Six inspiring sessions championing Women in Construction at UKCW London

Returning to Excel London this May (12-14), UK Construction Week (UKCW) will once again be spotlighting women in the construction industry with a dedicated programme of panel discussions, skills workshops and networking opportunities.

The largest and most comprehensive construction event in the UK calendar, UKCW will run alongside both Futurebuild and The Stone & Surfaces Show to bring together 25,000 industry professionals, 600+ exhibitors and 700+ speakers across six dedicated hubs - all under one roof.

Across three days, visitors can explore CPD-accredited panels and seminars that tackle the construction sector’s key challenges around representation and retention, while highlighting opportunities for women to lead the way in driving diversity and inclusion in the industry.

Talk highlights include:

Tuesday 12th May - Contech & AI Hub, 3.00pm

The three C’s for building a more sustainable digital future: construction, circularity and collaboration

Women in BIM explores how construction, circularity and collaboration form the foundation of a more sustainable and digitally enabled built environment. This session will highlight how innovative digital practices and inclusive collaboration can drive circular approaches to construction, reducing waste, improving efficiency and promoting long-term sustainability. Gain insights into emerging technologies, real-world case studies and the vital role of continuous learning in achieving a more resilient built environment.

Speakers: Andrea Charlson (Senior Sustainability Lead & Circular Economy Lead, The Concrete Centre), Eve Choy (Sustainability Manager, Structure Tone), Heba Bevan (CEO, UtterBerry), Marie Grieve (MD, Costello Palmer & Global Vice Chair, Women in BIM)

Tuesday 12th May - Contech & AI Hub, 4.00pm

Building Connections: Women in BIM Networking

Join Women in BIM for an inspiring networking session focused on collaboration and professional growth. As a powerful collaborative network, Women in BIM (WIB) brings together professionals across the digital built environment who are passionate about advancing diversity, inclusion and innovation within the industry. This session offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded peers, share insights and explore how Building Information Modelling (BIM) and digital transformation are shaping the future of construction and design.

Speakers: Marie Grieve (MD, Costello Palmer & Global Vice Chair, Women in BIM)

Wednesday 13th May - Culture Change & Skills Hub, 10.30am

WiC Leadership & Management: Motivation Intelligence Training Session

Discover practical strategies to build clarity, confidence, and leadership skills for every stage of your career.

Speakers: TBC

Thursday 14th May - Culture Change & Skills Hub, 10.30am

Raising the bar: Delivering the national site standard for female operatives in the construction industry

Learn more about the National Site Standard for Female Operatives and what it means for the future of construction workplaces. This session will examine the practical changes required on site, from welfare facilities to culture and leadership, and why raising standards is essential to attracting and retaining talent. Join a panel of experts as they discuss how consistent, measurable standards can drive accountability and create safer, more equitable environments across the sector.

Speakers: Renee Preston (CEO, Gallaway Construction)

Thursday 14th May - Culture Change & Skills Hub, 12.30pm

Women in Construction lunch

Join an inspiring and engaging networking lunch celebrating the women shaping the future of the built environment. This informal lunch will bring together professionals from across the sector to connect, collaborate and champion diversity in the industry at every level.

Thursday 14th May - Culture Change & Skills Hub, 1.10pm

Allies and mentorship in building a career in construction

Developing talent is essential to ensuring long-term capability and effective succession planning in the construction industry. This session looks at how organisations are building strong talent pipelines through mentorship programmes, apprenticeships, and graduate schemes. Speakers will showcase innovative approaches to retaining and upskilling staff.

Speakers: Doreen DiSalvo (Head of Brand & Communications, Hilti)

Sam Patel, Divisional Director at UK Construction Week London, said: “At UKCW, we understand our role in helping to champion the fantastic voices we already have driving diversity and inclusion in the construction sector, while inspiring more women to consider a career in the industry. This year’s programme aims to inspire both reflection and action, and we’re really pleased to have organisations such as Women in BIM on board as partners to help steer this forward.”

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.

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

To view the full UKCW London 2026 agenda, please visit https://www.ukconstructionweek.com/2026-agenda#/seminars.

To register for free, visit: forms.reg.buzz/ukcw-london-2026/cab-campaign