Dear colleagues and friends,

PIARC, Transport Canada, and the City of Calgary have decided that the XVI World Winter Service and Road Resilience Congress will be held in digital format, in February 2022.

As you know, PIARC Congresses have been very successful over the years and they are a cherished tradition. However, it became apparent that due to the pandemic, the ability to attend an international congress may be reduced for many, if not most, member countries and PIARC’s partners/stakeholders. As a result, a unique platform will be set up to enable a full virtual event to be held in times of a pandemic. It will allow decision-makers as well as technical experts, road authorities and administrators, operators, equipment manufacturers and engineers, and academia to take part in the XVI edition of the Congress. It will also be easier and more cost-effective for all countries to take part in the Congress since authors and delegates will not need to cover transportation and accommodation expenses. Full technical details on the digital format will be shared in the coming months.

As regards our international call for papers: It is already a success with more than 300 abstracts received from over 40 countries! We want to build on this success. Due to the change in the format of the Congress, as well as the strong interest of international experts in the themes of winter service and road resilience (in all seasons), please note that the deadline for submitting abstracts has been extended to February 28, 2021. Abstracts (case studies, research results and/or practical experiences) may be submitted in English, French or Spanish.

This is a momentous decision for PIARC, and one that reflects our vitality and resilience. It will be a first for PIARC and I truly believe that we will collectively be able to deliver a landmark virtual event and serve the needs of the road community.

Yours sincerely

Claude van Rooten