Preparations for the 33rd ITS World Congress in Birmingham have reached another milestone, as Roads Minister Justin Madders received the ceremonial ITS World Congress globe at the ITS UK President's Dinner in London on 10 November.
The handover reinforces the UK Government's commitment to Birmingham 2027, as the city prepares to welcome the global intelligent transport systems community from 25–29 October 2027.
The ceremonial globe is traditionally passed to each Host Nation at the previous Congress's closing ceremony. Following its international handover at the 32nd ITS World Congress in Gangneung, Korea, last month, the globe has now arrived in the UK ahead of ITS Birmingham 2027.
At the ITS UK President's Dinner, attended by 350 industry representatives, ERTICO–ITS Europe Chief Executive and Chair of the European Programme Committee, Joost Vantomme, presented the globe to Minister Madders, marking the transfer of hosting responsibilities as preparations for next year's Congress gather pace.
The ceremony was introduced by ITS UK Chief Executive Max Sugarman, with Transport for the West Midlands Chief Technology Officer Mike Waters, the Department for Transport's Darren Capes and ITS UK Chair Catherine Whitfield joining Mr Vantomme and Mr Madders for the occasion.
"With less than a year to go until the ITS World Congress comes to Birmingham, it was fantastic to host the ceremonial handover of the globe to Minister Madders, following its journey of more than 5,000 miles from Gangneung in Korea," Mr Sugarman commented.
"The Minister's participation is a clear signal of the importance of this event to the UK and the wider transport technology sector. It's great to see industry and Government working together to make the most of this global opportunity, and to showcase the very best of UK transport technology on the world stage."
Mr Vantomme said the handover of the ITS World Congress globe symbolises the continuity of the global ITS community and its shared ambition to shape the future of mobility.
"We look forward to seeing the journey continue towards Birmingham 2027, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and innovators from around the world to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships and turn ideas and technological advances into real solutions for safer, smarter and more sustainable mobility.
ERTICO looks forward to working closely with the UK Government, the West Midlands Combined Authority through Transport for West Midlands, LCRIG, ITS UK, the European Commission, and all our partners to make Birmingham 2027 a great success," concluded Mr Vantomme.
Minister Madders added: “We need transport that prioritises people, rather than routes, schedules, and area boundaries. Transport that makes life simpler, not more complicated, and that works for all people, everywhere.
Tonight was a well-earned celebration of this industry’s track record in innovation, of the brilliant solutions shortlisted for the awards, and of British ambition.”
ITS Birmingham 2027: Connecting ideas and transforming transport
Taking place at Birmingham's NEC from 25–29 October 2027, the 33rd ITS World Congress is expected to attract around 15,000 participants from more than 100 countries. It will be the first UK edition since London hosted the event in 2006.
Under the theme "Connect ideas. Transform transport.", the Congress will focus on translating technology into practical improvements, including safer roads, more reliable journeys, cleaner transport and better-connected services.
"For exhibitors, that means opportunities to show their capabilities to authorities, operators and potential international customers," Mr Sugarman continued. "For public sector delegates, it offers access to evidence and experience from other countries, helping them assess solutions to shared transport challenges."
Live demonstrations close to the exhibition and conference sessions will allow participants to experience technologies and discuss their application with the teams behind them.
Organisers have already opened their Calls for Contributions and Demonstrations, offering businesses a route to showcase their work and develop conversations about partnerships and deployment.
"Last night's handover brings that international opportunity home," concluded Mr Sugarman, "putting Government, ERTICO, ITS UK and the West Midlands together on stage as the UK prepares to welcome the world."
