Why Birmingham

The UK’s Transport Sandbox. Europe’s Mobility Hub.

At the heart of the UK’s largest regional economy, Birmingham and the West Midlands are shaping the future of transport. As the UK’s first Future Transport Zone and Transport Sandbox, the region combines leadership, innovation, and real-world deployment.

🗨️ “In Birmingham, you won’t just hear about innovation — you’ll use it.”
— Transport for West Midlands

Quick facts ITS Birmingham 2027

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A Mobility Testbed Like No Other

£117bn regional economy – the largest of any UK combined authority
First UK Future Transport Zone – delivering real-world innovation today
Deeper Devolution Deal – unlocking regional autonomy in transport, housing, and net zero
UK’s first Transport Sandbox – accelerating regulatory innovation and live trials
Home to 60% of UK automotive research and world-leading CCAM pilots

From traffic management and AI to smart ticketing and multimodal integration, the region is a launchpad for sustainable, inclusive mobility.

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.
Sharon Thompson, Deputy Mayor of the West Midlands

Talent & Innovation

A unique mix of academic excellence, public sector foresight, and private innovation—all within a connected, multicultural environment.

11 universities
30,000+ engineering and tech students
Strong academia-industry collaboration
Proven EU project track record

Co-Creating the Congress

An International Congress, Co-Curated by Sector Leaders

Three expert steering groups — spanning technology, infrastructure, automotive, payments, public transport and research — are co-designing the Congress with TfWM and ITS UK. This ensures priorities from across the global mobility ecosystem are built in from the start. These groups bring together leading voices from:

ITS technology and services (including Google, ESRI and Amazon Web Services)
Road traffic and automotive (including Enterprise, Horbira Mira, National Highways, TomTom and Traficon),
Public transport, ticketing, and strategy (including Chiltern Railways, the Department for Transport, Transport for Wales, Transport for London, Transport Scotland, and Via)
Research and innovation (including ITS Norway, ITS UK, Tech 4 Transit, Transport Research Laboratory, and the University of Warwick)
Professional bodies (including members of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, the Automotive Council, and the Institute of Engineering and Technology)

A Region That Embodies the Theme

Connect Ideas. Transform Transport.

Progressive regional policies with strong UK Government support
Proven track record of smart mobility transformation
Exclusive Technical visits across the West Midlands

Seamless Access & Venue Experience

• NEC Birmingham – UK’s largest venue outside London

• Onsite international airport & rail hub

• Europe’s largest EV charging hub

• 90% of UK population reachable within 4h

A legwork-free delegate journey: sessions, exhibition, networking and demonstrations all under one roof.

More reasons to Join

Innovation in Action

AVs, AI, ticketing and smart services already deployed, with live trials by 2027.

Research Meets Deployement

Where forward-looking research connects with industry-ready application.

A Multicultural Experience

Explore Birmingham’s cultural hotspots, Coventry’s cycling heritage, and Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon.

Regional Strenghts

4.5m residents, fastest-growing UK tech economy, and the most diverse city outside London.

Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader, Birmingham City Council

Birmingham’s diverse communities and bold ambitions make it the ideal place to host a global Congress focused on inclusive and resilient mobility.

Meet the Hosts

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) is the transport authority for the region. As part of the West Midlands Combined Authority, TfWM leads regional efforts in net zero, active travel, multimodal integration, and innovation funding. Working closely with the UK Department for Transport and international partners, it ensures the region remains at the forefront of mobility evolution.