UKCG backs high-profile Talk Construction event
A major new event tailored specifically to the needs of construction managers is to take place this autumn in London. The CIOB is the driving force behind a two-day, high-level conference for 500 delegates and a linked exhibition at the Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre. The event aims to become a platform for influencing government and set construction policy for the future.
Research carried out by the Institute this spring identified an urgent need to address specific issues facing the changing role of its members, in contrast to the generalist industry events currently on offer. As a result, the CIOB is launching Talk Construction, designed for an audience of senior professionals and board members, plus a targeted exhibition for conference delegates and other pre-registered visitors. The exhibition will feature presentations from leading suppliers from nine product areas.
Around 1,000 construction and project managers, drawn mainly, but not exclusively, from CIOB members, are expected to attend the conference over the two days. The event has been launched with the backing of the UK Contractors Group, which represents more than 30 leading UK contractors.
CIOB chief executive Chris Blythe said the timing of the event – 25-26 November – had been chosen to influence the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement.
"Construction has a major role to play in leading this country out of recession and Talk Construction can play a role on shaping government policy for the industry," said Blythe. ”We need an event which properly reflects the increasing importance of construction managers in the design and construction process.”
The event will be first of its kind in the sector. It will be research-led rather than profit based, with profits ploughed back directly to the industry to stimulate growth, training and best practice.
Four key themes have been identified: long-term planning; de-risking and profit; working smarter; and training and unemployment. Government ministers and other leading industry figures will be presented with recommendations based on the issues and asked to respond to them directly at the conference rather than just turn up and speak.
"This follows an existing successful format adopted by other sectors such as social housing," said Blythe. "Their responses will form a ‘policy pact’ on the way forward for construction."
The UKCG believes the conference can play a key part in helping government build its way out of recession. Tony Aikenhead, director of operations at Sir Robert McAlpine, said: ”Construction is worth more than £100bn per annum to the UK economy and that’s got to be worth having a discussion about.”
Suppliers or sponsors interested in the event are invited to contact Andy Jordan on [email protected].
Annual conference
The CIOB has assembled high-calibre speakers for its Annual Conference at Oulton Hall, Leeds, on June 19.
Delegates at the conference, titled Is your business ready for recovery?, will hear from speakers including Mark Berrisford Smith, head of economics at HSBC; HS2 commercial director Beth West; David Cowans, chief executive of Places for People; and Anna Gagliano, project director and head of information management at developer Argent.
The theme of the conference will be responding to the ongoing changes in the industry and the economy, and what these mean for companies positioning themselves for the future.
As well as hearing the latest thinking from government, clients, global and industry speakers, delegates will be able to network and round off the day at the Presidential Dinner.
The event runs alongside the CIOB’s International Member’s Forum, taking place at Oulton Hall on 16-20 June.
For further information on conference tickets and pricing, visit www.ciob.org.uk/annualconference, or contact Sophie Cox on 01344 630745 or [email protected]
