Binational San Diego/Ensenada Pan-American Congress in Transportation and Logistics Research
The Pan-American Society of Transportation and Logistics Research (PANAMSTR) is delighted to invite researchers, practitioners, and professionals to participate in the 2026 Pan-American Congress in Transportation and Logistics Research, to be held in San Diego, California and Ensenada, Mexico. This congress aims to foster collaboration and innovation across the Americas, promoting academic and practical advancements in transportation, logistics, and related fields.
Discover the XXIII PANAM Conference
Quick reference to important information about the conference
Our Mission
PANAM San Diego/Ensenada 2026 aims to foster transdisciplinary, hemispheric dialogue on transportation systems across the Americas. By convening scholars, practitioners, and policymakers, the conference promotes research and practices that address regional mobility challenges with an emphasis on equity, sustainability, and innovation. In the spirit of collaboration and exchange, PANAM seeks to build bridges—across disciplines, languages, borders, and communities.
Our Themes
PANAM San Diego/Ensenada 2026 explores the future of transportation across the Americas through innovation, equity, and sustainability. From public transit and freight logistics to intelligent systems and infrastructure, the conference addresses critical challenges shaping mobility today. Key themes include sustainable transport, safety, education, planning, and inclusive access. By bringing together experts from across disciplines, PANAM fosters dialogue that bridges technology, policy, and community needs—building smarter, more equitable transportation systems for the hemisphere.
Our Values
PANAM San Diego/Ensenada 2026 is grounded in values that reflect both its thematic focus and its geographic context. We are committed to equity and inclusion, supporting transportation systems that serve diverse communities and confront systemic disparities in access, safety, and infrastructure. Sustainability is central to our vision—we prioritize environmentally responsible approaches that recognize the long-term ecological and social implications of mobility. We value collaboration across disciplines, languages, and borders, believing that meaningful progress comes through shared knowledge and mutual respect.
Meet the Organizers
Dr. Carlos Paternina
San Diego State University
Carlos D. Paternina Arboleda is Faculty at the Fowler College of Business, San Diego State University, and former full professor at Universidad del Norte in Colombia. He holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from the University of South Florida. His research focuses on AI-driven optimization in freight transportation, supply chain analytics, and smart port systems. He serves on editorial boards for journals including Supply Chain Analytics and Latin American Transport Studies. His work integrates intelligent algorithms into decision-support tools. He has co-chaired several international conferences and currently co-chairs the 2024 ICCL (Monterrey, MX) and PANAM 2026 (San Diego, CA).
Dr. Miguel Jaller
University of California, Davis
Miguel Jaller is a Professor and Vice-Chair of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UC Davis, and co-directs the Sustainable Freight Research Program. He holds degrees from Universidad del Norte and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. His interdisciplinary research focuses on sustainable transportation, freight and logistics, micromobility, electromobility, and disaster response logistics. Dr. Jaller develops tools to assess the societal and private impacts of transportation systems, technologies, and policies. With over 15 years of experience, he has led projects globally for public and private organizations. He is an Amazon Scholar working on decarbonizing goods distribution and actively contributes to various professional communities.
Dr. Diego Tlapa Mendoza
Autonomous University of Baja California
Diego Tlapa is a Professor of Industrial Engineering at the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC), where he also earned his M.S. and Doctor of Science degrees. He holds a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from the Technological Institute of Ciudad Juárez. His research focuses on supply chain management, process improvement, lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma. He has authored or coauthored over 50 journal articles, book chapters, and conference papers. Dr. Tlapa has contributed to numerous research projects and is a member of Mexico’s National System of Researchers and the Optimization of Industrial Processes Network (ROPRIN), promoting industrial innovation and efficiency.
Secure Your Spot Today
Conference Schedule
Plan your 2026 XXIII PANAM San Diego/Ensenada experience! Explore the session topics, times, and speakers for each day of the conference.
8:00 – 10:00: Registration
10:00 – 11:00: Inaugural Ceremony
11:00 – 12:00: Keynote Address by Dr.
12:00 – 13:30: Lunch
13:30 – 14:30: Keynote Address by Dr.
14:30 – 16:00: Parallel Technical Sessions I
16:30 – 18:00: Inaugural Reception
08:30 – 10:00: Parallel Technical Sessions II
10:00 – 10:30: Break
10:30 – 12:00: Parallel Technical Sessions III
12:00 – 13:30: Lunch
13:30 – 14:30: Keynote Address by Dr.
14:30 – 16:00: Parallel Technical Sessions IV
16:30 – 18:00: Parallel Technical Sessions V
19:30 – 22:00: Dinner Celebration
08:30 – 10:00: Parallel Technical Sessions VI
10:00 – 10:30: Break
10:30 – 11:30: Keynote Address by Dr.
11:30 – 12:30: Final Ceremony – Closure
12:30 – 13:00: Lunch (Boxes)
13:30 – 17:00: Site Visits
Welcome Reception
Kick off the conference with our Welcome Reception! Enjoy drinks, appetizers, and mingling with fellow attendees and speakers.
Networking Areas
Visit our dedicated Networking Areas throughout the conference. A perfect space for informal discussions and collaborations.
Interactive Sessions
Participate in interactive sessions designed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among attendees.
Announcements
Extended abstracts will undergo a double-blinded review process for approval and should adhere to the following guidelines:
Word Count: The extended abstract should be between 1,500 and 3,000 words.
Format: Use the official congress template (available on the submission portal).
Content: The texted abstract must include the following elements: Main objectives of the research, Scope, Methodology, Results, Conclusions
Structure: The extended abstract should include: Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, Results, Discussion, Conclusions
Languages: Submissions are accepted in English, Spanish, and Portuguese
Submission Options: Prospective authors can opt for:
Presentation and Publication: Accepted extended abstracts will be published in the event proceedings with an ISBN.
Presentation Only: Authors may choose not to publish their abstracts in the proceedings.
Additionally, authors of accepted abstracts will have the opportunity to submit their complete manuscripts to special issues in journals that will be announced during the event.
The organizing chairs Dr. Carlos Paternina (San Diego State University) and Dr. Miguel Jaller (University of California, Davis) are pleased to announce that the XXIII PANAM Conference, originally planned to take place solely in San Diego, will now be held as a binational event in partnership with the Autonomous University of Baja California (Universidad Autónoma de Baja California).
This development reflects our commitment to hemispheric collaboration and the importance of dialogue across borders—linguistic, institutional, and geopolitical. In response to evolving global and regional dynamics, and in alignment with our conference values of equity, inclusion, and regional responsiveness, PANAM 2026 will feature satellite events in Ensenada, Mexico, alongside its core programming in San Diego.
This binational format underscores the transnational spirit of the PANAM Society and reinforces our dedication to fostering scholarly exchange that is rooted in place, yet expansive in scope.
We look forward to welcoming you to this historic edition of PANAM in 2026—now more connected than ever.
About PANAMSTR
The Pan-American Society for Transportation Research (PANAMSTR) has been a cornerstone in the field of transportation research for over 40 years, fostering collaboration and innovation among experts across Latin America.
