Constructing Excellence North East will bring together professionals, innovators and industry leaders this autumn for Smart Construction 2026, taking place on Wednesday 7 October at Teesside University.
The event will provide a platform for discussion, collaboration and knowledge sharing across the sector, with a focus on the technologies and approaches shaping the future of the built environment.
Organised by Constructing Excellence North East’s Innovation Group, in collaboration with Teesside University, the conference will take place at the Digital Life Building and will feature interactive sessions, an exhibition zone and opportunities for delegates to engage directly with speakers and industry peers.
The Innovation Group includes representatives from organisations who work together to drive forward best practice and collaboration in the built environment.
Andy Ray, chair of the Innovation Group, said: “Smart Construction continues to reflect the pace of change across our industry and also the challenges we face in turning innovation into practical delivery on projects. The event is about bringing people together from across different disciplines to share experience, challenge thinking and explore what works in practice.
“With the range of expertise involved this year, from digital construction through to sustainability and safety, it is a great opportunity for the sector to connect and focus on real-world solutions that can make a tangible difference.”
Headline sponsor is Wates Construction, with RE:GEN, Buston & Maughan and Sunter Ltd supporting the conference.
The programme will feature confirmed speakers including Darren Vipond, director of Campus Services at Teesside University and Dr Ben Jowett, head of digital transformation, SES Sessions who will explore themes including digital innovation, smart construction, sustainability, building safety and emerging technologies.
In addition to the conference programme, the exhibition zone will provide organisations with the opportunity to showcase products, services and solutions to a targeted audience from across the sector.
Catriona Lingwood, chief executive of Constructing Excellence North East, said: “Smart Construction continues to demonstrate the scale of innovation taking place across our region’s construction sector and the ambition of organisations driving that change.
“We are very appreciative of the support from our sponsors and would encourage firms interested in getting involved as exhibitors or sponsors to contact us to find out more.”
To register interest in attending, sponsoring or exhibiting, contact Constructing Excellence North East at [email protected]
