Hosted roundtables programme
In depth conversations with diverse groupings
Running across both days of Interchange, roundtables provide in-depth conversations and bring together diverse groupings of industry experts. Each session takes place in a dedicated breakout room set up in a boardroom layout, accommodating up to 20 participants.
4 March
11.45-13.00 sessions
Egis
Delivering better-integrated transport – lessons learned from Europe
This roundtable will explore how European cities have successfully delivered integrated transport systems, offering valuable insights for the UK to look beyond transport infrastructure and explore its potential to transform cities. The discussion will focus on wider urban integration and placemaking strategies, highlighting approaches to overcome challenges and unlock long-term socio-economic benefits. Apply Here
RSK
The future of social value: how to leave a truly positive lasting legacy
Delivering against your social value commitments doesn’t come without its challenges. But what does ‘good’ look like, and how can we ever expect to achieve ‘great’ if we don’t have a standardised approach to measurement and reporting?
We will discuss the future of social value and sustainability. Bring to the table your ideas, perspectives and experiences so that we can uncover our industry’s biggest social value challenges and start to unlock some potential solutions. Apply Here
Siemens
Would a ‘connected railway’ transform the case for regional investment in rail?
Examining the opportunities that a connected railway offers the UK’s regions, as well as the obstacles that stand in the way of making it a reality. This discussion will explore whether the rail and transport industry is making a compelling enough case to regions across the UK for investment in the connected railway. Apply Here
Systra
Personal mobility data: a game changer for urban transport optimisation
How personal mobility data is transforming urban transport and improving user experience. We will delve into current innovations, challenges, and opportunities in data-driven transport optimisation. Discussion:
The role of personal mobility data in optimising public transport.
How data-driven insights are improving the passenger experience.
Challenges in data collection, integration, and utilisation.
Case studies of successful implementation in urban transport.
How data can improve intermodal interchanges between bus, tram, train, and active travel modes. Apply Here
Tarmac
Water management: stormwater, pollution, wastewater and the strain on road infrastructure
Our road infrastructure is struggling to cope with increasing runoff and urban growth. Stormwater can overwhelm drainage systems, while wastewater treatment systems face pressure from growing populations. Innovative solutions and investment in resilient infrastructure are crucial to preventing failures, reducing pollution and to minimising environmental impact. We discuss the challenge, demonstrate recent success with Waltham Forest and ask the question what can construction materials do to help? Apply Here
Ancoris
A discussion on 2025 trends: Agentic AI, why POCs fail, and optimisation opportunities for the transport industry
In this session, engage in open discussion on the importantly growing role AI is playing in how transport organisations - both public and private - engage with citizens and each other. We’ll discuss where enhanced and new technology solutions can solve critical challenges with real-life examples; how to avoid becoming another failed AI POC statistic; and what’s next in the ever evolving AI landscape. Leave this session with a perspective on what AI adoption can look like for your organisation, actionable strategies for implementing it, and how to ensure success. Apply Here
14.00-15.15 sessions
Arcadis
Accelerating infrastructure delivery to unlock homes, jobs and skills to improve the quality of life within our city regions
As a key area of focus for the Mayoral authorities, participants will discuss the role of public and private sector collaboration and how the Mayoral Authorities can support infrastructure investment that is growth based. Apply Here
AtkinsRéalis
How systems thinking unlocks the holistic value of biodiversity
In this roundtable, we will explore how organisations can meet their biodiversity obligations through a systems thinking approach to integrated transport and places infrastructure which applies nature-based solutions to parallel challenges, including climate change resilience, net zero transport infrastructure provision, nature recovery, health and therefore social value overall. In short, considering nature-based solutions as a critical part of the system can help you protect your assets, create savings and generate revenue. Apply Here
City Science
Regional evidence delivers economies of scale for local strategies & plans
Strategies and plans generally commission data collation, modelling and literature reviews from scratch. Having it collated and available at a regional level would deliver downstream economies of scale, consistency and alignment, pro-actively addressing data and needs gaps. What are the underlying barriers and how to we overcome them? Apply Here
Connected Places Catapult
From disruption to delivery: how data can transform new infrastructure development
Does the breadth of data and the capability of AI now available provide new opportunities for innovation to improve how people live and travel in the future? Will innovative solutions deliver the significant steps forward in infrastructure capability that we need to meet the country's needs? Join the Connected Places Catapult session to meet speakers from the whole innovation lifecycle collectively across sectors, including energy, water, transport and telecoms. Apply Here
Stantec
Reducing the car-dependency of housing and urban regeneration developments
To deliver and maximise the placemaking contribution of sustainable transport initiatives that support a new settlement or urban regeneration development, how do we get the timing of delivery right? Following the plenary ‘Place’ session, we will discuss examples of sustainable transport delivery enhancing and delaying development realisation. A recent RTPI study (The Location of Development 4) exposes many new housing developments continue to be car-dependent. So, what are the barriers to sustainable transport connectivity? Who is successfully overcoming these? How do we need to do it differently to succeed in the future? Apply Here
TRL
What does a well-managed highway mean? And what does it look like for the users?
