With less than a week to go, organisers of UK Construction Week Birmingham (UKCW) are putting the finishing touches to a packed programme of talks, demonstrations, panel debates and networking opportunities which cover a myriad of topics across the built environment sphere – from culture change to Net Zero, mental health to building safety.
With a busy three days from October 3rd to 5th at the NEC, visitors will need to plan their diaries to get the most out of the show, which will feature the latest innovation and technology, cutting edge equipment and a wealth of keynote speakers and educational sessions.
Nathan Garnett, show director explained: “With just under a week to go, we are proud of the diverse and innovative line-up we have at this year’s show. With the industry changing at such a rapid pace, we make sure our visitors are seeing, learning and hearing everything they need to keep pace with the industry advancements.”
Here are just some of the must-see highlights:
This year’s speaker and seminar programme featuring high-profile names will bring some of the industry’s most eminent leaders together on the Main Stage. Keynote speakers include Andy Street, Mayor of West Midlands, who returns after last year’s popular Q&A session; and Caroline Romback, Director of Construction, Cooper Consultancy, who will give her insight from working on HS2.
Robotics, sustainability and productivity will all be highlighted in the ever-popular Future Lab, a showcase of technology, disruptors and change-makers who are at the leading edge of innovation in the industry. Each product featured in the Future Lab will shine a spotlight on the companies and individuals who are changing the status quo on the way we build. Discover products and solutions that promote new productivity, speed, quality, safety, sustainability and social cohesion in the sector.
With nine hubs located across nine show sections, UKCW Birmingham is a unique opportunity to hear from industry leaders, learn about the new wave of building methods, safety regulations, sustainability, digitalisation, mental health, EDI and more. The CPD Hub includes over 150 CPD hours across the three days.
The latest developments and technology in Digital Construction will once again be showcased at UK Construction Week Birmingham with its best line-up yet. A dedicated Digital Construction Hub, sponsored by Oracle, will delve into key topics surrounding the digitalisation of the construction sector. Conversations will look into opportunities in Robotics, 3D printing technologies, and how digital solutions can improve building safety.
With the current RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) schools crisis dominating headlines, the issue of building safety is once again a major talking point – and a key focus for UK Construction Week Birmingham, where it will feature heavily across the three-day event. The extensive building safety seminar, workshop and speaker programme will run for the duration of the show, and will feature many of the leading experts and key voices in the industry.
Sponsored by HP Construction Services, The Robotics Theatre is located in the Digital Construction section at UKCW, and will showcase solutions that will create a positive impact within the construction industry. There is a full demonstration timetable across the three-day show, featuring robots on wheels, exoskeletons and giant robotic arms.
The Culture Change Hub, in partnership with National Federation of Builders and supported by Building People, will focus on improving employee wellbeing, better inclusivity within the built environment and tackling work-life balance and diversity.
Mental health in construction is another key topic at UKCW Birmingham. Anita Malster, Owner of Blossom Training and Kate Walker, CEO of Diabetes Safety Organisation will host Good or Ill: Mental & Physical Health in the industry. On the second day of UKCW within the CPD Hub Anita Malster will host another seminar – Are we talking about mental health or are we talking about life? Further seminars include Danny Clare, Commercial Director – National Federation of Builders, who hosts a debate on The Silent Pandemic, held within the Offsite Alliance hub.
The path to Net Zero shows some of the latest technology innovations to lower carbon footprints in the built environment. This year, ZERO has collaborated with Natural Building Systems to create an exciting two-story stand that utilises leading ultra-low-carbon modular technology. The lounge, gallery and stand will allow visitors to connect with the change-makers who are pushing the industry to achieve Net Zero. Exhibitors on the ZERO stand include Sterling DCS, GS1 UK, Natural Building Systems, Qualisflow, Hanson Plywood, Paperless Construction, Catalyst, Edify, 2050 Materials and Invicara.
Established over 10 years ago, the UK’s only dedicated timber exhibition, Timber Expo, returns this autumn as a co-located event alongside, UK Construction Week Birmingham. Timber Expo will bring together award-winning architects, clients, and contractors to showcase all that timber has to offer.
To register for UKCW Birmingham for free, go to UKCW Birmingham Registrations
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