Sally Frykman, Vice President of Communications at Velodyne Lidar, is a featured panelist at the Autonomous Vehicles Silicon Valley Conference on February 26 in Redwood City, Calif. The panel, called “Why Engaging With the Public and Public Perception Are Key Success Factors In AV Development,” is a discussion on the importance of facts and engagement to help inform the public about the benefits of autonomous vehicles (AVs).

“Messaging about autonomous vehicle technology can be confusing or sometimes scary. Engaging in public dialogue to increase understanding about AVs is essential to paving the path for adoption and advancing roadway safety,” said Sally.

Among the topics Sally will discuss is how Velodyne’s World Safety Summit on Autonomous Technology has sparked collaborative work to increase consumer awareness on how AVs will revolutionize transportation. She will also share her experiences in communicating sophisticated technologies such as lidar to non-technical audiences and the value these initiatives bring in increasing public understanding.

Additionally, Sally will highlight Velodyne’s involvement in Partners for Automated Vehicle Education (PAVE), a coalition seeking to raise the level of public knowledge about AVs.

“Velodyne is fully aligned with PAVE’s mission to raise public awareness and knowledge about the benefits of autonomous vehicles. Our organizations share the view that public adoption of AVs is a key component in realizing their benefits in safety, mobility and sustainability,” said Sally.

The other mobility thought leaders joining Sally on the event panel are John Maddox, Senior Director of Compliance and Safety, Lyft; Ken Bracht Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer, National Council on Aging; and Justin Erlich, Vice President of Strategy, Policy and Legal, Voyage. The session is moderated by Kelly Nantel, Vice President of Communications and Advocacy, National Safety Council.