A: Traffex 2026 is the UK's leading highways and roads tradeshow, taking place 20-21 May 2026 at CBS Arena, Coventry. The event delivers "Roads. Reality. Results." – prioritising practical, implementation-focused solutions over strategic discussion. Traffex brings together the UK's road infrastructure supply chain, connecting suppliers with decision-makers who have budget authority, procurement responsibility, and implementation deadlines.

 

A: Traffex 2026 takes place on 20-21 May 2026 at CBS Arena, Coventry. The event runs from 09:30-17:00 on Day 1 (Wednesday 20 May) and 09:30-16:30 on Day 2 (Thursday 21 May).

 

A: Traffex is the most results-driven UK roads event, focusing on practical implementation rather than policy discussion. Our attendees are not looking for future innovation alone – they have immediate procurement needs, approved budgets, and project deadlines. The event features five conference theatres delivering hands-on implementation strategies with real costs, timelines, and case studies from urban streets to strategic routes.

 

A: Yes, Traffex 2026 is co-located with Parkex (parking solutions) and Cold Comfort (winter maintenance) at CBS Arena, Coventry. This means exhibitors and visitors can access all three events under one roof, maximising networking opportunities and reach across the broader infrastructure sector.

A: Traffex attracts over 5,000 infrastructure professionals including local authority highways departments, National Highways representatives, highways contractors, civil engineering consultancies, traffic management specialists, maintenance teams, and procurement decision-makers. Over one-third of our audience comes from government and the public sector, with significant representation from budget holders and project directors.

 

A: Attendees include highways engineers, asset managers, traffic managers, procurement officers, technical directors, operations managers, maintenance supervisors, project managers, policy advisors, and commercial directors from across the UK road infrastructure sector.

 

A: Visitors come from local authorities, combined authorities, National Highways, highways maintenance contractors, civil engineering consultancies, traffic management companies, technology providers, government agencies (including Department for Transport), professional institutions (CIHT, ICE, ADEPT), and infrastructure delivery organisations.

 

A: Yes, a significant proportion of Traffex visitors have direct purchasing authority or influence procurement decisions. Our audience includes budget holders, procurement specialists, technical specifiers, and strategic decision-makers who attend specifically to evaluate suppliers and solutions for active or upcoming projects.

A: Traffex may not be the largest roads event, but it's the most results-driven. You'll connect with buyers who are ready to make purchasing decisions, not just gather information. Exhibitors benefit from face-to-face conversations with pre-qualified audiences, the ability to demonstrate products live, access to procurement decision-makers, and direct pipeline-building opportunities with active projects.

 

A: Traffex offers shell scheme packages starting from 6m² (providing walls, carpet, lighting, fascia, furniture, and power), space-only packages for custom-built stands from 12m²+, and various sponsorship opportunities including conference theatre sponsorship, Solutions Studio sessions, networking events, and branding packages.

 

A: Exhibition pricing varies by stand size and package type. Shell scheme packages typically start from approximately £3,000-£6,000 for smaller stands (9m²+), while larger space-only packages range from £8,000-£25,000+ depending on size and location. Contact Commercial Director Ray Clark for current pricing and early bird rates.

 

A: Shell scheme packages include allocated exhibition space, shell scheme walls, carpet flooring, lighting, fascia with company name, furniture (tables, chairs, counter), standard power supply, and inclusion in all event marketing materials including the official exhibitor list, event app, and website.

 

A: Yes, space-only packages allow you to design and build a fully custom stand. You'll receive raw floor space and can create your own branded environment. Additional costs include stand build (typically £3,000-£10,000 depending on complexity), furniture, graphics, and specialist equipment.

 

A: Stand size depends on your objectives and budget. First-time exhibitors often start with 6m² or 9m² shell schemes (£3,000-£8,000 range) to test the event. Established exhibitors or those with live demonstrations typically choose 12-15m² space-only stands (£10,000-£20,000 range) for greater impact and flexibility. Larger stands (18m²+) suit companies wanting prominent positioning and comprehensive product displays.

 

A: Yes, Traffex offers early bird rates for exhibitors who book before specified deadlines. Early bird exhibitors also benefit from being positioned ahead of the main visitor marketing launch, ensuring their brand is visible to potential visitors from the start of the registration campaign. Contact the sales team for current early bird deadlines and savings.

 

A: While ROI varies by company and package, exhibitors consistently report 15-40X returns on investment. A £6,000 investment typically generates 80-150 qualified leads, with exhibitors reporting deal values of £90,000-£250,000+ within 4-6 months. Face-to-face engagement at Traffex accelerates sales cycles significantly compared to cold outreach.

A: Yes, Traffex offers multiple speaking opportunities for exhibitors. The TechTalks Theatre features 15-minute exhibitor presentations showcasing technology and innovation. Exhibitors can also participate in Solutions Studio sessions (intimate problem-solving workshops), sponsor conference theatres, or contribute to panel discussions. Speaking opportunities generate qualified leads and establish thought leadership.

