Overview

Shift Happens: Transport Adapts explores the future of highways and transportation, focusing on resilience, adaptation, innovation, and how these forces will shape the sector in years to come.

We are delighted to announce that Joanna Wooles, Head of Climate Adaptation & Biodiversity at DfT, will be presenting on the Adaptation Policy Paper, having led the team that developed the Climate Adaptation Strategy for Transport in 2025. 

High‑calibre speakers will examine the above themes from strategic, operational and user‑experience perspectives. The event will also feature contributions from emerging professionals, through a call for papers competition, with the winning young professional presenting at the conference. Winners will be announced on the day following review by an expert judging panel.

Sponsors will be invited to participate through agenda slots or exhibition stands, offering excellent opportunities for industry visibility and engagement.

The seminar will conclude with a dedicated networking session, providing valuable space for attendees to grow professional connections and share insights from the day.

Dedicated Networking Time 

Make connections you'll value longer after the event. 

We've built in structured and informal networking sessions before, during and after the main event to help you grow your profile, strengthen partnerships and win future business.

Join us in an open forum to discuss challenges across the sector, hear updates from regional and national leaders and share insights with fellow professionals.        

Agenda TBC

13:00 - Arrival and refreshments 

13:30 - Welcome and introductions - Kerry Bangle, Chair of CIHT South East

13:45 - Speaker 1

14:15 - Speaker 2

14:45 - Comfort / Networking break

15:00 - Speaker 3 

15:30 - Speaker 4

16:00 - Emerging Professional Presentation

16:30 - Conference close - Karen Agbabiaka 

17:00 - Networking drinks and light buffet

Sponsors & Exhibitors TBC

Can you afford to miss out? 

By attending Shift Happens: Transport Adapts, participants will be able to:

• Understand how resilience and adaptation strategies are shaping the future of highways and transportation.
• Identify emerging innovations and technologies likely to impact transport systems at strategic and operational levels.
• Evaluate best practice approaches across the sector, informed by case studies and expert insight.
• Gain exposure to new research and thought leadership influencing policy, planning and service delivery.
• Build new professional relationships through dedicated networking sessions.
• Explore the role of user experience in shaping future transport solutions.
• Engage in professional debate and discussion to deepen understanding of sector‑wide challenges and opportunities.
• Learn from early‑career perspectives through the Emerging Professionals presentation.

Who is the event for?

This event is open to:

• All CIHT Members
• Sister organisations: ICE, IStructE, CILT, IHE, PWI
• Professionals across allied specialisms: police, paramedics, elected representatives
• Local authority officers, consultants, contractors, SMEs
• Ideal for individuals interested in the future of transport, resilience, innovation, and best practice across the sector.

Take action: Record your CPD

CPD is defined as any activity that provides new knowledge or skills that help you to achieve your professional development goals or has otherwise helped you to develop as a highways and transportation professional

Plan, record and manage your CPD for free at CIHT Learn.

Need help with getting the most out of your CPD access CIHT’s CPD Guidance here.

Submit your entry now!

The event will also incorporate a unique development opportunity for early career professionals (first 7 years of career). We are offering an amazing chance for a rising star in the sector to showcase their research amongst peers at our conference. This is a wonderful opening to gain some invaluable presenting experience in front of a diverse crowd of likeminded highways and transport professionals. 

For those wishing to enter, follow the guidance below and complete the form. 

• Prepare a 150 word abstract summarising your presentation topic on the theme of adaptation.
• If selected, you’ll be invited to do your 10 minute presentation online in front of a judging panel on 21 April 2026. The panel will be made up of members of the two CIHT committees.
• The winner will get a speaking slot at the conference to showcase their presentation topic, as well as a prize of £100. 

Deadline for entries is 12th April 2026.