Preparations for the 33rd ITS World Congress in Birmingham are progressing as the organising committees begin to shape a world-class programme of technical content, live demonstrations and an unforgettable visitor journey.
Set to take place from 25 – 29 October 2027 at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), the EMEA edition of the ITS World Congress will convene global transport and mobility leaders under one roof to explore cutting-edge solutions, policy developments and commercial opportunities across the intelligent transport landscape. Hosted by ERTICO – ITS Europe and organised in close cooperation with Transport for West Midlands, the UK Department for Transport, Department for Business and Trade, ITS UK and VisitBritain, the event underscores the UK’s commitment to global leadership in smart mobility innovation.
The work of the Technical Working Group, led by Andy Graham of White Willow Consulting, will place practical and impactful ITS solutions front and centre, ensuring the programme highlights real-world applications with lasting societal benefits.
“We’re looking at demonstrating examples of ITS that will have a lasting impact for all the people who use transport,” Mr Graham explained. “We are working on running a competition for new ideas to be demonstrated at the World Congress, which gives innovative companies, both established and start-ups, the opportunity to showcase their innovations to a global audience, as well as attracting industries to the event that don’t normally consider ITS.”
In parallel, the Visitor Experience Committee, chaired by Louise Penistone of Vercity, is working to ensure an exceptional delegate journey, from arrival to departure.
“Our job is to make sure that everyone taking part – speakers, exhibitors, demonstrators and attendees have a superb, positive experience from the moment they sign up to the moment they leave the Congress,” added Visitor Experience Committee Chair Louise Penistone, who’s Managing Director of infrastructure asset management company, Vercity. “As I’ve said before, it doesn’t matter how good the speakers, exhibition or demonstrations are if people get lost, soaked in the rain or are unable to get a drink in the evening. Our committee members are passionate about delivering brilliant user experience, and I know that we are creating something special here that will put Birmingham 2027 among the greatest ever World Congresses.”
The Congress is expected to be one of the biggest industry events ever to take place at the NEC, with close to 15,000 attendees expected from around the world.
Joost Vantomme, CEO of ERTICO – ITS Europe, emphasised the collaborative spirit behind the Congress, “I am thrilled at the proactive attitude of the UK team and we work in full force together to make this a worldwide showcase of innovation in transport and thought leadership, a true win-win.”
As the planning continues, ERTICO remains focused on delivering an event that drives strategic dialogue, fosters international collaboration, and accelerates the deployment of smart mobility solutions worldwide.
TfWM is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) which, through initiatives like the Future Transport Zone, is a global leader in the field and at the cutting edge in key areas of research and development such as autonomous vehicle development, battery technology, the emerging very light rail system and smart ticketing.
The ITS World Congress is an annual event held in rotation between three global regions – the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe, Middle East and Africa. This year’s event will take place in Atlanta in August, with the 2026 edition taking place in Gangneung City, South Korea. Birmingham will host the 33rd ITS World Congress from 25-29 October 2027.
