The Chief Executive of ERTICO – ITS Europe has described his enthusiasm for working with Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) to deliver the flagship Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress in Birmingham in 2027.
ERTICO delivers the global event every three years and, with preparations already underway for the 2027 event, ERTICO will be actively promoting European transport excellence, at 2025 ITS World Congress in Atlanta, USA, alongside its UK partner,
“ERTICO is thrilled to share the UK Pavilion at ITS World Congress Atlanta, a testament to the strong collaboration driving innovation,” said Joost Vantomme. “This partnership is a cornerstone as we look ahead to the ITS World Congress Birmingham 2027, where we will continue to unite global leaders to “Connect Ideas” and empower them to “Transform Transport.’”
Mr Vantomme commented that the West Midlands is the ideal place to host a World Congress because of its long history of transport innovation: “From its roots as the birthplace of the industrial revolution, and its enduring position at the heart of the UK rail network – the West Midlands has always been a leader in transport,” he continued. “In the last decade, its place as the UK’s Future Transport Zone has tested out new ideas around data-led passenger insight, demand-responsive transport, mobility hubs, and the use of sensors to improve road safety. Today, TfWM is laser-focused on customer experience with it’ vision to deliver “journeys for everyone”, so the world will really benefit from the lessons learned in the region.”
With two years to go until the Congress comes to Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre, the official engagement with potential exhibitors and visitors will get underway in Atlanta. Under the theme “Connect Ideas. Transform Transport.”, the 2027 ITS World Congress in Birmingham will serve as a unique platform to showcase how intelligent transport systems are transforming mobility worldwide.
“We’re looking forward to meeting ITS experts from around the world in Atlanta and not only telling them about our plans, but also asking them what they’d like to experience when they join us at the NEC in two years’ time,” commented Chris Lane, who is leading TfWM’s work in hosting the event. “We’re also going to be showcasing some of our country’s leading SMEs who will be joining us on the stand – AGD and its sister company MAV systems, Immense, Navtech Radar, Nicander, Simplifai Systems and Zenzic – so do make a point of coming to see us.”
Alongside these innovators, the Europe side of the Pavilion will feature cutting-edge mobility solutions from its Partner HERE Technologies, ITS Sweden member Triplesign System AB, as well as ERTICO’s own Innovation Platform, Enhanced European Valet Parking (EVAP).
The space will also promote the next ITS European Congress in Istanbul, on the 27–29 April 2026, offering a first glimpse at what’s to come. A preview of the forthcoming Call for Contributions will invite the international ITS community to help shape the programme and join the conversation on tomorrow’s mobility. ERTICO’s co-hosted space will spotlight European leaders in intelligent transport. Visitors can discover the latest in urban mobility and road safety—from traffic management and infrastructure to the technologies enabling parking, mapping, and cross-border interoperability.
A series of networking receptions and live demonstrations are planned for the week in Atlanta, with details to be released soon.
“If you’re ready to be involved you should visit our congress website for more information and subscribe to updates, or email us directly to discuss sponsorship, exhibition, or contribution opportunities,” concluded Mr Lane.
The 2025 ITS World Congress takes place in the Georgia World Congress Centre, Atlanta, USA from 24 to 28 August.
(Picture shows Joost Vantomme (third from left) during a panel discussion on the UK Pavilion at the ITS European Congress in Seville in May, courtesy Transport Technology Forum)
