The Roads Minister Justin Madders has received the ceremonial ITS World Congress globe at the ITS UK President’s Dinner in London, reinforcing the UK Government’s commitment to Birmingham 2027.
The globe has been passed to each Host Nation at the closing ceremony of the previous Congress, with it travelling from Korea at last month’s international handover at the 32nd Congress in the Korean city of Gangneung.
At the Dinner, Chief Executive of ERTICO – ITS Europe, Joost Vantomme, passed the globe to the Minister (pictured), marking the transfer of hosting responsibilities to a UK audience as preparations gather pace for next year’s Congress.
“The handover of the ITS World Congress globe symbolises the continuity of our global ITS community and our shared ambition to shape the future of mobility,” commented ERTICO CEO Joost Vantomme. “We look forward to seeing the journey continue towards Birmingham 2027, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and innovators from around the world to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships and turn ideas and technological advances into real solutions for safer, smarter and more sustainable mobility.
ERTICO looks forward to working closely with the UK Government, the West Midlands Combined Authority through Transport for West Midlands, LCRIG, ITS UK and the European Commission, along with all our partners, to make Birmingham 2027 a great success.”
The ITS UK ceremony was introduced by ITS UK Chief Executive Max Sugarman, while Transport for the West Midlands Chief Technology Officer Mike Waters, the Department for Transport’s Darren Capes and ITS UK Chair Catherine Whitfield joined Mr Vantomme and Mr Madders for this ceremony.
“The Minister’s receiving the globe is another visible signal that Government is firmly behind the Congress and of how critical this event is to the transport technology community,” commented Max Sugarman. “Earlier this year, then Minister for Local Transport Lilian Greenwood described Birmingham 2027 as a ‘fantastic opportunity to showcase UK transport innovations’, and the strength of support has only grown since then.
“For the sector, that backing matters because Government helps shape the policy, standards and investment decisions needed to turn innovation into everyday services. Bringing policymakers together with suppliers and network operators is a great opportunity to discuss how we overcome barriers, collaborate with one another and, ultimately, support getting innovation onto the network.”
Taking place at Birmingham’s NEC from 25–29 October 2027, the 33rd ITS World Congress is expected to attract around 15,000 participants from more than 100 countries. It will be the first UK edition since London hosted the event in 2006.
Under the theme “Connect ideas. Transform transport.”, the Congress will focus on translating technology into practical improvements, including safer roads, more reliable journeys, cleaner transport and better-connected services.
“For exhibitors, that means opportunities to show their capabilities to authorities, operators and potential international customers,” continued Mr Sugarman. “For public sector delegates, it offers access to evidence and experience from other countries, helping them assess solutions to shared transport challenges.”
Live demonstrations close to the exhibition and conference sessions will allow participants to experience technologies and discuss their application with the teams behind them. Organisers have already opened their Calls for Contributions and Demonstrations, offering businesses a route to showcase their work and develop conversations about partnerships and deployment.
“Last night’s handover brings that international opportunity home,” concluded Mr Sugarman, “putting Government, ERTICO, ITS UK and the West Midlands together on stage as the UK prepares to welcome the world.”
(Picture – Highways News)
