Earlier this month, the LCRIG Innovation & Learning Festival brought together the highways community for two powerful days of learning, collaboration, and connection at NAEC Stoneleigh.
With record-breaking attendance, exciting new features, and powerful moments of shared insight, this year’s festival was our biggest and boldest yet.
A Hub of Innovation
Across both indoor and outdoor spaces, the festival created a live, interactive environment where innovation wasn’t just discussed – it was seen, heard, and experienced first-hand.
Exhibitors from across the industry shared the latest in highways maintenance and transport technology, while start-ups and established organisations alike came together to showcase solutions that are already helping shape the future of the sector.
Shared Learning and Fresh Perspectives
Throughout the two days, delegates took part in CPD-accredited sessions in the Technical Learning Theatre and joined thought-provoking discussions in the Innovation Think Pavilion – both designed to tackle some of the sector’s biggest challenges and opportunities.
The Innovation Think Pavilion returned as a space for deep, honest conversations – cutting through the hype around technologies like AI to focus on what really works in practice. Whether exploring the legal implications of innovation, or asking why certain services fail to take hold, these sessions were all about getting to the heart of what makes change possible.
This year also marked the introduction of the DfT Special Recognition Apprentice Awards – a powerful moment of celebration that recognised and championed new talent entering the sector.
A Platform for Collaboration
One of the most powerful aspects of the festival is always the sense of community – and this year was no exception. The spirit of openness and collaboration was felt in every conversation, whether at a technical session, during a coffee break, or at the Networking Evening.
With broad representation from local authorities, government bodies, and private sector organisations, the festival created space for everyone – from seasoned professionals to apprentices – to share insights, forge partnerships, and shape what comes next.
Participant Feedback
“I had the privilege of attending the LCRIG Innovation & Learning Festival for the first time, and it was an experience that truly impressed me. There was a palpable energy, spirit of innovation, and collaborative atmosphere. What particularly struck me was the exceptional showcase of British companies presenting cutting-edge solutions specifically designed for roads and highways infrastructure. What set this event apart was its practical approach. Rather than simply viewing products in static displays, attendees had the opportunity to experience these innovations through live outdoor demonstrations. This hands-on format allowed local authority representatives to interact with the products, gaining genuine insights into their real-word applications and benefits. The quality of innovation on display was remarkable. We are already planning our participation for next year.” Biden Brahmbhatt, Solaris Lighting
“I had the pleasure of attending the LCRIG Innovation & Learning Festival and it was a truly inspiring and valuable experience. From live demonstrations of cutting-edge in-situ pothole repair machinery and a driverless mini bus to immersive VR technology for pre-installation assessments of traffic management assets, the event clearly showcased how innovation can enhance safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness across our road networks. Many thanks to LCRIG for organising such a forward-thinking and engaging event. I highly encourage my colleagues in the highways and infrastructure sector to take part in events like this – it’s a great way to stay at the forefront of innovation and contribute meaningfully to the improvement of our roads.” Sina Bashash, National Highways
“One of the biggest takeaways for me was how many highways authorities are now actively looking to do things differently. Using connected vehicle data not just for insight, but to change the way they’ve always worked.” Wesley Bateson, Aisin RoadTrace
“Our team immersed ourselves in two days of dynamic live demos, CPD technical training sessions, facilitated workshops, and meaningful networking opportunities – all fuelled by a shared passion for pushing the boundaries in highways maintenance and transport technology. Over the course of the event, we were truly inspired by the cutting-edge innovations showcased. We left with fresh insights, new collaborations, and an even stronger commitment to revolutionising transport infrastructure. A heartfelt thanks to LCRIG for hosting such an inclusive and impactful gathering.” Multipave (NW) Limited
“A huge thank you to the LCRIG team for another brilliant Innovation & Learning Festival. From the warm welcome to the packed programme, it’s clear how much effort goes into creating such a valuable space for sharing ideas across our industry. A standout event once again.” WJ Group
“An outstanding effort by all who organised this event. Thank you.” Urban Kerb Ltd
“Well done all! Such a fantastic event!” Traffic Management Products Ltd
“The team are back from what was a fantastic LCRIG Innovation & Learning Festival. THANK YOU to the incredible LCRIG team! The hard work put in to organising this event doesn’t go unnoticed. To bring together so many important organisations and individuals within our industry together in one place is something worth congratulating. We are feeling honoured to have been Main Festival Partner and very grateful for the opportunities provided over the course of the event.” Multevo
“Another amazing well put together event, We were so glad to be a part of it.” Marvin Gayle, BUKO
