, and challenges shaping the future of transportation and what they could mean for the Commonwealth economy and communities.

ABOUT TRANSPORTATION FIRST

The Transportation First series offers a platform to discuss the urgent challenges Greater Boston faces by bringing in experts and changemakers to explore the issues and potential solutions for the future of the Commonwealth. This series will help raise broader awareness among employees and employers who are affected by the transit system every day.

By prioritizing all modes of transportation, we can tackle and mitigate other significant policy challenges, including housing, climate decarbonization and adaptation, economic development, economic opportunity, and education access. Transportation First is not only about transportation, but also about delivering improved, more connected and sustainable solutions that are shaping Massachusetts’ tomorrow.

Questions? Contact us.

Erica Deese

Senior Program Manager

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Email Erica

Speakers

John Moavenzadeh

Executive Director, MIT Mobility Initiative

John Moavenzadeh is an advisor, educator and thought leader on the Future of Mobility. John is Executive Director of the MIT Mobility Initiative, a global research…Read more

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James E. Rooney

President & CEO, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

James E. Rooney is President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, the region’s most influential business association. With Rooney’s…Read more

James E. Rooney is President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, the region’s most influential business association.

With Rooney’s commitment and leadership, the Greater Boston Chamber is now the leading convener, voice, and advocate for the region. Strategizing with government leaders, private companies, and public institutions to strengthen the state’s competitiveness, Rooney advances the future of commerce with public policies and legislation that champions dynamic and resilient people, communities, and workplaces.

Before leading the Chamber, Rooney served as executive director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA), overseeing the development and construction of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) while leading the management teams of four MCCA-owned facilities. Prior, Rooney served two years as Chief of Staff to Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, chairing the Mayor’s cabinet to move forward all aspects of city governance.

Rooney started his public career at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), starting as a track laborer and ending as Deputy General Manager. He served one year as the MBTA’s Acting General Manager during a gubernatorial transition. Using his transportation financing expertise, Rooney led one of the nation’s largest transportation projects, the $15 billion “Big Dig” Central Artery highway project, and he served as Chief Financial Officer at the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority.

Rooney serves in leadership positions on several boards of directors, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors and the Committee of 100, Immediate Past Chair of the Association of Chambers of Commerce Executives (ACCE), Co-Chair of the Madison Park Steering Committee, and Member of the Boston Private Industry Council (PIC). Rooney continues to be recognized for his professional and civic contributions, including being named to the list of 100 Most Influential Bostonians by Boston Magazine numerous times, receiving the City of Boston Lifetime Achievement Award for advocacy of the immigrant community, and he was honored with the PCMA Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the global meetings industry.

Born and raised in South Boston, Rooney attended the prestigious Boston Latin School, where he served as President of his graduating class. He graduated from Harvard College with a bachelor’s degree in economics and attended the Boston University Graduate School of Management.

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Series Sponsor

Agenda

2:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. | Registration & Networking

Sign in at registration and network with fellow attendees. Refreshments will be provided.

3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Program

Hear an address from John Moavenzadeh, Executive Director of the MIT Mobility Initiative, followed by a fireside chat led by James E. Rooney, exploring the global trends reshaping transportation and what they could mean for Massachusetts and the broader U.S. transportation landscape.

FAQs

What is included in my registration?

Access to a welcoming community of professionals over a great conversation! Refreshments will be provided.

What should I bring?

An interest in connecting and networking with other professionals. Oh, and don’t forget business cards.

What should I wear?

Please come dressed for your day!

When should I arrive?

For in-person, registration begins at 2:45 p.m., with program starting promptly at 3:15 p.m.

Note: If attending virtually you will be sent the link to join ahead of the program which will begin at 3:15 p.m.

Do I need to register in advance?

We recommend registering in advance to secure your spot! We have a limited number of in-person tickets available due to capacity limits.

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

265 Franklin Street, 17th Floor, Boston, MA 02110

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This is a free event but if you can no longer attend please notify us so we can open up spots for other guests.

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce encourages persons with disabilities to participate, and engage fully, in its programs and events.

If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation, including but not limited to, listening devices, closed captioning, large print, wheelchair access, allergies and environmental sensitivities, or if you have any questions about the venue, event format, or virtual platform, please contact us at [email protected].

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EXPLORE OUR INITIATIVES:

Become a Member

About Us

Get to Know the Chamber

Member Benefits

Grow Your Business

Membership Directory

Not sure if you’re a member?

Events & Networking

WHAT’S NEXT

Upcoming Events

Engage & Learn

FEATURED EVENT

Series

Learning Series | Building Social Media That Drives Growth

EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMMING:

Member Engagement

Top 5 Tips to Maximize Your Membership at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Membership Directory

Discover fellow Chamber members.

Upcoming Events

Stay Involved

Talent & Workforce

Young Bostonians Collective

Women’s Leadership Program

Massachusetts Apprentice Network

Boston’s Future Leaders

Partnership with Boston Public Schools

Policy & Impact

GET INVOLVED IN OUR POLICY FOCUS AREAS

Business Climate

Climate & Energy

Health Care

Housing & Development

Talent

Transportation

Foundation

Our Mission

Expanding Opportunity

Upcoming Events