As we mark the 500-day countdown to the 33rd ITS World Congress, preparations continue to gain momentum. Over the past year, ERTICO – ITS Europe, together with Transport for West Midlands, the Department for Transport and a growing network of partners, has laid the foundations for a World Congress that will welcome the global intelligent transport community to the UK for the first time in more than two decades.
With the four Congress themes defined, the exhibition attracting strong interest with the first confirmed exhibitors and planning underway for demonstrations, the next phase will focus on turning these foundations into reality. Chief Finance & Operations Officer, Didier Gorteman, reflects:
“Over the past months, we have built a strong collaboration with Transport for West Midlands, the Department for Transport and our wider network of partners. The next 500 days will be focused on transforming that collaboration into a world-class Congress experience for our participants, exhibitors and partners.”
A Global Platform for Public-Private Collaboration
As a unique platform for governments, industry leaders, researchers and policymakers to collaborate on the development, deployment and scaling of intelligent mobility solutions, the ITS Congresses have stood as the benchmark gathering for intelligent transport since 1994. Founded on a shared recognition that the transport sector needed a forum to address common challenges and accelerate innovation, the Congresses play a vital role in advancing safer, smarter and more sustainable mobility worldwide.
Next year, the ITS World Congress in Birmingham will be no different. Building on this legacy, the Congress is set to bring a global stage for dialogue, partnership and innovation at a time when transport systems are undergoing rapid transformation.
A word from the Mayor of the West Midlands
The 2027 edition will mark the return of the ITS World Congress to the United Kingdom for the first time since London hosted the event in 2006.
Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, says there is “no better place” than Birmingham's NEC for the global Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) community to gather as preparations continue for the major international event. He elaborates:
“Our region is at the forefront of transport innovation, whether that’s autonomous vehicles, smart traffic management systems or on-demand bus services. So, there really is no better place for the ITS World Congress to come in 2027, and we look forward to showing delegates from all over the world what we have to offer.”
The innovations mentioned span from connected and autonomous vehicle development, and smart traffic management systems, to demand-responsive transport, integrated ticketing and mobility platforms. The Congress will also showcase the region’s pioneering Very Light Rail technology, all of which shows how the West Midlands is a global living laboratory for future mobility.
Organised by ERTICO – ITS Europe and hosted by Transport for West Midlands and the West Midlands Combined Authority, the ITS World Congress 2027 will bring together more than 15,000 participants from around the world.
Interested in exploring opportunities to exhibit or become a partner?
For organisations wanting to be part of the conversations, showcase their technologies and establish impactful partnerships shaping the future of mobility, Birmingham is rapidly becoming an unmissable destination on the global ITS calendar.
Contact salescongress@mail.ertico.com or download the brochure for more information.