FULLY FUNDED PLACES
In 2025, we are doubling the number of fully funded places for public sector attendees and reserving 350 hotel rooms for local authorities. This expansion enables us to welcome more technology suppliers and ITS-focused public sector professionals. These fully funded places cover accommodation, travel to and from the hotel to the venue, meals, and refreshments – allowing you to immerse yourself in learning, networking, and discovering new innovations without any cost concerns.
We're also offering fully funded places for both public and private sector apprentices, making it easier for young professionals to participate and connect with industry leaders.
CPD CERTIFIED TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
Stay ahead of the curve with our CPD-certified technical training sessions, held in immersive indoor and outdoor theatres. Hosted by our sponsors and exhibitors, these informative sessions provide attendees with a unique opportunity for professional development, allowing them to gain knowledge on the latest industry practices and technology advancements, and leaving them better equipped to tackle tomorrow's challenges.
In 2024, topics ranged from asphalt preservation, pavement recycling and geosynthetics through to AI, connected vehicles, lifecycle monitoring and UAV drone mapping.
INNOVATION THINK PAVILION
Head to our outdoor theatre space, designed to encourage "thought" conversations. No big stage, just an intimate discussion space where almost any conversation goes!
Hear key industry figures share insights through a series of interactive debates and panels, set to spark ideas whilst exploring cutting-edge solutions.
LCRIG START-UP ZONE
Following its successful introduction in 2024, we are delighted to be bringing back the Start Up Zone for the second year running. Emerging businesses can gain exposure in our dedicated Start-Up Zone, where innovative, early-stage companies can introduce their solutions to the market.
The Start-Up Zone provides funded places for eligible small businesses and start-ups to demonstrate their cutting edge products and solutions, aligning with our commitment as a Community Interest Company (CIC) to give back to the highways community and support collaboration and innovation across the sector.
LIVE ACTION DEMONSTRATIONS
Get ready to experience the full spectrum of highways maintenance and transport technology in action! Known for its live outdoor demonstrations, the 2024 festival showcased a wide range of innovations from advanced line-marking, ironwork reinstatement solutions, and the Pothole Pro, right through to groundbreaking technologies, such as autonomous pothole-filling systems, driverless buses, robots, drones and much more.
This unique blend of practical maintenance solutions and cutting-edge tech. Get ready for an exciting lineup of highway maintenance and future technology demos in 2025. We can't wait to show you what's in store!
EXCLUSIVE NETWORKING
No other event matches our strategic balance of attendees, ensuring purposeful networking with key players – the people you need to meet.
The festival's structure will facilitate meaningful networking across both days, giving participants ample opportunity to build relationships with local authorities and decision-makers.
From scheduled networking sessions to informal meet ups, the connections you make here can drive your goals forward.
WHAT'S NEW FOR 2025?
TECHNOLOGY AND ITS
Building on our strong collaboration with the Department for Transport and the Transport Technology Forum, and our support for initiatives like DSIS, Road Condition Monitoring Standard, STREETWISE, and the TTF Working Groups - D-TRO, Open Data, UTMC, Smarter Parking, Connected Vehicles, and EV Charging Infrastructure - we will be showcasing the technology of the future.
Expect to meet professionals with titles such as Signals Manager, Traffic Manager, Future Transport and Technology Leads, EV Manager, Senior ITS Engineer, ITS Manager, Head of Transport Innovation, Head of Highways and Traffic, Senior Data Officer, Head of Connected Vehicles, Highways Technology Manager and many more!
SPOTLIGHT ON APPRENTICES
A key highlight, and new for the 2025 festival, will be the DfT Special Recognition Apprentice Awards. These awards will honour apprentices and shine a spotlight on emerging talent, growth, and innovation across the sector.
Find out more here.
DFT FOCUS GROUP SESSIONS
Engage directly with key representatives from the DfT in our all-new DfT Focus Sessions. These sessions will cover topics such as D-TRO, DSIS and more, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing between public sector authorities and policymakers.
TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGY FOCUSED WORKSHOPS AND FACILITATED SESSIONS
We're expanding our popular Technical Training sessions and workshops to include even more transport technology focused sessions, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to gain knowledge on the latest technology advancements and best practices.
PROCUREMENT DROP-IN SESSIONS
New for 2025, our Procurement Drop-In Sessions will provide attendees with a unique opportunity to consult with procurement experts, helping solve your innovation-buying challenges and overcome procurement hurdles.
ENHANCED SPONSORSHIP AND EXHIBITOR PACKAGES AVAILABLE
The 2025 sponsorship and exhibitor packages have been enhanced, providing even more value and visibility for participants.
With increased opportunities for exposure and brand positioning, these updated packages ensure that both sponsors and exhibitors can maximise their investment and reach a highly targeted audience.
WHAT OUR 2024 ATTENDEES HAVE TO SAY
"Fantastic, such an opportunity to chat to everyone on a one to one basis, great networking opportunities and such a wide calibre of exhibitors. Can't praise this event enough. Best I have been to of all the highways type events I have previously attended."
Warwickshire County Council
"Thank you for organising the Innovation Festival. Great venue and interesting event. Well done as usual. I have made so many contacts through LCRIG and we are using different products because of it, keep up the fab work."
Luton Borough Council
"Thanks Local Council Roads Innovation Group (LCRIG) for a brilliant festival. Some really thought provoking sessions around the use of AI in our sector."
Sheffield City Council
"Absolutely brilliant from start to finish."
East Riding of Yorkshire Council
WHAT OUR 2024 EXHIBITORS HAVE TO SAY
"What a fantastic two days at the LCRIG Innovation & Learning Festival! A big thank you to Local Council Roads Innovation Group (LCRIG) for organising another stellar event, well-attended and filled with interesting discussions and networking opportunities."
Rennicks
"Thank you for generosity and the opportunity to exhibit at the festival, it was absolutely brilliant! It was a chance for me to test out our ideas (especially around decarbonisation and adaptation for highways), forge new relationships (for projects and bids) and reignite old ones! The last couple of days have really helped me to shape our direction, validate ideas and inspire action."
Better Futures - Start-Up Zone Exhibitor
"This is a fantastic event that showcases products, new innovations and techniques from across the highways and transport sector."
Nuphalt
"This event is a fantastic opportunity to connect, collaborate, and explore the future of road infrastructure and management together."
XAIS-PTS
BOOK YOUR SPOT TODAY!