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.
“We are really enjoying the enthusiasm of the Transport for West Midlands team, and their can-do attitude for the Congress,” comments Didier Gorteman, Chief Finance & Operations Officer. “We had a day full of ideas that we’ll be putting into practice over the months to come, and I’m confident this will mean we will deliver one of the best Congresses ever, really showcasing how our industry is transforming transport.”
TfWM’s Head of Transport Innovation Chris Lane, who is leading the planning for the host region added: “We have dozens of motivated people from across the UK ITS industry working at full speed, offering their time and expertise to make the Congress a success. However, we must remember this is ERTICO’s event, so these face-to-face meetings are essential to ensure we have a joined-up approach to delivering a first-class event.”
The Birmingham 2027 Congress will be prominently promoted at both the 2025 ITS World Congress in Atlanta and the upcoming ITS European Congress in Seville to help raise awareness and generate momentum as the community prepares for what is anticipated to be a landmark event in the global ITS calendar.
For public authorities, companies and academic institutions, the Congress represents a significant opportunity to demonstrate how advanced transport technologies are contributing to a cleaner environment, safer journeys and enhanced user experience. TfWM is actively building a network of prospective sponsors, exhibitors and supporters, and invites interested parties to register their interest in taking part.
Organisations and individuals can register their interest here.
As part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), TfWM is at the forefront of transport innovation, leading advancements in autonomous vehicles, battery technology, light rail solutions and smart ticketing through initiatives such as the Future Transport Zone.
ERTICO is looking forward to delivering a World edition of the ITS Congress that not only connects ideas but accelerates real transformation in transport across the globe.
Picture shows, Left to Right: Christopher Brown, Senior Future Mobility Developer, TfWM, Didier Goteman, Chief Financial and Operations Officer, ERTICO, Katie Miller-White, Transport Innovation Project Co‑ordinator, TfWM, Chris Lane, Head of Transport Innovation, TfWM, Paul Hutton, Communications Consultant, Rachel Foy, Head of Marketing, Brand and Engagement, TfWM, Aimee Dyer, Strategic Communications Manager, TfWM, Johanna Stapelberg, Communications Officer, ERTICO, Valérie Graindorge, Senior Manager ITS Marketing and Communication, ERTICO. Not pictured but also at the meeting: Selena Jayne, Principal Project Lead, Transport Innovation TfWM
