By Grace Kamara, Civil Engineering Graduate, London UK.
Events are a good way for you to become more aware of the industry, get inspiration and get connected to opportunities within the Industry. Most events hold panel discussions on industry topics which may just enlighten you on knowledge you didn’t know or may positively change your perspective on a matter.
At Girls under Construction, we want to connect you to a couple industry events which will expose you further to your area of interest! Below are 15 diverse annual Industry events happening across the UK in 2022, each one offering something different and a chance to network with people within the Industry:
1) Surface Design Show: February 8th - 10th, Business Design Centre, London UK.
Area of Interest: Interior Design and Architecture
The Surface Design Show is one of the UK's leading events for you to explore the best in surface material innovation. Numerous top Architects, Designers and craftspeople attend to witness the interior and exterior surface solutions for building and interior design.
Across the 3 days, the event features nearly 170 exhibitors which you can meet, a series of talks and presentations from 50+ different speakers across the architecture & design industry and also an awards ceremony, which celebrates surface designer finalists across a range of categories from over 24 countries!
Our favourite part of the show is ‘New Talents’ where they showcase up-and-coming designers bringing innovation and creativity. The creativity and quality displayed throughout the whole event will definitely inspire you!
We would suggest that you attend at least 1 day of the event, however if you’re very keen you can attend all 3! For more information or to register, click here.
2) Future Build: March 01st - 03rd, ExCel London, London UK.
Area of Interest: Interior Design, Architecture, Site Operations, Construction Trades
Future build is focused on sustainability which is the heart of the event! Their mission is to cultivate cross sector collaboration to inspire the transformational change needed to propel the construction industry to the ambitious goal of achieving net-zero.
This exhibition showcases manufacturers and suppliers of the most innovative technology, products and services from the built environment. Alongside this, there are various panel discussions held with keynote speakers from various areas of the industry to discuss how the industry can address the most urgent issues surrounding construction.
We suggest that you look at the programme for each day and attend at least 1 day of the event! For more information or to register, click here.
3) National Homebuilding & Renovating Show: March 24th - 27th, NEC, Birmingham, UK. September 30th - October 02nd, ExCel London, London UK.
Area of Interest: Interior Design, Architecture, Site Operations, Construction Trades
The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show is the biggest homebuilding & renovating event in the UK. For students, graduates and even professionals working within the industry, this event is a good place to pick up tools and tips from the brightest and best in the business. At this event you’ll encounter various products, self-build specialists, renovation experts, and leading brands all under one roof! at the show.
One stop shop to discover the ins and outs of everything from planning regulations for extensions to stylish designs and integrating underfloor heating.
There are various dates throughout the year for other locations such as Surrey, Harrogate, Somerset, Farnborough and Glasgow. For more information or to register, click here.
4) Architect at the Work: April 13th - 14th, The Old Truman Brewery, London, UK.
Area of Interest: Interior Design, Architecture, Architectural Technology, CAD/3D Visualisation
Architect at the Work London exhibits architectural innovation. In attendance there will be around 1,968 Architects, Specifiers, Designers and leading European Architectural suppliers who show their innovation in surface solutions, lighting technology, interior fixtures and exterior fixtures and fittings.
You’ll get to meet industry experts as well as witness the scheduled talks for which the show is known.
For more information or to register, click here.
5) UK Construction Week: May 3rd - 5th, ExCeL London, London UK.
October 4th - 6th, NEC, Birmingham UK.
Area of Interest: Interior Design, Engineering, Architecture, Site Operations, Build Materials, Construction Trades
UK Construction Week is the UK’s largest event for the industry. Throughout the whole week, the event displays a wide range of different exhibitions, seminars, conferences and discussion panels. This event is perfect for anyone who works in the construction industry and is a great way to Network.
For more information or to register, click here.
6) Digital Construction Week Exhibition: May 18th - 19th, ExCeL London, London, UK.
Area of Interest: BIM, Design Technology, Engineering, Architecture, Site Operations, manufacturing, VR, Automation
Digital Construction Week aims to help the construction industry use technology to build smarter. At the event you’ll learn about the latest technological tools, processes and trends that are shaping the future of the industry. We love how interactive this event is as you’ll get to experience interactive demos, expert speaker seminars about the future of digital construction, and workshops. Most importantly, you'll have the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals focussed on delivering innovation and technology for the built environment!
Attendees include CEO’s, Heads of Department and Programme Managers, Digital Construction Managers & Directors, Digital Engineers, Digital Practice Managers, BIM Managers & Directors, Visualisers, Project Managers, Architects, Contractors, Engineers, Surveyors, Construction Managers, Building Services, Clients and Developers, Graduates, Students, and Educators!
For more information or to register, click here.
