Innovation Summit - 2026 Schedule
Gades Sales Company 2026 Annual Innovation Summit
Powering the Future of Traffic Safety & Connected Mobility
Hosted by Gades Sales Company
May 18–21, 2026 | Kansas Sports Hall of Fame & Wichita Boathouse | Registration is FREE
Join industry leaders, transportation professionals, and technology innovators in Wichita, Kansas for four days of forward-thinking education, hands-on training, and powerful networking.
Opening Keynote Address
We are honored to welcome Calvin Reed, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), as the official opening speaker of the 2026 Annual Innovation Summit.
Secretary Reed will launch Day 1 with insights on infrastructure modernization, transportation safety, and the evolving role of innovation across Kansas.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | Opening Session – 8:30 AM
Why Attend?
The Annual Innovation Summit brings together professionals from across Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, and Oklahoma to explore emerging solutions shaping the future of traffic safety and intelligent mobility.
Over four impactful days, attendees will experience:
- Vendor and technical education sessions
- Hands-on equipment training
- Continuing education credit opportunities
- Large group presentations from public safety and traffic leaders
- Meaningful networking with industry peers
- Complimentary catered lunches
- Attendance certificate following the event
This is more than a conference — it’s where innovation meets implementation.
Pre-Summit Hands-on Technical Training
May 18–19, 2026
Session 1: Traffic Cabinet Monitor Training
In partnership with EDI – Eberle Design Inc.
Monday, May 18 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sign-in & Training Location:
REALTORS of South-Central Kansas, South Central Kansas MLS, Inc.
170 W. Dewey, Wichita, KS 67202
Session 2: Traffic Cabinet Monitor Training
In partnership with EDI – Eberle Design Inc.
Tuesday, May 19 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sign-in Location:
Kansas Sports Hall of Fame & Wichita Boathouse
515 S. Wichita St, Wichita, KS 67202
Training Location:
REALTORS of South-Central Kansas, South Central Kansas MLS, Inc.
170 W. Dewey, Wichita, KS 67202
Each session includes:
- Catered lunch (12:00–1:00 PM)
- Limited to 50 attendees
- Free registration
- Qualifies for continuing education credits
Advance registration required. Seating is limited.
Session 3: Traffic Signal Controller & TACTIC/STUDIO Training
In partnership with Yunex Traffic
Tuesday, May 19 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sign-in & Training Location:
Kansas Sports Hall of Fame & Wichita Boathouse
515 S. Wichita St, Wichita, KS 67202
Participants will:
- Work directly with Yunex Traffic controllers
- Gain hands-on experience with TACTIC/STUDIO software
- Receive continuing education credits
- Enjoy a catered lunch
Limited to 50 attendees. Bring your Yunex controller or purchase a Blade controller onsite.
First Pitch of the 2026 Innovation Summit
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | 6:35 PM | Equity Bank Park
Join fellow attendees, vendors, presenters and industry professionals for an evening of networking and baseball as the Wichita Wind Surge take on the Tulsa Drillers.
Sponsored by Orange Traffic and Gades Sales Company.
Ticket Price: $44.92
Your ticket includes:
Access to the Dillons Picnic Area (premium seating)
All-you-can-eat buffet
Unlimited non-alcoholic beverages
Private bar access (alcohol available for purchase)
Purchase Deadline: May 15, 2026
For ticket assistance after the deadline:
Adam Mettler | (316) 221-8022 | [email protected]
Summit Main Sessions
Day 1 – Wednesday, May 20
Intelligent Infrastructure: Powering the Future of Safe & Connected Mobility
Opening Address by Calvin Reed, Secretary of KDOT
| Time | Topic | Presenter |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Session 1: Traffic Cabinet Monitor Training In partnership with EDI – Eberle Design Inc. |
REALTORS of South-Central Kansas South Central Kansas MLS, Inc. 170 W. Dewey, Wichita, KS 67202 |
| 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Catered Lunch | Included with registration |
Evening Vendor Social
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Join us in the vendor area for a complimentary meet-and-greet with an evening meal and beverages. Alcohol will be served.
Sponsored by PSE Contractors, formerly Phillips Southern Electric (PSE) and Gades Sales Company.
Day 2 – Thursday, May 21
AI-Driven Traffic Innovation: Safer, Smarter, Always Moving
Day 2 explores artificial intelligence, adaptive signal systems, smart infrastructure integration, and next-generation public safety technologies.
| Time | Topic | Presenter |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Session 2: Traffic Cabinet Monitor Training In partnership with EDI – Eberle Design Inc. |
Sign-in: Kansas Sports Hall of Fame & Wichita Boathouse 515 S. Wichita St, Wichita, KS 67202 Training: REALTORS of South-Central Kansas 170 W. Dewey, Wichita, KS 67202 |
| 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Session 3: Traffic Signal Controller & TACTIC/STUDIO Training In partnership with Yunex Traffic |
Kansas Sports Hall of Fame & Wichita Boathouse 515 S. Wichita St, Wichita, KS 67202 |
| 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Catered Lunch | Included with registration |
| 6:35 PM |
Wichita Wind Surge vs. Tulsa Drillers Equity Bank Park Sponsored by Orange Traffic and Gades Sales Company Ticket: $44.92 – Includes Dillons Picnic Area, all-you-can-eat buffet, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, private bar access Purchase Deadline: May 15, 2026 Purchase Tickets |
Adam Mettler (316) 221-8022 [email protected] |
Who Should Attend?
The Summit is designed for:
- DOT professionals
- Civil engineering consultants
- Traffic contractors
- Municipal leaders
- Engineering and trade school students
- Industry manufacturers
- Gades customers
If you are involved in transportation, infrastructure, traffic safety, or public works, this event is built for you.
Hotel Accommodations
Both properties are within walking distance of Summit venues and the stadium.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Wichita Downtown
525 S Main St, Wichita, KS
- $139 per night
- Reservation deadline: May 1, 2026
- Stay window: May 17–22, 2026
Hyatt Regency Wichita
400 W. Waterman St, Wichita, KS
- $145 per night
- Complimentary shuttle to and from Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport
- Reservation deadline: May 1, 2026
Don't Miss This Opportunity
- ✔ Free registration
- ✔ Free hands-on training
- ✔ Continuing education credits
- ✔ Industry networking
- ✔ Direct access to manufacturers and technology leaders
The 2026 Annual Innovation Summit is where transportation professionals connect, learn, and lead the future of mobility.
We look forward to welcoming you to Wichita in May 2026.
Parking
Parking for all events is available in the public lots shown below.