The programme at Digital Construction Week is carefully designed to help participants keep up with the fast pace of innovation in the built environment. Over just 2 days, visitors will gain inspiring ideas and actionable strategies from 300+ forward-thinking speakers.
The event features 11 theatres that focus on some of the key areas shaping digital construction, including information management, asset management, geospatial, Net Zero, digital transformation and more.
Information Management Stage (in partnership with nima)
The Information Management Stage (IMS) hosts a series of presentations and panel sessions looking at the benefits of the shift from BIM to Information Management. Topics include product data, interoperability, digital twins, net zero and the Golden Thread.
HS2 is Europe’s largest infrastructure project, and the size of it brings many challenges in terms of scale, complexity, and interoperability. “Information management on Europe’s largest infrastructure project” will demonstrate the vital role that the information management team plays in ensuring the successful delivery of the project. Presented by Lead Information Manager on HS2, Lawrence Chapman.
“Bringing scheme handover into the 21st Century: A19 Norton to Wynyard digital handover” will be hosted by AtkinsRealis’ BIM Development Lead, Elliot Grubb and Practice Manager – Information Management, Brian Russell. Visitors will discover how Balfour Beatty and AtkinsRealis pushed new boundaries and improved efficiency in the handover of major highway projects to the maintainer, through their work on the A19 Norton to Wynyard project.
Asset Management Stage (sponsored by Glider Technology)
The Asset Management Stage is home to sessions and discussions that join the dots between the construction and operational phases. This includes asset handover, management, maintenance, and operation. Attendees will learn about the digitised information and strategies available and how they can improve the way assets are managed through their lifecycle.
In “How automation can improve project delivery: Inside King’s Cross R8“, Arup’s Bill Baynes, Senior Reinforcement Detailer and Gordon Clannachan, Associate Structural Engineer will show how they developed innovative digital tools at every stage of the King’s Cross R8 project. From early concept to construction, improving project delivery and adding value for their clients.
Join Isabelle Chatel de Brancion, Innovation Lead at Ordnance Survey for an exciting session exploring cutting-edge innovation in the prop-tech world. Discover ‘Geovation’, the innovation hub of Ordnance Survey, unlocking the power of geospatial data for startups and businesses. Three startups will present their innovative solutions and will answer any queries during this session, “Unleashing innovation for the property industry.”
People & Change Theatre (sponsored by Dassault Systemes)
The transformational nature of the digitalisation of the built environment requires focus in three key areas: people, process and technology. This is why it is important that the People and Change theatre returns in 2024. Sessions will focus on topics including behavioural change, how to embrace new ways of working, using tech to engage and communicate with staff, strategies for inclusivity, diversity, collaboration and wellbeing in the workplace.
In 2023, Causeway Technologies launched a campaign led by ex-footballer Trevor Steven to promote mental health support in the construction industry. They’re advocating for its inclusion in contracts and raising awareness of alarming statistics, like 56% of workers facing mental health issues. Join Trevor for his session “Fixing the mental health crisis in construction” that will lay the groundwork for a more supportive construction industry.
Sara Mehrabi, Director and Karl Rushen, Head of Digital Delivery at COWI will explore strategies to bridge the digital talent gap and unleash the potential of the next gen of construction professionals in “Take, shape, shake: Building the future of AEC workforce.”
How does a fire safety consultancy uphold rigorous standards, records and regulations – every single day? Join Bluebeam’s Shaun Edwards for “What construction tech can do for fire safety” to find out, as he takes you through a case study on OFR Consultants.
Net Zero Theatre (sponsored by Autodesk)
A huge shift towards achieving Net Zero is underway within all industries, and the built environment is no exception, echoed by the government’s plan to build back ‘better, faster and greener’. Sessions taking place on the Net Zero Stage will help visitors navigate how digital tools, methods, and skills are improving the performance of projects and leading to lower emissions.
Golnaz Ighany, Architect Sustainability Director, BDP will delve into regenerative and low carbon design in “Empowering regenerative design: A performance centric and data-driven approach.” Discover strategies for integrating these principles into your design process.
Is AI bad for the built environment and biodiversity? How can we use AI to improve sustainability outcomes? In “Moving beyond net zero: Can AI tools cure carbon tunnel vision?“, Megan Greig, Head of Digital Design at Elliott Wood, answers these questions and uncovers hidden risks AI poses for the built environment, as well as potential solutions.
“Digital product passports: How to prepare for upcoming construction regulation updates” will explore the latest legislative updates in the construction industry. Rachel Heaton, Engagement Manager at GS1 UK will cover important updates for regulations around the Digital Product Passport, and how this is driving sustainability. Learn about how these changes will affect UK construction and what steps you can take now to prepare to comply with these new regulations.
These are just some of the hundreds of sessions on offer at Digital Construction Week across a total of 11 stages this year. Browse the full programme here.