TRL’s roundtable will bring together experts from diverse sectors, representing a variety of needs and perspectives. This session will explore what well-managed highways truly mean, fostering collaboration to share innovations, redefine standards, and create more efficient, sustainable, and resilient road networks for the future. Apply Here
15.45-17.00 sessions
Amey
Technology, collaboration, and funding’s role in delivering climate resilient infrastructure and accelerating net zero
This roundtable discussion will explore the challenges and opportunities for delivering more climate resilient infrastructure, the unique role of technology in fast-tracking towards your net zero goals, and the growing importance of strategic cross-sector collaborative partnerships in delivering a more sustainable future for all. Apply Here
Crown Commercial Service
Will new procurement rules help deliver growth in the UK rail sector?
In conjunction with Rail Supply Group and the Department for Business and Trade, this session brings together key rail industry stakeholders to build consensus around procurement challenges and opportunities under the new Procurement Act while introducing the rail sector Innovation Charter.
Participants will:
collaborate with key stakeholders from across the rail industry
shape discussions on the new Procurement Act: key changes, opportunities, challenges and how it will unlock innovation
learn about CCS’s flexible measures across agreements, including the Transport Technology framework and other strategic initiatives
preview the new Rail Sector Innovation Charter, raising awareness and promoting themes. Apply Here
Hitachi Rail
Driving the mobility transition: the role of sustainable, cost-effective light rail solutions in our cities
This roundtable will explore the role of Light Rail Transit (LRT) in enhancing Urban Mobility. Participants will engage in a discussion around:
Advancing last-mile solutions through LRT to create seamless, accessible, and sustainable urban transport networks.
Driving public-private sector collaboration – Engaging stakeholders to accelerate the adoption and expansion of cost-effective LRT solutions.
Leveraging technology and innovation – Explore how digitalisation and automation can help reduce operating costs and increase safety. Apply Here
RHA
Ending freight blindness: what can local government do to help the logistics industry serve our economic, community and net-zero goals?
Despite its importance to our economy and wider national life, the lack of consideration for freight and logistics in our local planning and transport documentation is often called freight blindness. With various planning reforms and national government strategies on the horizon, we'll look at what local and regional government bodies should be doing to end freight blindness, and what infrastructure the industry needs if it is going to be able to support wider policy objectives into the future. Apply Here
Sweco
How do we bring stakeholders and industry partners on the journey to plan and deliver people-orientated, inclusive and integrated places
Discuss experiences of working with and engaging stakeholders and industry partners. Examine collaborative techniques, effective communication, and innovative solutions to ensure diverse perspectives are included. Highlight successful and international case studies and explore how to achieve sustainable and equitable urban development Apply Here
Department for Transport
How can LTA's, franchises and MCA's utilise open data and data analytics to improve the accuracy and reliability of bus services?
This roundtable will discuss the potential of open data sources and open-source analytics to enhance the quality of open data, unlocking new opportunities for an improved passenger experience through a more efficient and user-friendly public transportation system. Apply Here
5 March
11.00-12.15 sessions
Frazer-Nash Consultancy
People-centric? Can we prove it?
How well are we really delivering a people-centric multi-model transport systems? How reliably, demonstrably, and robustly are we designing a system that considers and is designed to support the psychological and physiological capabilities and limitations of its users? What are we doing to prove that these means are resulting in the desired outcome? Apply Here
Mott MacDonald
Mott MacDonald x CIHT CLIMATES road and rail
CIHT CLIMATES is a new initiative that is exploring possible futures for transport and the environment and their implications for professionals and organisations in the highways and transportation sector. We will be using this roundtable to test some of the early CLIMATES recommendations with both the road and rail sectors; two sectors who face similar challenges but may be tackling climate change in slightly different ways. Apply Here
PA Consulting
The challenge for UK transport providers in delivering multiple agenda – is the customer always right?
As UK transport providers navigate a rapidly evolving landscape, the tension between meeting customer expectations and delivering against multiple agendas (organisational, regional, national, etc) has never been more pronounced. From net-zero commitments to enhancing regional connectivity, the concept of ""place"" serves as a focal point in redefining how transport systems integrate with local needs, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
This roundtable will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and regional leaders to explore the complex dynamics of balancing customer-centric services with the demands of place-based planning.
