West Midlands delegation heads stateside to kickstart Birmingham 2027 Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has declared the region's role as host of the prestigious Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress in two years as be the perfect stage to showcase a rich history of innovation - from the Industrial Revolution to the cutting-edge technology of today.

A team from Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) is heading to this year’s congress in Atlanta, USA, next week to begin signing up visitors, exhibitors, sponsors and speakers for the event at the NEC in October 2027.

The Mayor said: “It’s a great honour to be hosting ITS World Congress in 2027 where we will showcase the wonderful contribution our region is making towards developing the transport of the future.

“The West Midlands was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, Watt’s first steam engine and the first bicycle. We have a rich automotive and railway heritage and has led the way on transport innovation for generations.

"Today, we are a global leader in transport innovation with our universities and industries developing autonomous vehicle technology, demand-responsive transport services, last mile logistics and the new very light rail system.

"My ‘journeys for everyone’ priority is turning the spotlight onto the customer experience – ensuring our networks and services are designed in a way that puts passengers first.

“Being at Atlanta 2025, alongside our friends from ERTICO – ITS Europe, sends a powerful message that the West Midlands is committed to hosting a truly spectacular Congress and looks forward to welcoming the world to Birmingham in 2027.”

The ITS World Congress takes place between 24 and 29 August in the Georgia World Congress Centre in Atlanta.

The UK & ERTICO ITS-Europe Pavilion in Atlanta features a series of events, including a visit from UK Consul General in Atlanta Rachel Galloway, talks and demonstrations.

A range of UK organisations are exhibiting on the joint Pavilion. They are: AGD and its sister company MAV systems, Immense, Intelligent Instruments, Navtech Radar, Nicander and Zenzic.

Laura Chace, ITS America president and CEO, said: "From sunny Atlanta at the ITS World Congress 2025, ITS America extends a warm welcome to the hosts of ITS WC 2027: the United Kingdom.

"The dynamic exchange of ideas at these international forums is key to the growth of the industry and to collaboratively building an innovative transportation future that is safe and smart. I look forward to bringing lessons learned in Atlanta to the UK in 2027."