As the Chair of ERTICO – ITS Europe uses his closing speech at this year’s ITS World Congress in China to repeat the news that Birmingham is Preferred Host for the World Congress 2027, Transport for West Midlands has announced it has already starting work on delivering the event.

Dr Angelos Amditis announced Birmingham’s success in Suzhou at the 29th Congress on Monday, and reiterated the news as the event wrapped up today (Friday). The event will be held at the National Exhibition Centre in October 2027.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have the ITS World Congress coming to Birmingham were named as preferred location,” said Head of Transport Innovation Chris Lane. “We think not just Birmingham, but the UK has got an amazing amount of intelligent transport systems to offer, and we’re looking forward to welcoming not just the UK, but the rest of the world into this wonderful location.”

With 15,000 people expected at the event in four years’ time, Mr Lane says they have already started preparation work. “Next week we’ve got a meeting with a number of government departments to understand what the UK Government can bring to this,” he told the Highways Voices podcast from Highways UK. “We’ve already spoken to a number of UK companies who are all really excited to be part of this and have been offering support. So we’re going to hit the ground running and really start straight away with both governments and the private sector to make this the best place to have a World Congress.”

The planning will take place in parallel to final negotiations and contract agreement for Birmingham to be the host.

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(Picture – NEC)