 

A: Traffex 2026 features five conference theatres: The Roadmap Theatre (powered by Highways Magazine) covering the complete infrastructure lifecycle; TechTalks Theatre (15-minute fast-focused presentations on technology and innovation); Solutions Studio (facilitated problem-solving sessions); and additional themed theatres focusing on specific challenges facing the sector including budget planning, procurement, and implementation strategies.

 

A: TechTalks Theatre delivers fifteen-minute presentations offering fast, focused insights on emerging and existing technology changing the roads sector. These rapid-fire sessions allow exhibitors to demonstrate innovation, share case studies, and generate leads through high-quality content delivery rather than traditional sales pitches.

 

A: The Solutions Studio offers intimate, facilitated problem-solving sessions that deliver immediate practical value to attendees. These interactive workshops allow exhibitors to engage directly with small groups of decision-makers facing specific challenges, creating deeper conversations and stronger relationships than traditional stand interactions.

 

A: Exhibitors receive comprehensive marketing exposure including listing in the official exhibitor directory, presence in the event app with appointment booking functionality, inclusion in email campaigns to 20,000+ sector professionals, social media promotion, website listings, and features in media partner publications including Highways Magazine.

 

A: The Traffex 2026 Event App is a new diary system allowing exhibitors and visitors to connect and arrange meetings in advance. The app enables visitors to browse exhibitors, book appointments, select conference sessions, save contacts, and plan their visit efficiently. Exhibitors can use the app for lead capture and follow-up.

 

A: Lead generation strategies include pre-event outreach using attendee lists, booking appointments through the event app, delivering TechTalks or Solutions Studio presentations, conducting live product demonstrations, hosting hospitality at your stand, offering CPD-accredited sessions, and engaging with visitors in conference theatres. On-stand lead capture systems and follow-up plans are essential.

 

A: Exhibitors do not receive access to pre-registered visitor lists, however all exhibitors have access to the event app which enables you view the list of delegate who are using the app and to book up to 20 appointments with key prospects, send personalised invitations, and maximise your stand traffic by engaging decision-makers before the event opens.

 

A: Yes, CBS Arena Coventry offers on-site parking with ample space for exhibitor vehicles, vans, and trucks. Parking is free for the event. You MUST validate your parking - see details here. The venue is easily accessible from the M6 (Junction 3) and M42, with clear signage from major routes.

 

A: Yes, CBS Arena Coventry is surrounded by numerous hotels ranging from budget to premium. The venue is in Coventry city centre with excellent hotel availability. The event team can provide recommendations and sometimes negotiates preferred rates with nearby hotels for exhibitors.

 

A: Yes, CBS Arena Coventry provides free Wi-Fi throughout the exhibition hall and venue. However, for business-critical applications, exhibitors are strongly advised to install a dedicated wired internet connection for reliability, which can be arranged through the venue or official contractors.

 

A: Traffex 2026 takes place on 20-21 May 2026 at CBS Arena, Coventry. Opening hours are 09:30-17:00 on Wednesday 20 May and 09:30-16:30 on Thursday 21 May. The venue is easily accessible from the M6 (Junction 3) and M42.

 

A: Yes, visitor registration for Traffex 2026 is completely free. All exhibition access, conference sessions, networking opportunities, and CPD-accredited content are included at no cost. Pre-registration is strongly recommended for fast-track entry and access to the event app.

 

A: While you can register on-site, advance registration is strongly recommended. Pre-registering gives you fast-track entry, access to the event app (allowing you to book supplier meetings in advance), personalised event updates, and the ability to build your visit plan before arriving. Registration takes 2 minutes online.

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A: Over 200 exhibitors span the complete roads and highways supply chain including highway maintenance equipment and materials, traffic management solutions, road marking and surfacing, safety barriers and signage, traffic signal technology, bridge engineering, winter maintenance equipment, EV charging infrastructure, asset management software, data and analytics platforms, consultancy services, and emerging technologies for smart infrastructure.

 

A: Visitors can explore 200+ exhibitor stands with live product demonstrations, attend 40+ CPD-accredited conference sessions across five theatres, book one-to-one meetings with suppliers using the event app, participate in Solutions Studio problem-solving workshops, watch TechTalks presentations on emerging technology, network with peers and suppliers, and access hands-on implementation guidance from industry experts.

 

A: Yes, your Traffex registration also grants access to co-located events Parkex (parking solutions) and Cold Comfort (winter maintenance). This means you can explore complementary sectors and suppliers across all three shows during your visit, maximising the value of your time on-site.

 

A: Yes, all conference sessions are completely free to attend with your visitor registration. There are no additional charges for CPD-accredited sessions, workshops, or theatre presentations.

