Free to attend talks & seminars focussing on industry specific subjects

SEMINARS & PRESENTATIONS

Please click the tabs below for the individual theatres

Register to Speak

Theatre 1 Day 1 -

11:00

UK Steel Product EPD’s – For Supply Chain Resilience

Presented by: Eoin Bailey, UK Innovation Manager
THEATRE 1

UK suppliers measure the environmental impact through Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) standard.

While EPD adoption in the UK construction sector is progressing, due to traditional approaches, this progress is not always recognised. Decisions made on material specification and whole lifecycle analysis (WLCA) based on ambiguous data inputs result in inaccuracy and unintended consequences that present a risk to project integrity and undermines the UK supply chain.

This presentation highlights the benefit of effectively utilising EPD’s in projects while showcasing the opportunity for supply chain resilience throughout UK Built Environment.

11:40

Future-Ready Skills: CIHT Learn - Digital Training for Civil Engineers

Presented by: Sally Devine, CIHT Learn Associate
THEATRE 1

Join us to discover how CIHT Learn is transforming professional development for engineers in the highways and transportation sector. Explore the benefits of digital, on-demand training designed for busy engineering professionals—enabling you to access sector-specific CPD, enhance technical expertise, and future-proof your career - all at your own pace.

12:20

Dirty Politics, Clean Solutions: The Environmental Sector’s Role in Infrastructure

Presented by: Michael Lunn, Chairman, EIA
THEATRE 1

Michael Lunn, CEO to the Environmental Industries Association will highlight the challenges of Government to deliver Green Infrastructure, highlights how environmental services—like clean water, waste management, and air quality—are vital infrastructure. It contrasts UK political party approaches to green investment and showcases innovative projects driving sustainability. The call to action urges cross-party consensus and strategic planning to unlock environmental transformation.

13:00

Accelerated Durability Testing for Infrastructure Projects

Presented by: Emma Kent, Managing Director, Inivito Consulting Ltd
THEATRE 1

This would include •Durability testing of full-size concrete noise barriers for HS2 simulating of millions of train passes •Fatigue testing of trackside safety and access equipment for HS2 & Crossrail/Elizabeth Line , again simulating millions of train passes – 120-year life cycle •Durability of concrete testing (chloride ingress etc)
All are critical for life-cycle analysis , asset protection etc

13:40

CECA Reflections on Key Industry Challenges

Presented by: David Allen, Executive Director, CECA (Southern) Ltd
THEATRE 1

This session will reflect on the key CECA member asks to unlock the key challenges impacting on our infrastructure industry.

15:20

Managing Highways Runoff in a Changing Climate

Presented by: Stephen Elderkin, Director of Environmental Sustainability, National Highways
THEATRE 1

Steve Elderkin considers the safety and environmental challenges posed by runoff on England’s strategic road network, in the face of unprecedented road usage and a changing climate.

Theatre 1 Day 2 -

11:00

Highways standards and the new Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works

Presented by: Steve Davy, Head of Technical Standards, National Highways
THEATRE 1

The Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works (MCHW) provides information and standards for creating contracts for highway works, ensuring quality and consistency across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Steve Davy highlights what’s new in the revised 2025 version.

11:40

Future-Ready Skills: CIHT Learn - Digital Training for Civil Engineers

Presented by: Sally Devine, CIHT Learn Associate
THEATRE 1

Join us to discover how CIHT Learn is transforming professional development for engineers in the highways and transportation sector. Explore the benefits of digital, on-demand training designed for busy engineering professionals—enabling you to access sector-specific CPD, enhance technical expertise, and future-proof your career - all at your own pace.

