The Mayor of the West Midlands says there is “no better place” than Birmingham’s NEC for the global Intelligent Transport Systems community to gather, as preparations are ramped up 500 days from the start of the major ITS World Congress in October next year.
More than 15,000 industry professionals from around the world will come to the event, which is being held in the UK for the first time since London hosted it in 2006.
Commenting on the 500 day milestone before the opening on 25 October 2027, Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Our region is at the forefront of transport innovation, whether that’s autonomous vehicles, smart traffic management systems or on demand bus services.
“So, there really is no better place for the ITS World Congress to come in 2027 and we look forward to showing delegates from all over the world what we have to offer.
“We have a top venue in the NEC and some of the best people in the industry working on making this a show to remember.”
The innovations he mentions include connected and autonomous vehicle development, smart traffic management systems, demand responsive transport, integrated ticketing and mobility platforms, and the region’s pioneering Very Light Rail technology, all of which organisers say demonstrate how the West Midlands is a global living laboratory for future mobility.
The Congress will also showcase how technology can improve everyday journeys through safer, cleaner and more accessible transport networks, with live demonstrations, technical visits and real-world deployments taking place across the region during the event.
The West Midlands was selected to host the Congress because of its reputation as a centre for transport innovation, building on a heritage that stretches from the Industrial Revolution and the birth of the modern automotive sector through to today’s advances in connected, electric and autonomous mobility.
Transport for West Midlands says the event represents a major opportunity to demonstrate how innovation delivers economic growth and decarbonisation while improving passenger experience.
The 33rd ITS World Congress takes place at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham from 25 to 29 October 2027. It is organised by ERTICO – ITS Europe and hosted by Transport for West Midlands with support from the Department for Transport.
With demand for exhibition space already high, organisers encourage prospective exhibitors to act swiftly to secure their participation and their preferred spot in the exhibition hall.
For additional information or to make enquiries and bookings, contact:
Jordan Cowley – [email protected]
Jasvinder Sidhu – [email protected]
or go to: https://2027.itsworldcongress.com/
(Picture – WMCA)
