In early April, more than 10,000 movers and shakers in the world of highways and transport will converge at the NEC for Traffex 2019 and Parkex 2019, where 350 exhibitors will showcase the latest products, concepts and services.
The centre of the all-new show features an interactive journey, taking visitors through the evolution of road maintenance and design and giving a glimpse of the future – a theme that will be echoed on 4 April: 'Futures Day'.
Keynote speakers
Keynote speakers in the two theatres include Jim O’Sullivan, chief executive of Highways England, and Lilian Greenwood MP, chair of the Transport Select Committee.
Themes
The Traffex Theatre takes a strategic look at funding, future-proofing the transport network and getting investment for new technology.
Sessions on the theme of 'Changing The Way We Travel' feature a range of experts from local authorities across the country on ways they are working to reduce reliance on the private car, and what these policies mean for the industry.
The Highways and Transport Theatre hones in on the day-to-day issues surrounding the industry, hosted in association with a number of key industry bodies.
Futures Day in this arena is dedicated to the next generation of workers in the industry, focusing on recruitment and the best form of training. Delegates will also hear from the Traffex/ITS (UK) student essay winners.
'There has been phenomenal change in the highways and transport sector, and dramatic cuts to local authority budget have actually prompted widespread innovation,' said Adrian Tatum, Traffex director.
'The emphasis has clearly switched to collaboration and harnessing technology to drive change on the road network.'
What to look out for
The three-day event also features:
- Two conference theatres delivering the latest strategic high-level thinking and best practice operation delivery via case studies, technical session and debate and discussion and covering every sector of the highways and transport sector
- Live hackathon - the Data Discovery Centre - using real industry data to help create solutions for challenges on the network
- A series of briefings for local authority and private sector directors to help them develop and deliver more efficient and effective services and create better places to live and work
- A series of invitation-only round table debates reflecting the latest thinking
- Exhibitors’ drinks reception
- Networking Traffex dinner
- Traffex-themed bars around Birmingham
'For three days, Traffex becomes the hub of everything highways and transport,' Mr Tatum said.
'It’s a trading floor for global business deals, a centre of excellence for all things new, a great networking opportunity – and of course in the centre of the UK.'
Dave Wright, executive director at Kier Highways, a major exhibitor at the event, said: 'We’re really looking forward to being part of Traffex again to showcase some of our latest highways innovations that maximise the use of technology and will continue to drive our industry forward.
'We have worked collaboratively with our clients and supply chain to deliver all of our innovations on show to improve safety for our road workers and for road users, drive efficiency and enhance the road network for the end user. We’re also looking forward to seeing the other innovative technologies showcased by our peers in the sector. It’s a very exciting time to be part of the highways industry.'
Matthew Vincent, sales and marketing director at Intelligent Traffic Systems for Siemens Mobility Limited, said: 'Siemens has exhibited at Traffex for over 20 years now and that in itself highlights the value it offers our business. It is a show that isn’t just about products on a stand. It’s very much a forum for engagement and helps start and develop the conversation on how Siemens can help customers better meet the demands of the travelling public.
'For us it is all about maximising return on investment, whilst keeping people safe, making our roads more efficient and reducing emissions as much as possible – all of these areas are explored at Traffex and I’m looking forward to the 2019 event.'
Parkex
Held alongside Traffex will be Parkex, Europe’s largest dedicated parking event. Organised in collaboration with the British Parking Association, Parkex provides a platform for leading industry suppliers and parking brands to launch the latest cutting edge products and services.
With over 10,000 professionals expected to attend, there will be plenty to see at year’s Traffex and Parkex. Visiting is free but pre-registration is essential via this link
Exhibitors at Traffex and Parkex are invited to an open day at the NEC on 13 February to hear how TRAFFEX 2019 is changing and exhibitors could benefit from these changes.
It’s an informal opportunity to the Transport Network team, talk to the magazine editors, find out what other exhibitors are planning, who's visiting and discuss how to attract visitors to your stand.
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