12:20

Politics, Progress & the Planet: The Infrastructure Impact of Environmental Services and Technology

Presented by: Michael Lunn, CEO, EIA
THEATRE 1

Michael Lunn, CEO to the Environmental Industries Association will explore the political discourse and position on the current Government towards delivery of Infrastructure Impact of Environmental Services and Technology sector. This speech explores how environmental services and technology are foundational to modern infrastructure. It highlights cutting-edge technologies such as satellite leak detection and AI waste sorting that are transforming service delivery.
The presentation contrasts political party agendas, showing how policy choices directly impact infrastructure resilience and sustainability. Real-world UK case studies illustrate how environmental services regenerate communities and ecosystems. Finally, it calls for stable investment, clear regulation, and cross-party collaboration to unlock the full potential of green infrastructure.

13:00

The Use of Innovative Non-destructive Testing and Inspection Techniques

Presented by: Michael Thorne, Building Pathology Manager
THEATRE 1

Michael will talk about use of innovative non-destructive testing and inspection techniques to provide support for asset life extension and inform structural engineers/designers where structures are being repurposed/reused. This is a key element in the drive towards nett-zero

14:00

CECA Reflections on the Autumn Budget

Presented by: Ben Goodwin, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, CECA
THEATRE 1

This session will focus on the key announcements and commitments for the infrastructure sector following the Chancellor's Autumn Budget Statement. Looking particularly at the implications for the long-term funding and delivery of the UK's economic infrastructure networks.

14:50

Turning data into dividends: The CFO’s case for digital in civils

Presented by: Will Brown, CFO, Re-flow
THEATRE 1

This session explores how civils and highways firms can unlock value by digitising field operations, streamlining compliance, and improving data visibility across their projects. Drawing on real-world examples from across the industry, we’ll examine:

• The cost of inefficiency in civils and highways workflows, and how to quantify the return on digital adoption • Practical steps for integrating field management platforms to connect office and site teams • How data-led decision making improves safety outcomes, sustainability reporting, and financial control • Why firms that invest in digital now will be better equipped to navigate the UK’s future infrastructure demands

By rethinking how information flows through an organisation, civils and highways firms can reduce risk, deliver more with less, and create a foundation for long-term growth.

Theatre 2 Day 1 -

11:00

Dig Smart, Revolutionising Underground Duct Route Design for Speed and Sustainability

Presented by: James Gallagher, Head of Innovation - Network Access Products, Cubis Systems
THEATRE 2

Join James Gallagher, Head of Innovation at Cubis Systems, as he explores how real-world site challenges can be transformed into smarter, more efficient infrastructure solutions. Drawing on over a decade of experience across engineering, specification development, and commercial strategy, James offers a unique perspective on how modern infrastructure products are shaped by genuine
customer needs.

In this session, James will showcase how innovative thinking and practical engineering can address some of the industry’s most persistent problems. He will share insights gained from supporting many of the UK’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, highlighting the technologies, approaches, and collaborative processes that enable meaningful, future-ready solutions.

11:45

Building Britain’s biggest road tunnel – the Lower Thames Crossing

Presented by: Frank Mimnagh, Project Engineer and Jag Chima, Deputy Tunnels and Systems Director, Lower Thames Crossing
THEATRE 2

Frank Mimnagh and Jag Chima give an insight into the civil engineering challenges in building a 2.6 mile twin-bore tunnel beneath the Thames estuary.

12:25

Developing the Next Generation of Civil Engineers

Presented by: Esther Norton, Anglia Ruskin University
THEATRE 2

This seminar will explore the evolving skills landscape within civil engineering, drawing on insights from recent university intakes and employer feedback. Esther Norton, Assistant Principal at Anglia Ruskin University, will discuss how mathematical understanding and effective communication continue to be a key part of the profession, but how both require a shift in teaching, learning, and practice to meet the needs of the industry.

Esther will share insights on her upcoming paper on reframing the way maths is taught and applied in civil engineering, and how we are preparing apprentices and graduates to engage confidently with their peers, project teams, and clients.

