Understanding the Traffex 2026 Visitor Profile: An Interview with Ray Clark

Q: Ray, let's start with the basics. When exhibitors are considering Traffex, who are they actually going to meet?

The standout statistic is that Local Authorities make up 45% of our visitor base – they're not just attending, they dominate. We're talking about Highway Engineering Managers, Procurement Specialists, Transport Directors, Asset Managers, Operations Managers. These aren't representatives who need to go back and ask permission; they're the people actively tendering contracts, implementing maintenance programmes, and solving daily road management challenges.

 

Q: That's a significant percentage. How does this shape the value proposition for exhibitors?

It provides direct and unparalleled access to one of the most critical segments of the road infrastructure market. For exhibitors, it means you're standing in front of the actual decision-makers. The challenge we're helping solve is moving exhibitors beyond assumptions to understand the true composition and value of the audience on the other side of the stand.

 

Q: You've mentioned that Traffex 2026 is focusing on "implementation-ready" leads. What does that mean in practice?

We're explicitly prioritising visitors with specific procurement objectives and active project timelines. It's about maximising the value of every interaction. The curatorial focus shifts the dynamic from simple networking to concrete business development – making every conversation a potential qualified lead.

 

Q: That's quite a bold claim. How confident are you in the quality of these leads?

Very. It's a crucial differentiator. Exhibitors spend their time engaging with prospects who are actively seeking solutions, not just browsing. It's an environment built not just for visibility, but for tangible business outcomes.

 

Q: Beyond job titles, what can exhibitors expect in terms of actual purchasing power?

This is where it gets really interesting. We provide a rare level of financial context. Highway Engineering Managers from Local Authorities are coming in with £1-10 million project budgets. Project Directors from major contractors are delivering £5-50 million road projects. This moves the conversation from who the attendees are to what they're empowered to do. Exhibitors can tailor their pitches, product demonstrations, and strategic conversations to the precise scale and scope of active projects.

 

Q: Local Authorities are clearly the largest single group, but who else makes up the audience?

The contractor and consultant ecosystem is a major force. Tier 1 Contractors represent 12%, Consultancies 10%, and Specialist Contractors another 10%. Combined, that's nearly a third of the audience. These are the Project Directors, Technical Specialists, Commercial Managers, and Operations Directors responsible for delivering major projects, specifying solutions, and building the supplier partnerships that drive the industry. For any company looking to become an embedded part of the infrastructure supply chain, engaging with this segment is critical.

 

Q: And what about central government presence?

Central Government and key agencies constitute a vital 10% of the audience. This provides direct access to decision-makers from influential bodies like National Highways and the Department for Transport. We're talking about Policy Implementation Specialists, Technical Managers, Regional Directors – people instrumental in shaping national policy, setting technical standards, and managing the UK's strategic road network. For businesses aiming to influence large-scale projects and national strategy, these are crucial connections.

 

Q: So pulling all of this together, what's your final message to exhibitors considering Traffex 2026?

The audience profile reveals a clear strategy: to connect exhibitors with a high-value, implementation-focused audience with defined roles, budgets, and projects. You know who's in the room. The question is: how will you prepare to make every conversation count?

For details on how to exhibit, contact Ray by email r.clark@hgluk.com