This week, I had a fantastic time attending two of XAIS-PTS’s open days for their customers and partners. I know I keep emphasising the importance of attending events, but hear me out – there’s a reason these gatherings matter so much to LCRIG and to me personally.
Here’s why these events are invaluable:
- They give me a platform to talk about our broader work, including policy insights.
- We get to actively support our members.
- They provide a great opportunity to connect with council members and offer them support, too.
- We gain real, unfiltered insights into what’s happening in the industry – both the wins and the challenges.
- They’re a goldmine for intelligence from suppliers and councils.
Of course, I can’t make it to every event (which is why my calendar books up so far in advance!), but it’s not just me flying the LCRIG flag. Keely, Susanne, and Kerry are also out and about. Next week, Keely will be attending a Meon event, while Susanne is heading to Colas’s facilities just outside Paris. As for me, I’ll be at one of my favorite events – Zenzic’s Innovators Day, where I’ll get to engage with councils, suppliers, and partners about their products, services, and challenges.
Back to this week – joining XAIS-PTS was brilliant. I got to hear about exciting product developments, their new technology centre, and the key questions councils are asking about data, asset management, and how to get the most from their resources. A common theme? Resourcing challenges in councils.
Not all suppliers host open days, and I get why as they can be a double-edged sword and with resources sparse in councils it can be a diversion from the here and now in councils. That’s exactly why we put so much effort into the Innovation and Learning Festival. It’s a one-stop shop where councils can meet suppliers, see the latest innovations, and explore new products hitting the market.
In a stroke of great timing, I also had the chance to join an internal TRL webinar on women in leadership. Anna Jordan, CEO of Alchera Technologies, and member of LCRIG, and I spoke to staff about our career journeys, the lessons we’ve learned, and the challenges we’ve faced along the way. It was well attended, and I always try to share my experiences and offer advice whenever I can. So, thank you to Karla Jakeman and Jennifer Stockard at TRL for inviting me.
One of the perks of travelling by train to events is that it gives me a chance to catch up on DfT policy. I had time to go through some previously released publications on the TTF website and reflect on how they can be updated to stay fresh and align with the latest policy developments, especially with last week’s Procurement Act coming into effect. I also get a chance to go to some wonderful locations and as I love taking pictures of my adventures, I get to share these too.
With event season now in full swing, I’m looking forward to all the conversations, insights, and new connections ahead. See you out there!
Paula Claytonsmith, CEO