Birmingham to host world’s largest transport technology conference and exhibition

Birmingham has been confirmed as host city for a prestigious international conference to showcase the very latest in transport innovation and technology.

The 2027 ITS – Intelligent Transport Systems - World Congress, will take place at the NEC Birmingham (National Exhibition Centre) following a successful bid led by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM).

Thousands of delegates from all over the world will attend to demonstrate and promote the latest technology, including autonomous vehicles, electric and zero-emission vehicles, 5G technology and traffic management systems.

From left to right: Anthony Ferguson, Department for Transport, Joost Vantomme, chief executive of the event organiser ERTICO – ITS Europe.), Cllr Sharon Thompson, the Deputy Mayor of the West Midlands and Max Sugarman of ITS UK

The successful bid was a collaboration between TfWM, which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), the Department for Transport (DfT), Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK), Department for Business and Trade (DBT), Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) and NEC Birmingham.

The 2027 host city was awarded by event organiser ERTICO – ITS Europe.

The West Midlands, through initiatives like the Future Transport Zone, is a national leader in the field and at the cutting-edge in key areas of research and development such as autonomous vehicle development, battery technology, the emerging very light rail system and smart ticketing.    

Cllr Sharon Thompson, the Deputy Mayor of the West Midlands said: “The West Midlands has a fantastic history of hosting big international events, from Crufts to the Commonwealth Games. I’m excited to welcome the leaders in global intelligent transport systems when they visit for what’s sure to be an unforgettable conference in 2027. It will provide a great platform for the best in transport innovation the UK has to offer.

“I’m especially eager to show off our region’s cutting-edge transport developments that will soon make a real difference for everyone living and working here – from great value smart ticketing to the last mile delivery systems we’re working on.”

The ITS World Congress attracts thousands of international delegates and speakers, and includes seminars, exhibitions, technical visits, and outreach events. It provides a platform for the latest developments in transport technology and mobility solutions.

The 2027 event partnership was signed at a Parliamentary reception by Cllr Thompson and Joost Vantomme, chief executive of the event organiser ERTICO – ITS Europe.

He said: “This partnership demonstrates a testament to our joint commitment and leading role in shaping the future of mobility. The commitments I have seen so far are remarkable.

“Through the combination of ERTICO’s innovative approach with Birmingham’s rich industrial history and forward-thinking mobility initiatives, the 2027 ITS World Congress will perfectly blend tradition with future vision, driving transformative advancements in mobility.”

ITS World Congress is an annual event held in rotation between three global regions – the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe, Middle East and Africa. Birmingham will host the 33^rd event.