After a seriously busy, but absolutely amazing week, the LCRIG team are now rested and we’ve had time to reflect on what was our biggest and best Strictly Highways yet.
For me, all I can say is what an incredible three days it was. This year we welcomed almost 600 delegates across the three days, including more than 200 public sector delegates from over 90 local authorities across England, Wales and Scotland.
The conference agenda was packed with insightful presentations and engaging panel sessions. We heard honest conversations about the challenges that the sector is facing and heard inspiring examples of the actions taking place to address the challenges.
But as always, the magic of Strictly is in the hours spent networking and making new connections. And whilst Strictly provides an opportunity for two days of learning, what makes the event so impactful is the value that’s taken away from the event, and the impact of the collaboration that comes from the conversations, new ideas and new connections that have been made.
At the DfT Special Recognition Awards, we also celebrated the brilliant individuals and organisations who are making a difference across the sector. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and shortlisted entries. It was a record year for award entries, with hundreds submitted, so it really was a huge achievement to be shortlisted for an award.
It was also a special and proud moment for the LCRIG team as we got to celebrate our amazing Susanne and recognise her incredible impact across the sector over the last 30 years. You can read more about Susanne’s award here.
We’ll be sharing our official event report in the next couple of weeks, but in the meantime, here are some key stats from across the three days:
- 597 Registered Delegates
- 74 English Authorities
- 2 Welsh Authorities
- 6 Scottish Authorities
- 4 London Boroughs
- 4 Combined Authorities
- 123 Supply Chain Organisations
- 53 Exhibitors
- 26 Conference Sessions
- 42 Speakers
- 9 Award Winners
- 520 Delegates at the DfT Special Recognition Awards
- 330+ Hotel Rooms Organised
A Huge Thank You
We’ve already received some brilliant feedback and we’ll be taking a closer look at everything in our post event debrief next week. But before that, we want to say a massive thank you, because the success of Strictly isn’t possible without the incredible collaboration and support of so many people.
To our Main Conference Partner, AE Yates, Networking Sponsor, Brightly, Drinks Reception Sponsor, Eurovia and all of the exhibitors and supporters, your support ensures that are able to continue to deliver the event and offer fully funded public sector places.
To our brilliant speakers, panelists and session chairs, thank you for sharing your expertise, experiences and time.
To our delegates, thank you for your energy, conversations and commitment to collaboration.
Finally I have to say a huge thank you to the LCRIG team who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly. You consistently do an amazing job, you’re always professional, always positive and never stop smiling.
2026 is Now Open!
We’re already busy planning for next year, when Strictly Highways 2026 will return to the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, from 6–8 October.
Private sector bookings are now open – click here to secure your place.
Kerry Winstanley,
Managing Director