Following another successful Strictly Highways, we’re looking back at the event through the words of those who joined us in Blackpool.
Held at the Winter Gardens from 6-8 October, LCRIG’s flagship annual event welcomed representatives from local authorities, the Department for Transport (DfT), and the wider supply chain for three days of networking, conference sessions and celebration.
With more than 600 delegates in attendance over the three days, Strictly Highways 2026 provided an opportunity to explore the challenges facing local highways, share practical ideas and discover new approaches to improving our road networks.
Following our Strictly Highways 2026: In Pictures blog, we’re now sharing some of the overwhelmingly positive feedback received from attendees, highlighting the quality of the conference programme, valuable networking opportunities and the chance to share ideas and experiences with colleagues from across the highways sector.
Local Authorities
“A brilliant thought provoking event. Love the diversity of topics. I thought last year couldn’t be beaten but this was even better. It should be a must in everyone’s calendar.” (Hartlepool Borough Council)
“An amazing opportunity to see that most of our challenges aren’t unique and how we can learn and share knowledge across the sector is the main reason for attending.” (Dorset Council)
“Excellent event as always, great content and exhibitors. Well organised and everyone was very welcoming.” (Derby City Council)
“Always a great event, well organised and great opportunity to network and make new connections.” (Liverpool City Region Combined Authority)
“Excellent event with a well-organised programme, valuable networking opportunities, and a wide range of relevant topics covering current challenges and innovations within the highways sector. The event increased my knowledge of current challenges and emerging technologies, while providing practical ideas, innovative solutions and examples of best practice that can be applied within Wiltshire Council. Events like this remind us that highways is not just about roads and infrastructure – it is about people, relationships, teamwork and working together to make a difference.” (Wiltshire Council)
“Fantastic event to catch up on new ideas and meet colleagues from other local authorities and organisations, well worth a visit.” (Nottinghamshire County Council)
“I found Strictly Highways 2026 to be both informative and worthwhile. It provided a valuable opportunity to keep up to date with developments across the highways industry, explore new products and technologies, and discuss common challenges with colleagues from other authorities.” (East Riding of Yorkshire Council)
“It was a very engaging and informative conference. I met new people and new suppliers and contractors with which I will engage to explore future opportunities.” (London Borough of Barnet)
“I made some great contacts this year and had some really interesting discussions.” (Islington Council)
“It’s been a great opportunity to build new connections, strengthen existing relationships, and gain valuable insights from across the sector. We are following up with 3 or 4 companies now to see how they can support us going forwards.” (Leeds City Council)
“Really good few days at Strictly Highways, building and making new connections and taking away ideas for Leicestershire. Great range of topics presented and to hear about the fantastic innovative work being done across the sector.” (Leicestershire County Council)
“It was a brilliant event. I managed to catch up with longstanding friends and colleagues as well as making new introductions. This event does assist with the day job and allows the sharing of ideas and concerns about industry issues.” (Liverpool City Council)
“Well organised, packed varied programme, good networking opportunities and informative updates, showcases, DfT guidance and sharing of innovative practice. Well worth the long trip there and back and appreciative of all who plan, organise, contribute to and run the event.” (Plymouth City Council)
“A great 2 days covering such a vast array of topics. Tomorrow it’s back to the “real” job, where we put into practice what we’ve learnt, leverage those connections and contacts we’ve made, and build on the awesome work that the LCRIG team have carried out.” (Barnsley Council)
Supply Chain and Partners
“Best Strictly I’ve been to. A great event with the right balance of specialisms, clients and contractors in the room.” (XTP)
“We made some great contacts to follow up, watch this space…! Having the opportunity to speak with a few select individuals and potentially gain inroads for future business was very beneficial.” (QMS)
“You are the BEST organisers of any event! Well worth attending.” (Colas)
“The presentations were outstanding, extremely informative, and delivered to a very high standard. The guest speakers were equally impressive, providing valuable insights and thought-provoking discussions that made the event both engaging and worthwhile.” (WJ Group)
“A great few days in Blackpool, catching up with familiar faces, meeting new ones and as ever some really interesting conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing the highways sector.” (Route Reports)
“Great opportunity to connect and start what will hopefully be long standing relationships.” (Marshalls)
“The Miles Macadam team have had a fantastic few days meeting so many people from across the highways industry, sharing ideas and catching up with familiar faces.” (Miles Macadam)
“Great conversations with key decision makers. Appointments in the making.” (Righton Blackburns)
“The networking event was excellent. The conference agenda built in the right amount of time to network / visit exhibitors during breaks. First visit for a few years and was amazed to see how far it has come along, will definitely be back next year.” (Marlborough Highways)
“The hall was buzzing with great conversations and insights from across the highways and local road sector.” (TD Construction Testing)
“The event is great for us, something we have a better response from compared to larger events.” (SocietyWorks Ltd)
“It was the 1st time we have attended this event, but it was well worth the time attending. We had some useful conversations with various people and, overall, think it was a success.” (Stainton Lighting Design Services Ltd)
“My first Strictly, it met all my expectations. Local Authority exposure, great conference content, footfall at the stand, etc. A busy 3 days of engagement with the industry.” (Siemens Asset Management Software)
“I thought this year’s event was excellent. The topics presented were very good. There was something for everyone. It was well attended by both public and private sector and resulted in good conversations both at the conference and in the social networking sessions.” (RSTA)
“Events like Strictly Highways remind me why I love working in this industry… great people, genuine collaboration and no shortage of ideas!” (Infinity Marketing)
“A great networking opportunity; probably the best chance to meet and speak with Council Highways people from all round the country.” (Waterman Aspen)
“Thank you for an excellent conference. It was incredibly well run, the content was first class, and there was a fantastic range of delegates.” (Roughan & O’Donovan)
“Really well thought out event, great networking opportunity on the first night and the 2 day seminars had really good / relevant content.” (Heidelberg Materials)
“Well thought out and fantastically executed from start to finish. The care and effort behind the conference were clear, bringing people together for valuable discussions, shared learning and collaboration across the highways sector.” (Winvic Construction)
“Great range of speakers and the whole event exceptionally well managed. Best infrastructure event on the calendar.” (NY Highways)
“It was great to catch up with familiar faces and meet so many new people. We had some really interesting conversations about the challenges local authorities face and how RoadsOnline can make managing highway processes a bit easier.” (TrueViewVisuals)
“A great event, and in a great location. Lovely to see so many of my peers and clients in one space. Some insightful sessions on the latest technology, government guidance and industry skills agenda, alongside a showcase of inspiring schemes from across the UK.” (Arcadis)
“I thoroughly enjoyed the event and it was great to catch up with so many friends and colleagues across the industry. It really is one of the highlights of the industry calendar.” (Breedon)
When asked to sum up Strictly Highways 2026 in three words, attendees chose words such as informative, enjoyable, engaging, worthwhile, insightful and collaborative. These responses reflect the value of the event in bringing the highways community together to share knowledge, make connections and learn from one another.
Looking Ahead to Strictly Highways 2027
A huge thank you to everyone who attended Strictly Highways 2026, shared their feedback and contributed to another memorable event.
We’re already looking ahead to Strictly Highways 2027, which will mark the 10th year of the event, taking place from 28-30 September at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool.
Join us as we celebrate this milestone with another opportunity to connect with the highways community, hear the latest industry updates, discover innovations and recognise achievements from across the sector.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of Strictly Highways 2027.