The 33rd ITS World Congress is set to take place at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre from 25 to 29 October 2027, with organisers marking the 500-day countdown to an event that will bring more than 15,000 transport industry professionals to the UK for the first time since London hosted the congress in 2006.
The West Midlands was selected as host based on its standing as a centre for transport innovation, with roots extending from the Industrial Revolution and the origins of the modern automotive industry to current developments in connected, electric and autonomous mobility.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, highlighted the region’s credentials ahead of the milestone. “Our region is at the forefront of transport innovation, whether that’s autonomous vehicles, smart traffic management systems or on demand bus services,” he said.
Region positioned as living laboratory
Parker added, “So, there really is no better place for the ITS World Congress to come in 2027 and we look forward to showing delegates from all over the world what we have to offer. We have a top venue in the NEC and some of the best people in the industry working on making this a show to remember.”
Organisers said the West Midlands functions as a global living laboratory for future mobility, pointing to ongoing work in connected and autonomous vehicle development, smart traffic management, demand responsive transport, integrated ticketing, and Very Light Rail technology.
Live demonstrations planned across the region
The congress programme will include live demonstrations, technical visits and real-world deployments across the West Midlands, with a focus on how technology can support safer, cleaner and more accessible transport networks.
Transport for West Midlands described the event as a significant opportunity to show how transport innovation can contribute to economic growth, decarbonisation and improved passenger experience.
The congress is organised by ERTICO – ITS Europe and hosted by Transport for West Midlands with support from the Department for Transport. It follows the 32nd ITS World Congress, which takes place in Gangneung, South Korea, from 19 to 23 October 2026.
Further information is available at ITS World Congress 2027.
