The conference which will take place in London, will explore how we move from risk to resilience, to make our highways resilient to the full range of hazards faced.
The one-day event will bring together high-profile speakers from government agencies, local authorities and industry leaders to discuss the pressing challenges we face today and the pioneering solutions that will drive us forward.
Just like the 2025 Conference, we’re expecting the 2026 Conference sell out fast. So please share with colleagues and book your place early to secure the Individual and Group Early Bird rates before they are gone.
We are delighted to announce that Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport), as the keynote speaker for the CIHT National Conference 2026.
Simon Lightwood was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Local Transport in the Department for Transport on 9 July 2024. Simon was reappointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Transport in September 2025 with a new portfolio, Minister for Roads and Buses.
We’re delighted to announce that the CIHT National Conference, is returning to London on 18 March 2026. If you haven’t attended before, this is the perfect opportunity to experience one of the UK’s most respected and well-attended events for highways and transportation professionals.
Following a sell-out event in 2025, the 2026 conference will take place at a new, larger venue designed to offer even more space for meaningful conversations, collaboration and networking. And with our Early Bird offer now open, it’s a great time to secure your place at the best rate.
This year’s theme — “From Risk to Resilience” — will explore how we can strengthen the resilience of our highways in the face of growing challenges. The programme will be filled with strategic perspectives, practical insights and forward-thinking guidance from expert speakers across the sector.
Early bird offer ends Friday 13 February 2026
All prices include VAT
It is an unrivalled day of networking and learning that you and your colleagues cannot afford to miss out on.
Get up to speed on priorities towards resilience and gain incredible insight into the best practice to achieve those goals.
Discover what is on the horizon so you can get ahead of the competition.
Get access to solutions to the challenges you face now and will in the future to support the direction of your business so you can align your strategy with confidence.
Build connections on the day that will boost your career and win business for your organisation.
Whether you're looking to broaden your knowledge, connect with industry leaders, or stay ahead of emerging trends, this one-day conference offers unmatched value and insight all in one place.
"The National Conference is a must attend event where the sector comes together and from it's many perspectives can help individuals add value back at their work place. It is also a great way to meet fellow processionals, and build your network learn from those around you."
Anne Shaw, OBE FCIHT, CEO at National Transport Authority Ireland
"This was a very informative event, speakers representing key leaders and companies within the sector. The event provided great opportunities for networking between associated and likeminded persons."
Carl Jones, Project Manager at TfL
"It was very good to have the National Conference back after a long break. The speakers were informative and engaging. The networking opportunities were excellent."
Bob Feurtado, Senior Traffic Manager, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure
"The National Conference is a great opportunity to get the most up to date information direct from the highest elected office and most senior staff representing the 4 nations of the UK."
Steven Halsey, Principal Parking Consultant at Project Centre
"An extremely engaging conference- good mix of professionals which helped create a lively discussion. Very impressed with the organisation."
Sandra Agbabiaka, Strada Audits
| 9.00 |
Registration We will be gathering at 1 Basinghall Avenue one of London’s freshest and most up to date venues, conveniently situated at the heart of the City. A warm CIHT welcome awaits you for an informative and thought-provoking day on the future of transport resilience. |
| 9.35 |
Welcome Speaker: Mitesh Solanki FCIHT CIHT President & Managing Director of Ringway Highways Services |
| 9.30 |
Keynote Address Simon Lightwood MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Roads and Buses) . |
| 9.55 |
Pathways to Resilience Latest insight into the CCC’s advice to the UK government on climate change mitigation and adaptation |
| 10.30 | Morning break |
| 11.00 |
National & Strategic Roads Policy Context on Resilience: What are the UK nations doing to ensure transport networks are resilient and planning to adapt to a changing climate. Panel Session - confirmed speakers so far
|
| 12:00 |
Adaptation – an all-hazards approach With the sector’s increasing need to understand extreme-weather risk management this process should drive an all-hazards resilience approach, rather than focus solely on snow and ice. This session will explore the increasing range of hazards that local authorities face and how clients and contractors are responding. Panel Session - speakers confirmed so far;
|
| 13.00 | Lunch |
| 14.00 |
Resilient Cities Places and People Researchers and Practitioners explore how can we adapt to a changing climate and ensure that our infrastructure is resilient and ready for the future Speakers confirmed so far;
|
| 15.00 | Afternoon break |
| 15.30 |
Disaster Management in Practice How countries respond to situations when they happen. Speakers confirmed so far;
|
| 16.30 | Closing remarks |
| 17.00 | Networking Reception |
Make sure you attend the 2026 CIHT National Conference and don't miss out on these connections,
Account Director
Business Development Director
Business Director
Director
District Councillor
Divisional Director
Founder and CEO
Head of Business Development
Head of Business Development - Public Sector
Head of Highway Operations
Head of Network Strategy and Management
Head of Sustainability
Highways System Manager
Lead Sponsor - Environment
Lead Transport Planner
Managing Director
Market Sector Manager
National Key Account Manager UK & Ireland
Network Operation & Street Works Manager
Partner
Partnership Delivery Manager
Pre-Construction Manager
Principal Civil Engineer
Principal Engineering Leader
Principal Officer Road Safety
Principal Policy Strategy Officer
Principal Road Safety Engineer
Regional Director
Road Decarbonisation Strategy and Planning Manager
Road Safety Team Leader
Sales Manager - Road Reinforcement
Senior Consultant
Senior Engineer Transport Policy
Senior Engineering Leader
Senior Highways DC Engineer
Senior Managing Consultant
Senior Network Coordination Officer
Senior Officer, Transport Strategy
Senior Performance Analyst
Senior Transport Planner
Service Manager - Highway Operations and Protection
Service Manager, Transportation
Specialist Transport Planner
Strategic Director of Environment, Housing and Neighbourhoods
Strategic Infrastructure & Highways Asset Manager
Strategic Transport Development Officer
Strategy & Engagement Manager
Strategy and Programme Officer
Sustainability Business Partner
Transportation Divisional Director
Vice President of Infrastructure Policy Advancement
Conference enquiries: Conferences@ciht.org.uk
Sponsorship enquiries: ben.sellers@thinkpublishing.co.uk
Accessibility and inclusion, help & support
We are working to ensure that our events are as comfortable and inclusive as possible.
You or members of your organisation or group may contact us in confidence with any questions or to discuss accessibility requirements or adjustments. Individual delegates can also get in touch with us directly.
Please contact our events team conferences@ciht.org.uk
Got a question?
t: +44 (0)20 7336 1555
e: info@ciht.org.uk
