AI technology goes under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London

AI technology goes under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London

From design and planning to cost estimating and site safety monitoring, the increasing role of AI (artificial intelligence) in construction will be a key focus at UK Construction Week London (May 12-14), the UK’s Built Environment super event.

New for 2026 and one of six stages delivering over 150 hours of CPD accredited seminars, The Contech and AI Hub will bring together the brightest minds and the most forward-thinking technologies transforming the built environment.

Confirmed talks include:

Cutting-edge AI applications across the full project lifecycle

How artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an integrated partner throughout the entire project lifecycle. Rather than focusing solely on discrete technological interventions, this session considers AI as an ecosystem that connects strategy, design, delivery and long-term stewardship.

Speaker: Andrew Johnson (Okana)

Beyond the hype: building AI-ready teams for the digital built environment

An opportunity to gain insight into the organisational, cultural and technical transformations required to develop teams who are capable of leveraging AI effectively. The session will address challenges such as skill gaps, change management and aligning AI initiatives with broader business objectives, as well as highlighting successful case studies from leading projects.

Speakers: David Philp FICE, FCIOB, FRICS, FCInstCES (Bentley Systems) and Prof Sean Smith BSc PhD FHEA FIOA FRSA HonFRIAS HonFCIAT (University of Edinburgh)

From concept to construction: the impact of AI in architecture

This session brings together four distinguished architects who are actively engaging with artificial intelligence (AI) to advance contemporary design practice. The panel will examine how emerging AI methodologies are reshaping early concept generation, enabling rapid exploration of form, materiality and spatial performance.

Speakers: TBC

Real world application of AI in construction and what people don't tell you!

How artificial intelligence (AI) is moving from buzzword to practical tool in the construction industry. Rather than replacing human expertise, this session explores how AI is augmenting it, helping teams analyse complex data, anticipate risks and automate repetitive tasks.

Speaker: Lilian Ho

AI or Die: Rewriting the Rules of Construction Sales and Marketing

This no-nonsense panel cuts through the hype to show how AI is already reshaping construction sales and marketing—and where it clearly isn’t. Panellists will share practical, real-world uses that drive leads, improve targeting, and save time, while calling out common myths and missteps.

Speaker: Leigh Simpson (Insynth Marketing)

Sam Patel, Divisional Director, UK Construction Week London, commented: “A key element of UKCW London is informing and updating visitors on the rapidly changing technology which is playing an increasing role in the industry - of which AI is a huge part. Anyone working in construction - from architects to site managers - needs to know how this transformative technology can help them in every aspect of their work, so these talks and panel events are a must for everyone.”

In addition to the focus on AI, UK Construction Week London will explore a wide spectrum of the most pressing and important topics which affect the industry today, with a packed programme of CPD-accredited panels and seminars covering everything from innovation in construction methods to product testing and assurance; housing insight to workforce capacity; workplace culture to data-driven project management.

Bringing together construction leaders, innovators and decision makers from across the industry, UKCW London will run alongside both Futurebuild and The Stone & Surfaces Show, attracting over 25,000 industry professionals.

Sponsored by Sage, Wyre, HotelPlanner, Zurich Resilience Solutions and Build Warranty, UKCW London will feature over 300 leading brands; over 25 trade bodies and associations, including the Federation of Master Builders, CIBSE, and the National Association Of Air Duct-Cleaners UK.

Visitors can register for free by visiting: https://forms.reg.buzz/ukcw-london-2026/cab-campaign.

Following the London show in May 2026, UKCW Birmingham will return to the NEC from 29 September to 1 October 2026.