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TAC Speaks
Read highlights from interviews held with TAC's leaders, members and award recipients.
Why is the TAC conference such an important event and how can it benefit its members?
The TAC conference offers a unique opportunity for members of the transportation community to come together to share, gain and exchange knowledge, as well as to network with colleagues in a professional yet collegial atmosphere. By moving across Canada, the event also allows participants to gain insights into local transportation systems and issues as well as ways of addressing them. (Michel Gravel, Executive Director, TAC)
How will your team of local volunteers contribute to the overall success of the conference?
It is with tremendous pleasure we tell people we are truly blessed with a team of very energetic, dynamic, capable and experienced volunteers, advisors and champions. The biggest challenge is making sure all required information gets to the right people at the proper time. We collect, share and track information but at the same time avoid interrupting the flow and progress of individual teams. (Karen Johnson, Local Organizing Committee Chair)
What is the greatest benefit in attending a TAC Conference?
“TAC conferences give people the opportunity to mingle with people from diverse backgrounds and occupations; a wide spectrum of the transportation sector,” replied Ralph when asked how the TAC conference benefited members. “You can also meet acquaintances who later become lifelong friends.” (Ralph Haas, TAC member since 1964)
How does TAC contribute to the betterment of the transportation industry?
One element of TAC’s success and preeminence as a transportation organization in part lies in the diversity of the membership of transportation industry stakeholders and corporate members from coast to coast, which includes government transportation departments, municipalities, private sector engineering and consulting firms, academic institutions and trade associations and thus the range of professional perspectives, diversity of ideas and experiences which are represented on the Councils, expressed by presenters and generally shared at TAC events. (Doug McNeil, TAC President)
How has TAC helped you in the advancement of your career in transportation?
When I started my Master’s program at the University of Saskatchewan in May 2010, I was not very confident about my academic progression. It was the support of my supervisor, Dr. Peter Park, and my other colleagues that made me feel like I was going in the right direction. When I recently submitted my first paper to the 2011 TAC Conference, I was glad to hear that it had been accepted for presentation and publication. Shortly after, I was thrilled to hear that my paper was selected as the first place winner in the 2011 TAC Student Paper Awards. Receiving the best student paper award has opened up a world of inspiration. I am determined to carry on my future endeavour in transportation engineering. (Rajib Sahaji, 2011 TAC Student Paper Awards)
