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The Conference Subcommittee's mission is to plan and host the annual MdQI Conference, which provides members of the Maryland transportation industry with opportunities for education, information sharing, networking, and recognition.
The 33rd Annual MdQI Conference: Building the Future Together
The 33rd Annual Maryland Quality Initiative (MdQI) Conference once again brought together the region’s leading transportation professionals, reinforcing its role as Maryland’s premier forum for collaboration across the public and private sectors. We would like to thank everyone who attended the MdQI Conference. The conference was held on February 4th and 5th, 2026, at the Baltimore Convention Center.
This year we welcomed a total of 1,740 attendees and 121 exhibitors, including an appearance from a four-legged friend from BARCS that quickly became a crowd favorite, as well as an equipment demonstration by Carter/CAT Machinery. The conference welcomed leaders from federal, state, and local agencies alongside contractors, engineers, consultants, suppliers, and emerging professionals, creating a dynamic environment for collaboration across the entire transportation industry.
The two-day conference featured keynote speakers, technical session presentations, including a dedicated student session focused on workforce development and engaging the next generation of transportation professionals, as well as our Engineering Challenge and Pinewood Derby Races. Interactive vendor exhibits and themed activations embraced “MdQI’s 2026 MIX TAPE – Building Maryland’s Future and Remembering Our Accomplishments,” celebrating the unforgettable decade of neon colors, mixtapes, and big ideas of the 80s. From the high-energy exhibit hall to interactive competitions and networking opportunities, the conference delivered both meaningful content and memorable experiences.
Participation from partners including MDOT, SHA, MDTA, local county agencies, and federal representatives further underscored the conference’s impact on shaping Maryland’s transportation future. Sessions throughout the conference addressed critical topics such as innovation, artificial intelligence, workforce development, ethics, and project delivery, reflecting the evolving needs of the industry.
Wednesday, February 4 – Day 1
Day 1 featured opening remarks and a conference overview by MdQI Co-Chair Mike Sakata, a message from Acting MDOT Transportation Secretary Kathryn Thomson, a keynote address by Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, and a presentation by MdQI’s Awards Subcommittee. Afterwards, 12 technical sessions were offered, and the day concluded with a reception, the Engineering Challenge, and the Pinewood Derby Races.
Thursday, February 5 – Day 2
Day 2 began with updates by MdQI Co-Chair Teri Soos and an AI Insights Keynote by James Spellos. The keynote address was followed by the announcement of the Engineering Challenge, Derby Races, and Vendor Booth winners.
Congratulations to the winners:
Vendor Booth Winner: Kumi Construction Management Corporation
Engineering Challenge Winner: Marine Solutions, Inc.
Pinewood Derby Race Winner: Prime AE Group, Inc.
Best in Show: Suyash Consulting, LLC
Day 2 offered a total of 13 technical sessions, including the always popular Ethics Training Presentation led by Jim Johnson.
Thank You to Our Sponsors & Exhibitors
We extend a special thank you to our exhibitors, sponsors, and partners whose support made this year’s conference possible and contributed to a vibrant and engaging exhibit hall experience.
We Welcome Your Feedback
The MdQI Steering Committee welcomes your feedback and encourages you to respond to the conference survey that was sent to attendees via email. Our goal is to continue providing relevant content on the issues impacting the transportation industry while delivering an engaging and high-quality conference experience.
If you have any suggestions or comments regarding this or future MdQI Conferences, please contact Conference Subcommittee Co-Chairs Laurie Lawler at llawler@mtbma.org or Ray Moravec at rmoravec@mdot.maryland.gov.
We look forward to continuing this momentum and building on the success of this year’s conference as we plan for MdQI 2027.
Updates can be found throughout the year in future newsletters, on our website: www.mdqi.org or on our LinkedIn page: www.linkedin.com/company/mdqi.
As we prepare for the highly anticipated 34rd MDQI Conference, we would like to share your topics of interest and the pressing issues you'd like to see addressed. Your valuable input will help us shape a dynamic and relevant program that meets the needs of our industry.
We are seeking submissions that explore innovative strategies, technologies, and practices designed to enhance transportation efficiency, sustainability, accessibility, and safety.
The annual MDQI Conference, featuring workshops on pressing issues and future industry focus, highlights our commitment to open communication and cooperation among partners. Today, MDQI encompasses nearly all modes of transportation and includes federal and county agency partners, continually evolving as a driving force in the ongoing quality journey.
Technical session topics will be presented throughout the two-day conference.
2024 MdQI Photo Gallery
2023 MdQI Photo Gallery
2022 MdQI Photo Gallery
2021 MdQI Photo Gallery