Tag Birmingham 2027

The organisers of the major Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress in Birmingham in October 2027 have proposed four thematic areas that the event will concentrate on.

They’re around humanising safe, smart, multi-modal mobility, a sustainable resilient planet, breakthrough technology for the next era of transport and business strategies to fuel growth, prosperity and quality of life.

These four thematic areas will underpin the technical programme, demonstrations and exhibitions.  They were chosen after an in-depth review of the ITS industry by experts from organisers ERTICO – ITS Europe and hosts Transport for West Midlands in consultation with the Congress International Programme Committee (IPC).

The “Humanising safe, smart multi-modal mobility for thriving inclusive communities” stream will look at people-centred and accessible ITS; equity and inclusivity through technology; user preferences, safety, security, privacy, data ethics and emerging trends in user-focussed design; and a more humane and beneficial transport experience.

Included in the “Enabling a sustainable, resilient planet through responsible development and operation” theme are global environmental sustainability and connectivity; decarbonization, clean energy, and sustainable logistics within a circular economy; intelligent traffic management, data-driven strategies, and efficient operations; optimising systems for sustainable and resilient transport; and balancing environmental aims with operational efficiency.

Meanwhile for the “Breakthrough technology pioneering the next era of mobility” subject, areas include transformative potential of advanced ITS technologies;

connected and automated multimodal transport, advanced digital infrastructure and connectivity, intelligent and autonomous systems development; simulation and modelling; emerging and advancing technologies such as Quantum, AI and VR; and next generation of transport solutions for road, rail, air and maritime.

Finally the “Business strategies that fuel growth, drive economic prosperity and enhance our quality of life” topics include economic and business aspects of ITS development and deployment; ITS market dynamics and economic impact, innovative ITS business models and service delivery, funding, investment, and collaboration strategies; data monetization and value creation and sustainable and profitable business models that support the growth and adoption of ITS technologies.

“We’re keen to discuss and showcase the value of ITS in everyone’s day-to-day lives, and not just have a talking shop of nice ideas,” explained Chris Lane of Transport for West Midlands, who is overseeing the region’s preparations for the event.  “I’m confident that these four thematic areas deliver that and will give real value to everyone coming to Birmingham for the Congress so transport authorities will find solutions to save money, improve safety or boost efficiency, while the supply chain will learn new opportunities to boost their bottom lines.”

Rita Bhandari, Senior Manager, Programme & Knowledge Integration at ERTICO added: “The International Programme Committee has shaped themes that reflect the issues highest on the global mobility agenda. Their expertise ensures a Programme built around priority areas where innovation can translate into real deployment and deliver measurable benefits for society.”

Companies looking to take part in the Congress can download a brochure outlining the commercial opportunities, while the IPC, which includes experts representing ITS America and ITS Asia-Pacific, prepares to launch the call for contributions for papers and special interest sessions next October.

This will be the first time in 21 years that the UK has hosted the Congress, after it was held in London in 2006.  The 33rd ITS World Congress takes place at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham from 25 to 29 October 2027 and is expected to welcome more than 15,000 people from around the world.

(Picture – TfWM)

Planning for the 33rd ITS World Congress in Birmingham is accelerating, following a productive meeting between the organisers, ERTICO – ITS Europe, and representatives from the host region, the West Midlands. Held in London, this strategic session marked a key milestone in shaping a high-impact global event that will take place from 25–29 October 2027 at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC).

Expected to welcome more than 15,000 participants from across the globe, the 2027 edition will feature an extensive exhibition, a high-level summit for transport leaders, five days of technical and special interest sessions, hands-on demonstrations, technical visits, and robust networking opportunities. Under the theme “Connect Ideas. Transform Transport.”, the Congress will serve as a unique platform to showcase how intelligent transport systems are transforming mobility worldwide.

The London meeting focused on deepening collaboration across key areas, including stakeholder engagement, strategic communications, and outreach to new audiences who may not have previously attended a World Congress. As planning enters a new phase, ERTICO and Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) are working closely to ensure the Congress reaches a broad, diverse, and global audience, including the forthcoming promotion of the joint stand exhibition at the 2025 ITS World Congress in Atlanta.

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The committees working to deliver the best possible technical content and visitor experience at the 2027 ITS World Congress in Birmingham have begun their work, beginning to draw up their plans for the prestigious global event.

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), the Department for Transport, Department of Business and Trade, ITS UK and Visit Britain are collaborating with the organiser, ERTICO – ITS Europe to bring transport technology to life at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC).

The Technical Working Group, chaired by Andy Graham of White Willow Consulting, is looking at showcasing practical, business-as-usual ITS applications that demonstrate real-world benefits, such as carbon reduction and increased mobility.

The group is working on securing a range of demonstrations including examples of interventions and collaborative traffic management between local authorities and national highways, as well as the latest in autonomous vehicles, urban air mobility and accessibility by design.

“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.”

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The organisers of the 33^rd ITS World Congress at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre in October 2027 have announced the theme for the event:

Connect Ideas. Transform Transport.

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), the Department for Transport, Department of Business and Trade, ITS UK and Visit Britain, are collaborating with the organiser, ERTICO – ITS Europe to bring transport technology to life during five days from 25 to 29 October.

“Intelligent Transport has come a long way since the UK last hosted a World Congress, under the banner of ‘Delivering Transport Excellence’,” commented TfWM’s Head of Transport Innovation Chris Lane, who is leading the planning for the host region.  “The Congress will enable experts from around the world to work together to solve global challenges, sharing their experience and details of successful implementations, as well as their cutting-edge innovations.  Therefore, we will connect all the ideas that are making mobility safer, greener and more efficient across the globe – so we can work together to transform transport.”

The host region has brought together suppliers, consultants and government, along with media, business and exhibition professionals to plan the event, both from a technical and user experience perspective.  They are working with ERTICO to deliver the event, which is expected to attract more than 15,000 people to the West Midlands.

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