From AI to robotics, BIM and sustainable solutions, the latest developments and innovations in digital construction will take centre stage at next month’s UK Construction Week (UKCW) Birmingham – the UK’s biggest event for the built environment.
With a theme of ‘where decisions are made’, UKCW Birmingham returns to the NEC for its 10th anniversary show from September 30 to October 2, for three days of big name speakers, CPD-accredited talks, live demonstrations, product launches, technical workshops, and unrivalled networking.
Digital construction is transforming the way buildings and infrastructure are designed, delivered and maintained. From building information modelling (BIM) and generative AI to robotics and advanced data management, digital tools enable businesses in the construction sector to make smarter decisions, reduce risk and work more efficiently.
The Digital Construction Hub will showcase a wide range of cutting-edge fields, including BIM, AI and automation, robotics, visualisation, software, cloud computing, UAVs and drones, and 3D printing. Key exhibitors include Plan Radar, Xpedeon, Trakm8, Building Information Innovator, Hubexo, Meta-dology.
Talk highlights at the Digital Construction Hub in partnership with Build In Digital include:
Robotics in the Built Environment: From Drones to Dynamic Worksites
Tuesday 30 September, 13:30 – 14:15
Robotics is steadily reshaping how we design, build, and maintain our built environment – from aerial drones capturing real-time site data to ground-based systems supporting inspection, logistics, and safety. In this panel, industry leaders and technologists discuss the evolving role of robotics on construction sites and across infrastructure lifecycles.
Henry Fenby-Taylor, CEO & Founder, Athenophilia
Sachit Shenai, COO, Invictus Robotics
Danny Williams, Founder, Visual Aspect Drone
Robert Claridge, Europe Learning Solutions Owner, Laing O’Rourke
From Legacy to Leadership: McLaughlin & Harvey’s Digital Transformation Blueprint
Wednesday 1 October, 10:30 – 11:15
Discover how McLaughlin & Harvey, one of the UK’s leading construction firms, transitioned from traditional project delivery to a future-proofed digital-first model. Guided by ISO 19650 and an in-house Digital Construction Team, the company has unified processes, standardised information management, and adopted tools like Egnyte, Solibri, and Morta to transform collaboration and asset delivery. This session will share their people-led strategy, key lessons, and how their approach is delivering measurable improvements in safety, productivity, and project certainty across 40+ live sites.
Glenn McCaffrey, Digital Construction Director, McLaughlin & Harvey
Satyam Verma, AEC Practice Leader (Construction), Egntye
Building Smarter: Why Data is the Ultimate AI Enabler in Construction
Wednesday 1 October, 14:30 – 15:00
For AI and Machine Learning tools to work effectively and deliver meaningful outcomes, construction companies need to adopt excellent data management. This panel session will hear from industry leaders on how their organisations are grappling with the introduction of AI.
Alex Hall, Director, The Access Group
Steve Higgins, Construction Director, Ascia Construction
Adeel Mirza, Principal Construction, Emberon
Crafting business brilliance by keeping one GenAI open – Women In BIM Panel
Wednesday 1 October, 15:30 – 16:15
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the construction and building industry is undergoing a technological renaissance – and at the centre of this transformation is Generative AI. Join a panel of industry experts as they explore how GenAI is unlocking new efficiencies and innovations – from design automation and project planning to intelligent operations and customer engagement.
Mairead Gallager-Morgan, BIM Lead (Europe & Middle East), Grimshaw Architects
Lilian Ho, Associate Director (Digital & BIM), Aecom
Hadeel Saadoon, Principal Consultant (Real Estate), Turner & Townsend
Emma Rees, Senior Digital Construction Manager, Wates
Breaking Barriers: Tackling the Top Three AI Scepticisms Holding Back UK Construction
Thursday 1 October, 13:30 – 14:15
AI offers transformative potential for construction, but adoption is stalled by skills gaps, data quality and legacy system challenges, and deep trust, reliability, and safety concerns that fuel resistance. This session confronts these head-on, helping participants understand the root causes and practical responses. Learn how to bridge the skills divide, fix data and system roadblocks, and build a culture of trusted, responsible AI use that empowers teams on site and in the office.
Andrew Whyatt-Sames, Co-Founder, Uptake AI
Neil Gaisford, Divisional Director, Construction, commented: “As the construction industry continues to evolve at pace, staying ahead of the latest digital innovations is no longer optional, it’s essential. From the adoption of cutting-edge software and data-driven project management tools, to the rise of modern methods of construction, it’s about driving greater efficiency, sustainability, and safety across the sector.
“At UKCW, our aim is to provide a platform to ensure all professionals from every corner of the industry can learn about these developments first-hand and equip themselves with new technologies that continue to shape the future of the sector.”
Alongside over 300 leading brands from around the world, UKCW Birmingham will feature 200 speakers and over 150 hours of seminars and talks across five stages – all of which are CPD accredited. Visitors will also be able to hear from a stellar line-up of speakers across the Culture Change & Skills Hub, Net Zero Hub, Housing Action Hub, and Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Hub.
Visitors to UKCW can also elevate their experience with an exclusive VIP Pass for just £99 per day. The pass allows VIP guests to skip the queues with fast-track entry, relax in the exclusive VIP Lounge with complimentary coffee, a range of alcoholic and soft drinks, and a dedicated Wi-Fi network throughout the day. Free parking at the venue is also included in the purchase of the ticket.
To register for UKCW Birmingham for free, visit https://forms.reg.buzz/ukcw-birmingham-2025/cab-pr
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