The UK Government has been confirmed as official host of the 33rd ITS World Congress, taking place at Birmingham’s NEC from 25 to 29 October 2027.
The Department for Transport will lead the government’s involvement, supported by the Department for Business and Trade and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. The West Midlands Combined Authority, through Transport for West Midlands, will act as the local host.
Public sector participation
National Highways and the devolved transport bodies representing Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are expected to participate, alongside UK mayoral and local authorities, international governments, cities and industry.
The UK Government and organiser ERTICO – ITS Europe have agreed in principle to provide eligible UK public sector officials with complimentary access to the Congress and exhibition. Formal arrangements are still being finalised.
The government has said it is committed to encouraging participation from its departments, local authorities and other public sector transport organisations, with the aim of strengthening engagement with the global intelligent transport systems community.
Global transport technology event
The congress is expected to attract more than 15,000 participants, 350 exhibitors and representatives from more than 100 countries. It will bring together governments, cities, local authorities, transport operators, researchers and industry leaders involved in transport policy, investment, procurement and deployment.
ERTICO – ITS Europe is organising the event in collaboration with the European Commission, with ITS America and ITS Asia-Pacific as co-organisers.
The programme will include strategic and technical sessions, networking, UK feature zones and live demonstrations. Themes are expected to include connected and automated mobility, public transport, data and artificial intelligence, traffic management and road safety.