The people behind the 2027 Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress at Birmingham’s NEC say they have had an “overwhelmingly positive” response from the highways and transport technology industries during the Intertraffic Amsterdam show last week.
Representatives from organisers ERTICO – ITS Europe, hosts Transport for West Midlands plus Intelligent Transport Systems UK hosted a joint pavilion at Intertraffic at which they presented the benefits of coming along to the next EMEA World Congress in October 2027.
“People know that the UK is one of the critical hubs for transport technology innovation, so we’re receiving a lot of excitement around next year’s event” commented ITS UK Chief Executive Max Sugarman. “Everywhere we discuss the Congress, we get an overwhelmingly positive response, with people from across different nations, markets and industries telling us that this is a key date in their diary.”
TfWM’s Business Development Executive Jordan Cowley agreed, adding: “The reception at Intertraffic has been incredible. It’s clear that while our geographies differ, we are all navigating the same complex challenges in safety, decarbonisation, and efficiency. With the full backing of central government, our ambition is to showcase a truly integrated transport strategy that transcends borders. There is real excitement about connecting the wider ITS ecosystem – bringing together people, businesses, and technology in a way that hasn’t been seen before. We know that to deliver this vision for 2027, the private sector is essential. We aren’t just looking for exhibitors; we’re looking for partners to help us build a roadmap for the future of global mobility.”
Around 15,000 participants from across the globe are expected at the Congress, with five days of technical and special interest sessions, hands-on demonstrations, technical visits, and robust networking opportunities under the theme “Connect Ideas. Transform Transport.”
ERTICO CEO Joost Vantomme added: “The week at Intertraffic is not only about promoting the ITS Congresses, but also about gaining fresh inspiration. Intertraffic Amsterdam 2026 is giving a strong impetus to the traffic and road sector, and the technology agenda starts to shine here. With the ITS European Congress 2026 in Istanbul at the end of April and the ITS World Congress 2027 in Birmingham next year, we demonstrate what makes the ITS community unique: we focus on thought leadership, connecting the research and innovation community with public authorities, policymakers, and industry. These events offer a week-long experience of innovation in mobility and policy.”
The ERTICO – UK Pavilion featured seven companies from the UK who exhibited and also met visitors. These were AECOM, Agilysis, Alchera Technologies, Clearview Intelligence, Navtech Radar, Neology Uk and TRL, along with the Transport Technology Forum. ERTICO’s Innovation Platform, EAVP also presented on the Pavilion.
Companies looking to take part in the Congress can download a brochure outlining the exhibition and partnership opportunities, while the International Programme Committee, which includes experts representing ITS America and ITS Asia-Pacific, prepares to launch the call for contributions for papers and special interest sessions next October.
This will be the first time in 21 years that the UK has hosted the Congress, after it was held in London in 2006. The 33rd ITS World Congress takes place at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham from 25 to 29 October 2027 and is expected to welcome up to 15,000 people from around the world.
(Picture – TfWM)