 

A: Traffex 2026 features five conference theatres: The Roadmap Theatre (powered by Highways Magazine) covering the complete infrastructure lifecycle from planning to recycling; TechTalks Theatre with 15-minute focused technology presentations; Solutions Studio offering intimate problem-solving workshops; and additional themed theatres throughout Cold Comfort and Parkex.

 

A: Yes, many Traffex conference sessions are CPD-accredited by relevant professional institutions. Session descriptions indicate CPD accreditation status, and certificates can be requested after attendance.

 

A: Traffex 2026 speakers include Ruth Cadbury MP (Chair, Transport Select Committee), Simon Lightwood MP (Minister for Roads and Buses), Elliot Shaw (Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, National Highways), Darren Capes (Head of Road Infrastructure Technology, DfT), representatives from transport authorities, local authority technical directors, senior engineers from major consultancies and contractors, professional association leaders, and technology innovators.

A: Registration is open from 23rd February 2026. Visit www.traffex.com and click "Register" or go directly to the registration page. Complete the simple online form with your contact details, organisation, and job role. You'll receive confirmation immediately and can access the event app to start planning your visit.

 

A: Most visitors spend 3-5 hours exploring the exhibition and attending 2-3 conference sessions. If you have specific supplier meetings booked or want to attend multiple sessions, plan for a full day. Visiting both days allows you to cover all content and revisit key suppliers without rushing.

 

A: Yes, the Traffex 2026 Event App allows you to browse exhibitors, identify relevant suppliers, and request meetings directly. Many exhibitors actively use the system to pre-book slots with prospects, ensuring you have dedicated time with the right people rather than competing for attention on busy stands.

 

A: This depends on your objectives. If you have specific suppliers to meet and 2-3 must-attend sessions, one focused day may suffice. However, attending both days allows you to cover all content thoroughly, attend more diverse sessions, revisit suppliers for deeper conversations, and network more extensively.

A: CBS Arena Coventry is located in Coventry city centre with excellent transport links. By car: Junction 3 of the M6 (2 minutes) or M42 (10 minutes). By train: Coventry Station is 10 minutes away by taxi or 20 minutes walking. The venue is well signposted from all major routes.

 

A: Yes, CBS Arena Coventry offers free on-site parking for visitors. The car park has ample capacity, though arrival before 10am on Day 1 is recommended to secure convenient spaces during peak times. You MUST validate your parking. See details here.

A: Coventry Station is the nearest mainline station, approximately 1 mile (1.6km) from CBS Arena. Regular trains connect Coventry to London Euston (1 hour), Birmingham New Street (20 minutes), Manchester, and other major cities. Taxis from the station take 10 minutes and cost approximately £6-8.

A: Yes, Coventry city centre has numerous hotels within walking distance or a short taxi ride from CBS Arena, ranging from budget options (Premier Inn, Holiday Inn Express) to premium hotels. Booking early is recommended as hotels fill up during events.

A: CBS Arena Coventry is a modern, purpose-built venue with extensive facilities including multiple catering outlets, coffee stations throughout the venue, comfortable seating areas, free Wi-Fi, accessible toilets, first aid facilities, cloakroom services, charging stations, and meeting spaces.

 

A: Yes, multiple catering options are available including hot food outlets, cafés, and refreshment stations throughout the venue. Catering operates throughout both days, though busy periods (12:00-13:00) may have queues. Many exhibitors also offer refreshments at their stands.

 

A: Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout CBS Arena Coventry. Network details are displayed on screens around the venue and on your registration materials. Connection is simple and reliable for accessing the event app, email, and web browsing.

A: Yes, many conference sessions are CPD-accredited by relevant professional bodies. The conference programme indicates which sessions carry CPD accreditation, and attendees can request certificates of attendance to support their CPD records.

A: CPD certificates are typically issued after the event. During conference sessions, attendance is recorded either through the event app or sign-in sheets. Certificates are emailed to attendees within 2-3 weeks post-event, clearly stating the session title, duration, and CPD points allocated.

A: Yes, Traffex is a major gathering point for UK local authorities, combined authorities, and National Highways. The conference programme includes dedicated sessions for peer-to-peer learning, case study presentations from similar organisations, and informal networking spaces where you can connect with counterparts facing similar challenges.

 

A: The event app and website provide searchable exhibitor lists organised by product category, company name, and solution type. Search functionality helps you identify suppliers meeting your specific requirements before and during your visit.

 

A: Exhibitions feature live demonstrations of software platforms, traffic management equipment, road marking systems, safety barriers, surveillance technology, winter maintenance vehicles, EV charging units, data analytics tools, and more. Many demonstrations are interactive, allowing hands-on experience with products.

 

A: Use the event app to shortlist relevant suppliers and visit their stands consecutively to compare offerings while details are fresh. Attend TechTalks presentations for quick technology overviews. Use Solutions Studio sessions to see multiple suppliers addressing specific challenges. Take consistent notes to enable post-event comparison.