Conference

TechFest 2025, powered by Construction News and New Civil Engineer, will provide a compelling day of content highlighting the forward-thinking application of technology as well as innovation in the design, build and materials used in the infrastructure and buildings sectors. Explore what is happening in the sector to take away key learnings and innovation to implement in your projects.

Embrace the opportunity to network with likeminded peers, major clients and tech savvy innovators to develop your understanding of the engineering and construction industry’s future.

The 2025 programme will feature:

3 content stages

Innovation Alley

Live judging zone

TechFest attracts attendees from across the entire construction and civil engineering industries from top tier clients, contractors, consultants, architects and leading technology providers, innovators and start-ups.

Key reasons to attend:

Learn and be inspired by inspirational keynote speakers from within and beyond the civil engineering and construction sectors

Gain insight into the technologies and innovations that are making an impact on projects throughout the conference and the live judging of projects on the day

Debate the challenges around adoption of technology and exchange ideas and solutions with project leads

Celebrate the projects , teams and companies doing most to harness the technologies that will drive the industry forward and reward your own staff during the TechFest gala dinner and awards ceremony

Network with like-minded innovation driven industry leaders and influencers from clients and their supply chains in the infrastructure and building sectors, all under one roof in one day

Festival event stages

This year's programme features three exciting interactive stages enabling delegates to customise their own agenda and discover the topics and subjects that are of most interest to them.

Big Ideas stage

Hear insightful keynote sessions on cutting edge technologies and outside of industry experts, to inspire you and your teams. This stage will feature fireside chats with industry leading speakers and executive insight sessions focused on technology and innovation within both the construction and civil engineering sectors.

Design and Delivery stage

Explore and learn about the latest technologies driving forward change within design and construction. This stage is all about doing things better. Hear from those at the coalface of design and delivery who are using technology and innovation to boost productivity, cut waste, and improve collaboration.

From modern methods of construction (MMC) to AI-enabled design tools and digital twins on site, this stage explores the practical realities of driving smarter, faster, and more sustainable construction, covering everything from preconstruction through to project handover.

Asset Management stage

This stage dives into how innovation is reshaping the way we manage and maintain infrastructure and buildings throughout their entire lifespan. From predictive maintenance to smart sensors and AI-powered monitoring, the focus is on smarter, data-led strategies that extend asset life and reduce cost.

Explore case studies from across sectors, including highways, rail, water, energy, and built assets, where new thinking is enabling proactive maintenance, risk management, and long-term resilience.

Who you will meet

Festival programme themes

Construction automation

Digital construction

Onsite productivity

Digital twins

MMC/ DfMA

Data management

Drones and robotics

Smart buildings

Digital engineering

Material innovations

Digital skills

Asset management

"Excellently executed and brilliantly thought provoking."

James Bishop, national digital technology manager, Wates Group

"Event was great and we will continue to support it."

Dr Barnali Ghosh, technical director, Mott MacDonald

"It is an excellent opportunity to network."

Edward Broadley, ITS and Tunnel business and development manager, SICE

"Great venue choice, everything was on point."

Estefano Pais Neto, UX consultant, AtkinsRealis

"I liked the more intimate approach. It was easy to navigate and meet others. The headphones meant it was easy to hear the speakers and also have conversations away from the stages. The dinner and awards were excellent."

Karen Alford, digital and data standards manager, Environment Agency UK

"It was a really interesting mix of projects and ideas."

Amy Manefield, NAUR head of data operations, Geospatial Commission

"Great to be on the judging panel, some exciting technology advances that are helping to drive down carbon. Very informative and inspiring."

Gareth Williams, sustainability director, HSQE Partnership

"Great fun and well structured."

Dai Baynes, managing consultant, AtkinsRealis

"A truly insightful event about new technology and innovation in the design, construction and operation & maintenance industries with great emphasis on sustainability and value for money."

Andrea Gillarduzzi, sub-surface digital modeling lead- Arcadis global, Arcadis

"Excellent showcase of how technology is moving our industry forward"

Richard Chubb, associate director, JBA Consulting

"Very strong projects, innovative ideas and fair judges!"

Konstantinos Tsavdaridis, founder, Efestos Hub

"A dynamic event, inspiring competition and innovation within a construction discipline that is often over-looked within the wider industry."

Vicky Williams, archiving manager, Laing O’Rourke

"Good way to introduce new technology/software vendors"

Nohman Awan, digital construction lead, Balfour Beatty

"A fun day to celebrate innovation across the industry."

Miranda Bishop-Timings, section engineer, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure

"Brilliant chance to take a pulse of the industry."

Cristina Sanchez, BIM manager, Lendlease

"Well organised, very friendly people involved in - amazing night."

Alexandra Onisie-Moldovan, tunnel engineer, DSP

"Great place to meet like minded professionals and share ideas"

Michael michael, digital construction manager, Multiplex

"An excellent showcase of new developments in the industry"

Graham Lewis, exec lead for sustainable estates transformation, Cardiff Met

"Fantastic event to showcase innovation and technology within the digital construction space in the UK."

Anita Soni, founder and director, Datatruct

"An interesting insight to what construction companies are doing with technology."

Richard Howell, technical manager, PJ Davidson

575+

Attendees

15+

Sponsors/Exhibitors

Awards

Expert Speakers