The LCRIG Innovation & Learning Festival returns to NAEC Stoneleigh in 2027, bringing together local authorities, government, industry and academia for two days of innovation, CPD learning, live demonstrations and collaboration.
Public sector bookings are now open, offering local authority professionals the opportunity to attend through fully funded delegate places, supported by LCRIG’s sponsors and exhibitors.
Building on a Successful 2026 Festival
The 2026 Festival welcomed representatives from 106 local authorities, alongside government bodies, more than 100 exhibitors and 67 speakers.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with an average satisfaction rating of 4.5 out of 5. An impressive 96% of delegates said they would recommend the Festival to colleagues, while 97% were likely to attend future events.
What to Expect in 2027
The Festival offers a packed programme of opportunities to learn, connect and discover the latest developments across the highways sector, including:
Live demonstrations
In 2026, delegates experienced a range of live outdoor demonstrations and UK-first technology launches, featuring everything from in-situ recycling patch repair solutions and AI-powered road asset management to electric recycled rubber mastic repair technology and advanced highways permitting software.
In 2027, delegates can look forward to even more innovations, bigger live demostrations and exciting new technology launches.
CPD learning
Stay ahead of the curve with our CPD-certified technical training sessions, hosted by industry experts and exhibitors. These engaging sessions offer a valuable opportunity for professional development, equipping attendees with insights into the latest industry practices and technological advancements to better address future challenges.
In 2026, topics included smart infrastructure and asset management, sustainable materials and future mobility, collaboration and strategic delivery data, AI and digital innovation, and emerging technologies.
Indoor and outdoor exhibitions
Explore a diverse range of organisations in our indoor exhibition hall, showcasing the latest products, services and solutions from across the sector. From innovative start-ups and growing SMEs to global corporations, industry associations and government bodies, discover new ideas and connect with the organisations driving progress across highways and infrastructure.
Innovation and collaboration
Building on the success of the inaugural LCRIG Hackathon Sprint in 2026, explore how cross-sector collaboration and creative problem-solving are addressing highways challenges and turning new ideas into practical solutions.
Bringing together local authority officers and supply chain companies, mixed teams will collaborate to develop practical, implementable solutions and turn ideas into actions that can deliver lasting impact.
Networking
Connect with peers, colleagues and decision-makers from local and combined authorities, the private sector and central government. Build valuable connections, exchange experiences and lay the foundations for future partnerships.
DfT Special Recognition Apprentice Awards
Celebrate apprentices who embody the very best in emerging talent, growth, and innovation across the sector at the DfT Special Recognition Apprentice Awards.
The awards presentation takes place during our evening networking event, a relaxed and informal celebration that unites industry profesisonals to recognise the incredible individuals and organisations driving our sector forward.
Start-Up Zone
Meet emerging businesses bringing fresh perspectives to the sector and discover new products, services and technologies with the potential to address industry challenges and create new opportunities for highways maintenance and road infrastructure technology.
Fully Funded Public Sector Places
In 2026, LCRIG provided £248,000 worth of funded delegate places, enabling 400 people to attend fully funded.
For 2027, public sector places are again supported by sponsors and exhibitors and include:
- Overnight accommodation
- Transport between the hotel and venue
- Catering and refreshments throughout the event
These places help ensure local authority professionals can access valuable learning, explore new technologies and build connections that support their work.
Book Your Place
The LCRIG Innovation & Learning Festival 2027 will take place on 23-24 June 2027 at NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.
Join the highways community for two days of innovation, learning and collaboration.
Visit the LCRIG Innovation & Learning Festival 2027 website to find out more and secure your fully funded place.
Thank you to our 2027 LCRIG Innovation & Learning Festival Partners:
