Held for the first time at Co-op Live, Europe’s most technologically advanced arena, MTC26 brought together the very people who are shaping the future of transport and logistics.

One day. One destination. Endless discussion.
Across four stages, more than 20 sessions and 35 speakers, the Microlise Transport Conference explored what the industry is facing today – and what’s on the cards for tomorrow.

From AI and automation to compliance, driver wellbeing, infrastructure, sustainability and security, our 2026 agenda reflected a sector that is moving fast, but still facing operational challenges and with that, opportunity.

So, what stood out?

The word on everyone’s lips was AI. Not as a distant concept. Not as a future possibility. But as something already beginning to reshape the way transport operators work.

In his keynote, Microlise CTO Dean Garvey-North addressed the topic directly, asking the question: “AI is here, now what?”

His message was clear. The opportunity for us is not to simply bolt AI onto existing products and call it innovation. The real value lies in building intelligent solutions from the ground up, using AI to turn complex data into practical, actionable insight.

For transport operators, that matters.

The industry is already rich in data. Vehicles, drivers, routes, depots, compliance systems and connected assets are generating huge volumes of information every day. The challenge is no longer just collecting that data. It is understanding it, applying it and using it to make better decisions faster.

As Dean put it: “If you are standing still, you will get left behind.”

The audience agreed. In a live poll, 63% of delegates said AI and automation would have the biggest impact on transport operations over the next 12-24 months. That is a significant signal. Not just of interest, but of expectation.

Throughout the day, MTC26 host Spencer Kelly, BBC technology journalist, invited delegates to share their views through live audience polling.

The results painted a picture of an industry with ambition, but also pressure points. Sound familiar?

Not exactly breaking news, but fuel costs remain the most immediate concern, with 44% of delegates identifying rising fuel costs as the biggest challenge facing transport and logistics today. It is a reminder that, even as the industry looks ahead to AI, automation and electrification, day-to-day cost control remains firmly at the top of the agenda.

Infrastructure readiness was another clear theme. 44% said their organisation felt least prepared for electric fleet infrastructure planning, highlighting the gap between long-term sustainability goals and the practical realities of delivering them. For many operators, the transition to electric fleets is not simply a vehicle decision. It is still a real challenge.

Driver engagement also came through strongly. Half of delegates said improved driver engagement and performance tools would make the biggest difference to their operation in the next year. In a sector where safety, efficiency and compliance are key, we’re delighted to see that the role of technology in supporting drivers can offer real value.

Perhaps one of the most encouraging findings was the way delegates viewed transport itself. 73% said transport is either a clear or growing competitive advantage in their organisation. That suggests a shift in mindset. Transport is no longer being seen purely as a cost centre; it is being recognised as a strategic function with the power to improve service, resilience, customer experience and business performance.

We also revisited cybersecurity at this year’s conference. 60% of delegates believed attackers choose their targets based on likelihood of paying, underlining the need for transport operators to think carefully about operational resilience, cyber risk and the protection of connected systems.

Transport operations are still seen as valuable targets to what are very sophisticated criminals.

Over the years, the Microlise Transport Conference has built a reputation for the depth and relevance of its panel discussions. This year was no exception.

In the our first of many panel discssions, Kevin Rooney from the Traffic Commission, Aaron Peters from the Road Haulage Association, Neil Barlow from the DVSA and Duncan Smith from National Highways explored the future of compliance, enforcement and the readiness of the highway network.

The discussion looked beyond individual operators and considered the broader ecosystem needed to keep Britain moving.

Kevin Rooney’s key takeaway focused on culture. In his view, one of the clearest differences between good and poor operators is whether drivers and managers feel empowered to speak up when practices are unsafe. Technology, regulation and enforcement all have a role to play, but culture remains critical.

The panel also examined driver shortages and the challenge of attracting and retaining talent. Aaron Peters revealed that the RHA is set to launch its driver wellbeing charter in July, aimed at addressing some of the issues affecting driver welfare and helping the sector compete for the people it needs.

It was a timely reminder that the future of transport is not only about vehicles, systems and infrastructure. It is also about people.

From the Arena Stage to the specialist breakout sessions, MTC26 captured the scale and complexity of the challenges facing transport and logistics.

The conversations were wide-ranging, but the direction of travel was clear.

The industry is looking for smarter ways to work. It wants technology that solves real-world problems. It wants clearer insight, stronger compliance, better support for drivers and more confidence in the path ahead.

If you missed any of the sessions or want to revisit the key discussions from the day, all our MTC26 content will be available on demand via the Microlise YouTube channel.

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