Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC) will open its doors between 25 and 29 October 2027 when the city will host one of the world’s largest and most important events, the ITS World Congress. This year, the 33rd ITS World Congress will be held under the theme “Connect Ideas. Transform Transport”. The event aims to bring together thought leaders, industry experts and policy makers from across the world to find solutions to the challenges facing modern transport.
A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration
The ITS World Congress will serve as a platform to share technological innovations, policymaking, and industry thinking to drive a safer, more environmentally friendly and efficient transport system. This important event is led by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) with key partners such as the Department for Transport, ITS UK and ERTICO – ITS Europe to deliver the success of this important event. This five-day event will be a major milestone for the city of Birmingham, which has been renowned for its industrial heritage and is now making its mark in the field of technological innovation as well.
Why is the ITS World Congress Special?
This is not the first time that the ITS World Congress is being held in the UK, but the progress made in this field in the last few years is truly commendable. Chris Lane, Head of Transport Innovation, Transport for West Midlands, said about this, “This Congress is a great opportunity to bring together experts from all over the world. Here they will share their experiences, showcase successful technologies, and discuss new innovations. In this way, together we can make transport safer, greener and more efficient at the global level.”
This event will not only be a platform for technological innovations, but it is also a networking opportunity where experts, researchers, policy makers and industry people from different countries will interact together. More than 15,000 people are expected to attend the conference, including suppliers, consultants, academics, and other stakeholders.
The Power of Collaboration
ERTICO – ITS Europe, the organiser of the ITS World Congress, has put its expertise to work on the conference. “This event is a unique opportunity to promote collaboration between the public and private sectors. We aim to revolutionise the world of transport by bringing together experts from different fields,” said Joost Vantom, CEO of ERTICO.
The collaboration will take place across a range of technologies and sectors, such as:
- Autonomous vehicles
- Innovations in battery technology
- Smart ticketing systems
- And more
Public and private sector partnerships will not only generate new ideas, but also transform them into practical solutions.
West Midlands: A Leader in Future Transport
The West Midlands region is not just the host of the event, but also a leader in technological innovation. Transport for West Midlands has already launched a project called ‘Future Transport Zone’, which showcases various unique and advanced technologies. Let’s take a look at some of the key initiatives:
Automated Vehicle Technology
Driverless cars are being developed to enhance road safety and reduce pollution. These vehicles will drive on their own and make traffic safer.
Battery Innovation
Work is underway on better and more durable batteries to increase the capacity of electric vehicles, enable long distance travel and protect the environment.
Very Light Rail (VLR) System
Lighter rail systems are being developed to provide affordable and eco-friendly rail services in cities.
Smart Ticketing
Digital and contactless payment technologies are being adopted to provide hassle-free and faster ticketing services to passengers.
These initiatives will give a new direction to transport not only in the West Midlands region but across the world.
Global Awareness and Participation
“We are excited to engage with the international community to showcase just how great our event can be. We will be playing a key role in the ITS European Congress in Seville, Spain in May and the ITS World Congress in Atlanta in August,” explains Chris Lane.
Participating in global forums such as these will provide an opportunity to showcase Birmingham and the UK’s capabilities to the world, not only showcasing technological achievements, but also promoting multilateral collaboration and partnerships.
Importance of ITS World Congress
The ITS World Congress is an invaluable opportunity for policymakers, researchers, and industry to showcase how advanced technologies can solve society’s biggest crises:
- Combating Climate Change: Innovative technologies will be showcased to reduce pollution and promote greener transport options.
- Improving Road Safety: Automated driving and predictive analytics will be the key to reducing road accidents.
- Improving User Experience: Smart ticketing and seamless connectivity will be the key to providing better service to passengers.
Those who wish to become sponsors or exhibitors at the event should register now to be a part of this important event.
Innovation on a Global Platform
The ITS World Congress is held annually in the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) regions. This time it is returning to the UK, which makes the event even more special. According to Chris Lane, the Congress will showcase new technologies in the transport sector, bringing together experts from around the world to “solve global challenges”.
Birmingham hopes to become not just a regional leader through this event, but a global icon, setting an example for smart, safe and environmental transport.
The Start of a Change
As October 2027 draws closer, the ITS World Congress is becoming more than just an event, but a movement. It is time to transform the transport sector and Birmingham is well placed to lead that change.
In the words of Joost Vantomme, the event will “bring transformational technologies to life” and usher in a new era.