“Such a brilliant team. Perfect event.” Sarah Knott, Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA)
“It was my first time attending this event and wow ladies you are superstars! Take a bow for putting it together.” Tamsin Townsend, Central Bedfordshire Council
“Thanks for each of you for your incredible effort in organising and executing this event. We were truly happy to be part of it and thoroughly enjoyed participating.” Ramy Shaltout, University of Coventry
“Thank you LCRIG for this opportunity. It was an amazing and valuable experience, and I truly appreciate the chance to engage with such a dedicated group of professionals.” Grish Lohani, Wiltshire Council
“LCRIG thank you all for hosting an excellent event, it is getting better and better with age.” Richard McKenna, TMP Solutions
“A great event with lots of opportunities to learn, as well as opportunities to meet other innovative businesses and Local Authorities. Thanks for a fantastic event!” Daniel Hanshaw, Citisense
“Four of our surfacing apprentices along with their managers, attended the LCRIG Innovation Festival. It was a great couple of days and a fantastic opportunity for our future leaders to attend live demonstrations, CPD technical training sessions and workshops, all dedicated to advancing highways maintenance and transport technology. The highlight was the DfT Special Recognition Awards for Apprentices, shining a spotlight on some of the most dedicated and inspiring apprentices in the highways and transport technology sector.” Breedon Group Plc
“Thanks to LCRIG for another fantastic event. We’ll be counting the days till the next one.” Lauren SeBlonka, Amey
“A wonderful two days at the LCRIG Innovation & Learning Festival. Inspiring to see so many innovative approaches shaping the future of our highways.” Dinah M Basangwa, East Riding of Yorkshire Council
“Credit goes to the whole LCRIG team for hosting an excellent apprentice awards event. I don’t believe there is anywhere else in the highways sector that has over 60 apprentices in attendance for such an event.” Mitesh Solanki, Eurovia UK
“While I was only there for the second day, I was impressed with how many exhibitors were there – both indoor and outdoor – and the number of delegates passing through! My team said the event was great and we had some good leads as well as giving us the opportunity to catch up with our clients and industry friends.” Lauren Kiely, Kiely Bros Ltd
“Another brilliant couple of days at the LCRIG Innovation & Learning Festival. It was great to see people genuinely innovating to move the sector forward to make a real difference for communities. Great to see so many passionate apprentices stepping into the industry with fresh perspectives.” Conor James Holgate, KaarbonTech
“A great few days for the team at the LCRIG Innovation & Learning Festival. Plenty of good conversations and fresh thinking across the highways sector – big thanks to the LCRIG team for putting on another excellent event.” KaarbonTech
“What a week at the LCRIG Innovation & Learning Festival! We’re grateful to have been part of such a collaborative, forward-thinking event. From practical insights to honest conversations with councils and ecosystem partners, it was a true learning journey, with focus on solving real challenges, not just chasing tech trends. Huge thanks to the LCRIG team for bringing this inspiring community together.” Glenn Brouwer, INSPECH
“What a great and insightful 2 days it was at the LCRIG Innovation & Learning Festival! It was such an amazing time catching up with some familiar faces, connecting with new people within the industry and seeing some exciting innovations in the Highways and Transport sector – already looking forward to the next LCRIG event.” Josh Sutcliffe, LADC
“A fantastic and fascinating couple of days, with companies and delegates sharing knowledge, insights and ideas to keep driving our sector and road safety forward.” Highways Care
“We’re grateful to LCRIG for the opportunity to connect with so many inspiring councils, contractors, and industry leaders.” Ray Sandip, Gautam Zen UK Ltd
“It was a very valuable couple of days.” Spencer Rigler, TRL
“Well done team, yet another event delivered with professionalism, perfection and dedication. Credit to you all.” Alastair Smith, Velocity UK
“It has been an enlightening couple of days at the LCRIG Innovation & Learning Festival, where tech innovation takes centre stage. The festival showcased cutting-edge solutions for smarter, safer and more sustainable roads.” Midlands Highways Appliance Plus
“Fantastic two days at the LCRIG Innovation & Learning Festival meeting so many delegates and fellow exhibitors. Thank you to everyone involved for organising an incredible and truly innovative event.” Prismo
“As always a fantastic mix of speakers and demos, showcasing insightful work areas and innovative solutions.” Dwayne Lowe, Bolton Council
“This event is the ultimate platform for showcasing products, solutions, innovations, and techniques from across the highways sector.” Road Safety Markings Association (RSMA)
“What a brilliant atmosphere at the LCRIG Innovation & Learning Festival. A fantastic variety of technical seminars and CPD opportunities”. Roisin Naughton, Arcadis
Looking Ahead
As early feedback rolls in, one thing is clear: this year’s festival has raised the bar once again.
Plans for 2026 are already in motion – and if the momentum from this year is anything to go by, it promises to be even more impactful.
Want to be part of next year’s festival?
Registrations for sponsorship and exhibitor packages and private sector delegate places are now open for 2026.
BOOK HERE(Public sector delegate bookings coming soon – stay tuned!)