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.

High‑calibre speakers will examine these 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.

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

Learning outcomes

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.
• 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 call‑for‑papers winning presentation.
• Build new professional relationships through dedicated networking sessions.

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.

Speakers

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 opportunity for someone to speak at the conference:

• 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 in early 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 and get some invaluable presentation experience.

Deadline for entries is 13th March 2026.