Members of the highways and transport technology industry have voiced their enthusiasm and excitement for the Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress when it comes to Birmingham’s NEC two years’ time, as organisers sign up their first corporate supporters.
Transport for West Midlands, which is hosting the event welcomed industry representatives to the venue during Highways UK, joining organisers ERTICO – ITS Europe in explaining the business-building opportunities at the global gathering, which is expected to welcome at least 15,000 visitors. It is the first time the UK has hosted the major event since London in 2006.
“We had strong attendance at the open day, and this has already had an impact on our planning and vision for 2027,” explained TfWM Business Development Executive Jordan Cowley (pictured second from right). “We have already pencilled our first two corporate agreements. We obviously can’t say yet who they are but one is a large pavilion reservation and the other is an SME that wants to invest a significant amount to be a high-level sponsor specifically because a UK-based World Congress is a rare event and therefore a great chance to put them on the global stage and present them as an industry leader, priming them for conversation with political heavyweights.”
The open day provided an invaluable opportunity to engage directly with organisations eager to take an active role in shaping the 2027 World Congress, and Jerome Buchanan (pictured, second from left), Commercial Partnerships and Exhibitions Lead commented: “From aligning with global transport and innovation priorities to strengthening partnerships and increasing visibility, the level of enthusiasm was exceptional. It carried through to the NEC tours and the autonomous shuttle demonstration with the SCALE Project by ERTICO’s Partner Ohmio, offering a glimpse of how real-life application of technology and innovation will come to life in two years’ time. This early engagement launch in the UK marks the beginning of our journey. The next step is to extend this momentum globally, inviting partners from around the world to join us in shaping the World Congress 2027.”
The visitors also had a chance to see a transport-related show at the NEC for real, as they received a tour of the venue which included Highways UK, which was taking place at the time. The Congress will feature a large exhibition alongside technical and special interest sessions, hands-on demonstrations, technical visits, and robust networking opportunities under the theme “Connect Ideas. Transform Transport.”
To find out more about the World Congress and the corporate opportunities available, click here or email Jordan Cowley.
The 33rd ITS World Congress takes place at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham from 25 to 29 October 2027.
(Picture shows the ERTICO-TfWM team, courtesy ERTICO)