7) Clerkenwell Design Week: May 24th - 26th, London, UK
Area of Interest: Interior Design, Architecture, Architectural Technology, CAD/3D Visualisation
The Clerkenwell area alone is a design hub for Design firms within London. This design festival includes 9 exhibition venues, 115+ showrooms, installations, 100+ programmed events, activities from local practices and topical discussion with leading creatives! It’s a great opportunity to get exposed to other designers and
For more information or to register, click here.
8) Design Engineering Expo: June 8th - 9th, NEC, BIRMINGHAM UK.
Area of Interest: Interior Design, Architecture, Engineering, Architectural Technology, CAD/3D Visualisation
This expo is the perfect event for anyone with an interest in design engineering to discover engineering innovation, insight and future inspiration! You’ll get exposed to innovation solutions and the latest technologies whilst having the opportunity to learn from companies and specialists breaking engineering boundaries!
For more information or to register, click here.
9) New Designers: Week 1 June 29th – July 2nd & Week 2 July 6th - 9th, Business Design Centre, Islington UK.
Area of Interest: Interior Design, Architecture, Engineering, Architectural Technology, CAD/3D Visualisation
We love this event because it’s an exhibition that showcases the work of emerging designers alongside new products and trends! New Designers presents the work of 3,000 hand-picked graduate design talents from around the UK. The whole event is full of ambitious ideas and fresh approaches.
The beautiful thing is that New Designers provide the opportunity for young people like yourself and aspiring students to meet design educators, professionals, industry employers, buyers, media and trend predictors. It also enables the next wave of talented designers to connect with businesses looking to bring in new design thinking and buyers looking to source the most innovative craft and design.
For more information or to register, click here.
10) Design London: September 21st - 24th, Magazine London, London UK.
Area of Interest: Interior Design, Architecture
Design London exhibits the very latest in furniture, lighting, accessories, wall and floor coverings, textiles, kitchens and bathrooms. It also features delectable street food vendors and high-end collaborations alongside a comprehensive and diverse talks programme. The event attracts over 35,000 visitors including national and international architects and interior designers.
For more information or to register, click here.
11) Decorex: October 9th -12th, The Olympia, London UK.
Area of Interest: Interior Design, Architecture, Engineering, Architectural Technology, CAD/3D Visualisation
Decorex is a high-end interior design exhibition which brings together the best of the design community. The event usually has around 13,000 visitors and 300 hand selected exhibitors - from long established names to up and coming new designers! As a young person, Decorex is a great avenue for discovery, a place to meet emerging & established interior design brands and discover unique products!
For more information or to register, click here.
12) Smart Buildings Show, 12 - 13 Oct 2022, ExCeL London, London, UK
Area of Interest: Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Infrastructure, Heating & Ventilation, Building Services, Energy, Environment
This event will expose you to all key aspects of creating and managing an intelligent smart building. This includes Building automation systems, Health & safety, Energy efficiency, Smart meters & monitoring, Software and many more!
For more information, click here.
13) Grand Designs Live: October 05th - 09th, NEC, Birmingham, UK.
Area of Interest: Interior Design, Architecture, Engineering, Architectural Technology, CAD/3D Visualisation
If you’re familiar with the TV Show already, you’ll know what to expect! Grand Designs Live features the latest in ideas, innovation and home project guidance! You’ll be exposed to a variety of exhibitors, experts and live talks across 4 unique Project Zones; Build, Kitchens & Bathrooms, Gardens and Interiors.
For more information and registration, click here.
14) Futurescape: November 15th - 16th, ExCeL London, London UK.
Area of Interest: Interior Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture
This event will expose you further to the landscape community with around 5000 visitors in attendance! Whether you want to explore landscape innovation and developments, exhibitors, seminars, speakers, connections and services, Futurescape have a variety of opportunities on offer within the event!
For more information and registration, click here.
15) London Build Expo: November 16th – 17th, Olympia London, London UK.
Area of Interest: Interior Design, Engineering, Architecture, Site Operations, Build Materials, Construction Trades, Infrastructure, Heating & Ventilation, Building Services, Energy, Environment
This is one of our favourites! London Build Expo is one of the leading construction shows in the UK featuring over 500 speakers, 400+ exhibitors, 220+ CPD sessions, 100’s of exhibitors and exclusive free-to-attend networking events. The event enables you to experience the latest developments in the industry and find information on upcoming trends in global construction.
We love the Women in Construction and Diversity in Construction discussion segments with various female keynote speakers within the industry.
For more information or to register, click here.
We hope this list provides another avenue for you to get more exposed to the industry and to connect with various other people within the Industry! No worries if you can’t attend any of the events listed above as they are run once a year! There’s always an opportunity to go next year.
If you’re hosting an event, let us know through our contact page and we’ll share it with our diverse community of young women!
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