ITS World Congress 2027 to Drive the Future of Mobility
When Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC) throws open its doors from 25–29 October 2027, the city will become a global stage for one of the most significant events in intelligent transport. The 33rd ITS World Congress, themed “Connect Ideas. Transform Transport,” promises to unite thought leaders, industry experts, and policymakers to address the critical challenges facing modern mobility.
With Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) leading the charge, alongside key collaborators like the Department for Transport, ITS UK, and ERTICO – ITS Europe, this five-day event is poised to transform the future of transportation.
A Landmark for Intelligent Transport
It’s been years since the UK hosted the ITS World Congress, and the progress in intelligent transport since then is nothing short of remarkable. Chris Lane, TfWM’s Head of Transport Innovation, highlighted the Congress’s potential: “The Congress will enable experts from around the world to work together to solve global challenges, sharing their experience and details of successful implementations, as well as their cutting-edge innovations. Therefore, we will connect all the ideas that are making mobility safer, greener, and more efficient across the globe—so we can work together to transform transport.”
Birmingham, a city renowned for its industrial heritage, is now stepping into the spotlight as a hub for technological innovation. The event is expected to attract over 15,000 attendees from across the globe, including suppliers, consultants, and academics, all eager to share insights on making transportation safer, more efficient, and sustainable.
Collaboration at the Heart of the Congress
ERTICO – ITS Europe, the organiser of the ITS World Congress, is bringing its expertise in fostering collaboration to Birmingham. Joost Vantomme, CEO of ERTICO, underscored the importance of the event: “Bringing the ITS World Congress to Birmingham is a unique opportunity to connect public and private stakeholders across the global transport and mobility ecosystem. This does not only reflect our mission at ERTICO but also the collective ambition of fostering collaboration that drives transformative advancements in mobility.”
From autonomous vehicles to battery innovations, the Congress will highlight how partnerships between public and private sectors can spark revolutionary ideas and turn them into actionable solutions.
West Midlands: A Global Leader in Future Transport
The West Midlands region isn’t just hosting the event—it’s setting the benchmark for innovation. As part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), TfWM has already made waves with its Future Transport Zone initiative. This programme showcases ground-breaking developments such as:
- Autonomous Vehicle Technology: Pioneering the development of driverless cars to improve road safety and reduce emissions.
- Battery Innovation: Enhancing energy efficiency and powering the next generation of electric vehicles.
- Very Light Rail (VLR) Systems: An emerging alternative for urban transit that combines sustainability with affordability.
- Smart Ticketing: Seamless, efficient payment solutions that enhance passenger experiences.
By shining a spotlight on these initiatives, Birmingham is positioning itself as a global leader in transport innovation.
Engaging a Global Audience
One of the key goals of the 2027 ITS World Congress is to build excitement and engagement on a global scale. According to Lane: “We are looking forward to engaging with the international community to really explain how great our event is going to be. With the Transport Technology Forum, we’ll be taking a lead role at the ITS European Congress in Seville in May and August’s ITS World Congress in Atlanta.”
Through these global engagements, organisers aim to draw attention to the UK’s strengths in intelligent transport systems and ensure that Birmingham’s Congress delivers a world-class experience.
Why the ITS World Congress Matters
For policymakers, academics, and businesses, the ITS World Congress offers a rare chance to demonstrate how cutting-edge technologies can address some of society’s biggest challenges:
- Tackling Climate Change: From reducing greenhouse gas emissions to enabling greener modes of transport, the Congress will showcase innovative solutions to combat the climate crisis.
- Improving Road Safety: Advances in autonomous driving and predictive analytics aim to make accidents a thing of the past.
- Enhancing User Experience: With smart ticketing and seamless connectivity, transport systems are becoming more user-friendly.
Organisations and individuals interested in becoming sponsors or exhibitors are encouraged to register their interest now to secure their spot at this landmark event.
A Global Stage for Mobility Innovation
The ITS World Congress rotates annually between the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), making its return to the UK a prestigious moment. As Chris Lane noted, the Congress will enable international experts to come together and “solve global challenges” while showcasing cutting-edge innovations in the transport sector.
By hosting this event, Birmingham aims to establish itself not only as a regional leader but as a global beacon for sustainable and intelligent mobility.
A Transformative Opportunity
As the countdown to October 2027 begins, the ITS World Congress is shaping up to be much more than just an event—it’s a call to action. The transport industry stands at a crossroads, and Birmingham is ready to lead the way, connecting ideas and transforming transport for the better.
For those eager to play a role in shaping the future of mobility, this Congress is an unmissable opportunity. As Joost Vantomme so aptly said, the event will bring “transformative technologies to life.”
