Excitement is building for Strictly Highways 2026, with this year’s programme shaped by an outstanding response from across the highways sector.
More than 100 submissions were received following the call for speakers, demonstrating the huge appetite among local authorities, supply chain organisations and government to share updates, innovations, knowledge and best practice that will help tackle some of the sector’s biggest challenges.
The scale and quality of the response made selecting the programme no easy task. Submissions covered an impressive breadth of topics, from the fundamentals of maintaining resilient road networks to new technologies, workforce development and innovative approaches to delivering services.
Key themes shaping the programme
With such a strong response, the result is a two-day programme that brings together practical case studies and sector expertise focused on the key challenges, priorities and opportunities currently shaping the sector, including:
- Policy, funding and transparency – Exploring the latest developments, guidance and priorities shaping the local roads sector.
- Road Maintenance and Asset Management – Sessions will look at preventative and structural maintenance, making the right interventions at the right time and getting the best performance and value from highway assets.
- Materials and treatments – How can better material choices and innovative treatments help roads last longer and perform better?
- Resilience and climate adaptation – How can we make our road networks more resilient to changing weather, increasing pressures and future challenges? Sessions will share practical approaches to climate adaptation, winter resilience and protecting highway assets.
- Drainage and water management – From SuDS to drainage maintenance, the programme will explore how smarter approaches to managing water can protect the network, improve safety and strengthen resilience.
- Technology, data and innovation – Showcasing how AI, data, digital twins, connected vehicle data and other emerging technologies can improve highways management and delivery.
- Collaboration and delivery – Highlighting how innovative procurement, contracts, partnerships and collaborative approaches can drive efficiencies and better outcomes.
- People, skills and workforce – Focusing on career pathways, workforce development, safety, employment opportunities and stronger working relationships.
Across these themes, the programme will feature practical case studies, panel sessions and focused spotlights, offering a closer look at specific challenges, solutions and areas of innovation across the sector.
Alongside the packed conference programme, delegates will also have the opportunity to:
- Explore 50+ exhibitors showcasing the latest products, services and solutions.
- Network with peers, local authorities and organisations from across the sector.
- Celebrate sector achievements at the DfT Special Recognition Awards ceremony.
Take part in discussions focused on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of local roads.
When: 6-8 October
Where: Winter Gardens in Blackpool
With the agenda now live, we’re looking forward to welcoming the sector to Blackpool for three days of insight, collaboration, discussion and networking.
Don’t Miss Out
Individual delegate places for Strictly Highways, along with places at the awards ceremony, are still available.