On September 24, 2025, WTS-LA hosted transportation leaders and city officials for an informed discussion on how upcoming global events, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, can drive innovation, collaboration, and lasting change across the region. 

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Sponsored by WTS-LA Platinum Corporate Partner AECOM, the event featured a moderated panel discussion led by Sue Kershaw, AECOM’s Senior VP Program Executive and Program Director Venue & Infrastructure Delivery in collaboration with LA28. The conversation centered on how agencies are preparing for these mega events and their goals for lasting legacies, and featured the below panelists:

• Emma Kaplan, Operations and Planning Chief, City of Los Angeles, Office of the Mayor, Office of Major Events
• Kimberly Yu, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Long Beach Transit
• William Panos, Senior Vice President and Head of Transportation, LA28
• Chris Jackson, Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director, City of Inglewood

Key Themes and Takeaways

• Prioritizing Change Ahead of the Games: Southern California agencies are preparing for upcoming mega events by promoting transit use, coordinating leadership, and developing new transportation infrastructure to support both residents and visitors.
• Coordination—The Backbone of Success: Extensive collaboration among city departments, transit agencies, and event committees is essential to manage logistics and ensure smooth operations for large-scale events.
• Building a Lasting Legacy: Investments in accessibility, safety, and public infrastructure aim to create long-term benefits for communities, with a focus on sustainable transit and shifting public attitudes toward transportation.
• Making Mode Shift Permanent: Efforts are underway to encourage lasting changes in travel behavior, including community engagement, new technology projects, and initiatives that make transit more attractive than driving.
• Safety and Community Engagement: Safety is a top priority, with enhanced security measures, infrastructure improvements, and partnerships with law enforcement and community organizations to protect event attendees and transit users.

This program highlighted how mega events are more than logistical challenges—they are opportunities to rethink, re-prioritize, and reimagine transportation for a more connected, accessible, and resilient Southern California. The collaborative spirit and forward-thinking strategies shared by panelists offer a blueprint for lasting change, ensuring that the legacy of the Games will benefit communities for years to come.

See more photos of the program HERE.