Through an engaging discussion, participants will examine real-world case studies, identify opportunities for collaboration, and debate whether the principle that ""the customer is always right"" can coexist with the broader responsibilities of delivering place-based transport systems. The session aims to inspire actionable insights for fostering inclusive, future-ready transport solutions that enhance the sense of place while addressing the challenges of a changing world. Apply Here
Pascall+Watson
Transport infrastructure designed to catalyse better communities, environments, and economies
Transport infrastructure is uniquely positioned to drive societal, environmental, and economic progress.
This roundtable will reimagine the role of transport infrastructure, illustrating how thoughtful design and innovation can:
Reshape the communities they serve
Redefine their environmental footprint
Support economic prosperity Apply Here
tmc3
AI-powered cyber threats & next-gen security
In a discussion looking at key priorities, strategic investments, and executive buy-in for UK organisations, participants will address:
What security technology and services will allow UK organisations to react and respond to automated and AI cyber threats.
What security initiatives and priorities should CTO’s/CISO’s/DPO’s be focusing on over the next 12 months
What is the best way for leaders to gather support and/or funding to execute their strategy. Apply Here
Tony Gee
Do project teams have the capacity to deliver better outcomes from infrastructure projects?
Join us for an engaging discussion where we tackle the challenges of delivering value outcomes in infrastructure projects. We'll explore priority value outcomes, the Value Toolkit, and innovative solutions to deliver value beyond the project's core purpose. Bring your challenges and ideas for an interesting debate. Apply Here
12.45-14.00 sessions
National Highways
Towards integrated transport networks and wider outcomes
What are the steps the roads sector needs to take, to collaborate with other networks and partners to achieve integrated transport networks that deliver wider benefits of improved places and decarbonised journeys? Apply Here
Heathrow Southern Rail
Heathrow Southern Rail: removing the pain from catching the plane
A discussion on integrated and decarbonised airport access. In the context of the Government's 10 year infrastructure strategy and the drive for growth, net zero and devolution we will explore how access to airports can be made more efficient, less congesting and respectful of communities and the planet. Apply Here
Freewheeling
Fast track: practical tools for moving faster and getting things done
Want to make faster progress? Join this interactive, board game-style session to discover no-nonsense tips and tricks for faster decision-making and agility. Led by Thomas Ableman, former TfL strategy and innovation director, this fun, high-energy roundtable is packed with practical ideas to help you drive real change—fast. Apply Here
BT Active Intelligence
Using Real Time Data to manage our towns and cities
This roundtable will explore how real-time data enables authorities to respond efficiently to operational challenges. From managing congestion and coordinating diversion routes to deploying dynamic traffic management interventions, participants will discuss practical solutions for improving urban mobility. The session will highlight how live data can drive smoother travel experiences, increased safety, and smarter, more integrated management of our transport network and looking towards the need for predictive technology to support this. Apply Here
Deloitte
Shaping the Future of Regional Transport
A discussion of recent successes across the sector, focusing on how these can be applied in a future which is financially constrained but where power is devolved. Apply Here
Skanska and the Rail Supply Group (RSG)
Collaborative innovation for sustainable value
How might we better realise sustainable value through collaborative innovation. Key themes to explore during the round table:
Explain the RSG "Rail Sector Innovation Charter" it’s focus and the supporting RSG Working Groups (1) Procurement, 2) Collaboration, 3) IP & Data and 4) Diversity, Culture & Industry Learning)
What benefits do we expect from increased, structured, and innovative collaboration ?
How might parties select and support the most beneficial initiatives (e.g. potential pipeline /spend, targeted improvement areas, whole life value, sustainability etc ?
Perceived hurdles to best collaboration e.g. IP, vested interest alignment, how can commercial models underpin objectives ?
Bridging the gap – innovation, development, testing, scaling, sustainable growth & exports
Integrating innovation across clients and through the supply chain Apply Here
14.30-15.45 sessions
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM)
Delivering bus passenger improvements whilst also achieving Streets for All objectives
In constrained urban environments, how can we provide bus passenger journey improvements such as shorter journey times, enhanced reliability and growth in bus patronage and customer satisfaction, within the context of delivering streets which work for all users and uses? Apply Here
Young Mobility Network
Empowering diversity: nurturing the growth of young professionals in the UK mobility industry
This roundtable will explore how we can foster greater diversity within the UK mobility industry by focusing on the growth and development of young professionals. The Young Mobility Network (YMN) has grown to 600 individuals and is active in seven hubs, from Berlin to London. Last September, YMN set up its first UK hub in London. Through collaborative discussion, we’ll examine strategies to empower the next generation, enhance inclusion, and create more opportunities for diverse talent to thrive and lead in the sector. Join us to connect, learn, and shape the future of mobility together. Apply Here