The organisers of the ITS World Congress 2027 and Highways UK have agreed to co-locate their events in adjoining exhibition halls at the National Exhibition Centre.
The 33rd ITS World Congress will take place from 25 to 29 October 2027. It will be the first time the UK has hosted the event since it was held in London in 2006. Highways UK, which is held annually at the NEC, is scheduled to run on 26 and 27 October.
The ITS World Congress is organised by ERTICO – ITS Europe and focuses on intelligent transport systems, mobility and policy at an international level. Highways UK, organised by Terrapinn, focuses on UK highways infrastructure, including delivery, operations and procurement.
Organisers said the co-location is intended to bring together international and domestic stakeholders across transport and infrastructure sectors.
According to the NEC, the arrangement reflects its capacity to accommodate multiple large-scale events simultaneously.
“The co-location creates additional value for visitors, delegates, exhibitors and partners by encouraging meaningful engagement across both events, while ensuring each retains its own identity and purpose,” said Joost Vantomme, CEO of ERTICO – ITS Europe. “I am very excited to welcome our visitors from around the world and, on top of everything they expect from a World Congress, add the chance to see the UK’s vibrant infrastructure sector in action.”
Sean Willis, managing director at Terrapinn, said: “Running our show alongside the ITS World Congress brings global ITS insight directly into the UK delivery conversation and opens the event up to a more international audience, I think we’re offering more than double the value to visitors.”