13:40

An Introduction to Leca® Renovation Solutions

Presented by: Emma Cooper (Leca® Renovation Solutions Specialist)
THEATRE 2

Build Smarter, Spend Less with Leca® Renovation Solutions: The Cost-Saving Solution for Commercial Development Still usinBuild Smarter, Spend Less with Leca® Renovation Solutions: The Cost-Saving Solution for Commercial Development

Still using traditional hardcore and polystyrene insulation for underfloor construction? It’s time to rethink your approach. Whether you’re working on refurbishments, extensions or new commercial builds, our Leca® bagged solutions offer: Reduced on-site labour: Prepare a 40m² insulated base in just one hour Lower transport costs: Fewer vehicle movements with lightweight materials Fast installation: No need for heavy plant or complex logistics Multi-benefit materials: Thermal, acoustic and structural performance in one solution Regulation-ready: Easily meet Part L requirements and sustainability targets Results?

Don’t miss this session – explore how switching to Leca® LWA can boost your bottom line and your sustainability credentials.

14:40

Grey v Green SuDS

Presented by: Stuart Crisp, ADS
THEATRE 2

Challenging conventional wisdom that green SuDS is always best

15:20

Engineered for Certainty: Insights into Collaboration & Delivery for AMP8

Presented by: Euan Mackinnon, National Sales Director, Civils and Infrastructure Lara Day, Major Projects Manager, Marshalls
THEATRE 2

Marshalls Water Management shares research-led insights into how the UK water industry is preparing for AMP8.

The session explores supply chain collaboration, decision-making, and sustainability priorities, highlighting practical ways to reduce risk, improve delivery, and achieve certainty across projects. Attendees will gain evidence-based guidance to plan smarter, work together, and deliver AMP8 efficiently and responsibly.

Theatre 2 Day 2 -

11:00

Circular Economy in Civils Development and UK Supply Chain Resilience

Presented by: Eoin Bailey, UK Innovation Manager, 7 Steel
THEATRE 2

7 Steel’s circularity approach is a collaborative service solution that facilitates resource efficiency, material cost benefit and whole life carbon reduction across the construction supply chain. By effectively utilizing 7 Steel’s EAF (Electric Arc Furnace) technology as part of an integrated material supply chain, provides capacity to transform over 1 million tons of construction & demolition scrap into a valuable steel resource for new building & civils development. Therefore closing the loop and delivering a true circular economy.

11:40

Getting Utilities Right: Why Technical Knowledge Matters in Infrastructure Projects

Presented by: Jon Fawcett, EngTech MICE, Head of Technical, Keyline Civils Specialist
THEATRE 2

Technical knowledge gaps in utilities create costly errors and delays. This session demonstrates how technical expertise drives innovation, delivering measurable carbon savings, time efficiencies, and cost benefits.

Through Power, Water, and Gas case studies, attendees learn to identify specification errors, leverage technical support as innovation partners, and build organisational capability. Practical strategies for contractors, consultants, and merchants seeking both compliance and sustainable solutions.

12:40

Balancing Act; Shaping the Future Skills of Civil Engineers

Presented by: Esther Norton, Anglia Ruskin University
THEATRE 2

This seminar will explore the evolving skills landscape within civil engineering, drawing on insights from recent university intakes and employer feedback. Esther Norton, Assistant Principal at Anglia Ruskin University, will discuss how mathematical understanding and effective communication continue to be a key part of the profession, but how both require a shift in teaching, learning, and practice to meet the needs of the industry.

Esther will share insights on her upcoming paper on reframing the way maths is taught and applied in civil engineering, and how we are preparing apprentices and graduates to engage confidently with their peers, project teams, and clients.

14:30

Next Steps for Lower Thames Crossing - The Biggest Planning Application in UK History

Presented by: Peter Smith, Sponsorship Director, Lower Thames Crossing
THEATRE 2

The Lower Thames Crossing - the UK’s longest road tunnel – is set to begin construction between Essex and Kent next year. Peter Smith reviews progress to date, and what will happen over the coming months.