The CIHT Cymru Wales Dinner 2026, held on 20 March 2026 at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff, was a highly successful evening that brought together professionals from across the highways and transportation sector in Wales. A well‑established highlight of the CIHT Cymru Wales calendar, the dinner once again provided an important opportunity to network, reflect, and celebrate the contribution of the profession. This year’s emphasis on supporting emerging professionals reinforced CIHT Cymru Wales’ commitment to developing future talent within the industry.

Leadership and a warm welcome

The new venue at Holland House offered an excellent setting for the evening, with arrival drinks allowing guests to network in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Attendees represented a broad cross‑section of the profession, including local and national government, consultants, contractors, and other key stakeholders from across Wales.

The dinner formally opened with a welcome from Alex Welch, Chair of CIHT Cymru Wales,  and a presidential address from CIHT President Mitesh Solanki, who shared national perspectives relevant to the profession in Wales highlighting the strength of the regional community, the value of collaboration, and the importance of creating inclusive opportunities for professional development. This combination of regional leadership and national insight underscored the wider purpose of the event and reinforced CIHT’s role in supporting members at all stages of their careers.

Chair's Charity

This year's event supported Big Moose. The fundraiser is still open if anyone would like to contribute now.

Supporting Emerging Professionals

A key highlight of the evening was the final of the CIHT Cymru Wales Emerging Professional Presentation Competition. Three finalists delivered high‑quality presentations ranging from assessing the effectiveness of Wales new CJCs, to bus reform and cycle hangars. It was noted and appreciated by the guests and organisers that the level of respect and attention for the presenters was unprecedented at a dinner event. You could hear a pin drop! And so, the judges had their work cut out in trying to distinguish a winner as all the presentation were absolutely outstanding. As such, they decided to award one winner and 2 highly commended, alongside a People's Choice Award which was voted on by the audience. Here are the results:

Winner

"Improving access to cycling, one metal bread bin at a time" by Molly Green – Active Travel Graduate at Transport for Wales

Molly presented on Transport for Wales' Cycle Hangars at Housing Associations project. The judges were particularly impressed with the journey Molly took us on. She clearly outlined of the need for the project drawing on the evidence of over 49,000 bike thefts having been reported in England and Wales in 2025 alone and the potential for secure bike storage to enable cycling for up to 5.5 million people. Then she elaborated on the decision and delivery process of identifying suitable housing associations across Wales where there is demand, as well as considerations for choosing where the cycle hangar would be installed on site. And finishing with the positive impact it is already having on residents, other success stories of residential cycle hangars in the UK and looking ahead at phase 2 of the project.

People's Choice Award

“Achieving regional integration in South West Wales” by Stephen Hughes – Transport Planner at Mott MacDonald

Stephen presented on his research which he undertook as part of the Transport Planning Society Bursary Competition. The judges were particularly impressed with his command of the room and during the Q&A to draw in connections with the other presentations. Stephen provided profound insight into the regional attitude towards the CJC in South West Wales, highlighting both opportunities and challenges. As a result of Stephen's work he has been seconded as the South West Wales CJC's Regional Transport Coordinator. We wish him all the best as he embarks on that adventure!

Highly Commended*

"Bus reform in Wales - Confusion to Inclusion" by Aled Evans – Transport Consultant at AECOM

Aled presented on bus reform in Wales, what the challenges are and what success looks like. The judges were particularly expressed with thorough presentation of the pain points with the current commercial led bus services and how these can be addressed through a people-based bus network with accessibility designed in from the start. Aled's passion to ensure public transport in Wales is suitable for those who rely on it the most was great to see. 

*and “Achieving regional integration in South West Wales” by Stephen Hughes – Transport Planner at Mott MacDonald

"I was hugely impressed by the quality, confidence and insight shown in the presentations from our emerging professionals. The new competition at the CIHT Cymru Wales Dinner showcased not only the technical ability of the emerging professionals, but also their real passion for the future of our profession. It was inspiring to see such talent coming through and I look forward to seeing how they shape our sector!" Cat Goumal - Head of Education and Professional Development at CIHT

Thanks to our event sponsors

The atmosphere throughout the evening was positive, engaged, and reflective of the strong professional community that CIHT Cymru Wales continues to foster. CIHT Cymru Wales would like to extend its sincere thanks to the sponsors whose generous support helped make the CIHT Cymru Wales Dinner 2026 such a successful and memorable occasion.

We are grateful to Severnside Transportation Data Collection Ltd and Knights Brown for their sponsorship and continued support of the highways and transportation profession in Wales. Their contribution enabled us to deliver a high‑quality event and to place a strong focus on celebrating and supporting emerging professionals.

CIHT Cymru Wales looks forward to building on this success and welcoming members and partners to future events. If you would like to get involved, please contact wales@ciht.org.uk.