Bookings for this event are now closed. 

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. 

The final stages of the programme are being finalised, however, we can now confirm a selection high profile speakers who will discuss a broad range of engaging topics across policy, people and place. You can view all of the confirmed speakers on the agenda below. 

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, which will run until 8pm, providing valuable space for attendees to grow professional connections and share insights from the day.

With spaces quickly filling up, we highly recommend securing your spot now for what promises to be an insightful seminar from some of the leading voices in the sector. 

Hosted by:

Agenda 

Introductions

13:00 - Welcome and introductions - Kerry Bangle, Head of Complex Projects Advisory, WSP, and Chair, CIHT South East

Section 1 - Policy

13:05 - The Challenges facing the transport sector as our climate changes and the steps the DfT is taking to provide leadership, guidance and clarity - Joanna Wooles, Head of Climate Adaptation & Biodiversity, DfT

13:25 - Translating transport policy into action - Nikki Van Dijk, Technical Director Climate Resistance, Mott MacDonald

13:45 - Adapting beyond future transport supply - is sufficient consideration given to the role of changing transport demand and the role of changing supply access beyond transport to improve resilience - Professor Glenn Lyons, Immediate Past President of CIHT and Mott MacDonald Professor of Future Mobility, UWE Bristol

Section 2 - People 

14:05 - The Anatomy of Adaptation for young people, Dr Dwain Neil OBE FRSA, Chairman & Programme Director, Reach Society

14:25 - Exploring resilience and adaptation in transport through the lens of people and professional communications - Joanna Hill (fCMgr), North West Regional Lead, Women in Transport, and Group Marketing & Communications Manager, The Martin Group of Companies 

14:45 - Q&A session, panel formed of above speakers - Chaired by Kerry Bangle, Head of Complex Projects Advisory, WSP, and Chair, CIHT South East

15:15 - Refreshments and networking break

Section 3 - Place

15:35 - Emerging Professional Competition showcase - How Cities Can Adapt to Support and Encourage the Growth of Micromobility - Emily Wall, Graduate Consultant, Citisense

15:55 - Xavier Brice, Director of Planning & Sustainable Infrastructure, SLR Consulting

16:15 - Adaptation from a local authority point of view - Tyler Linton, Assistant Director, Streetscene, Hackney Borough Council

16:35 - Thomas Ableman, Founder, Freewheeling

16:55 - Q&A session, panel formed of above speakers - Chaired by Kerry Bangle, Head of Complex Projects Advisory, WSP, and Chair, CIHT South East

17:15 - Closing address from our host - Marisa Hayes, Partnerships Delivery Project Manager, GeoPlace

Social

17:20 - 20:00 Networking drinks and light buffet

Sponsored by:

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.        

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.

Entries for submissions are now closed.

Successful candidates have now been contacted regarding their entries, with the winner of the upcoming heats presenting at the conference, as well as winning a prize of £100.

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.