CIOB event in Belfast tackled how construction demonstrates credibility, competitiveness and long-term resilience.
The Meet the CIOB 2026 event at the Europa Hotel in Belfast brought together professionals at every career stage alongside employers, educators and policy voices to focus on the issues shaping the next decade of construction in Northern Ireland.
A defining strength of the event was collaboration, particularly between the CIOB Northern Ireland Committee and colleagues who travelled to participate, including Amanda Williams head of environmental sustainability and Mark Harrison, head of EDI transformation. Their contributions grounded discussions in two areas where the industry must continue to evolve: environmental sustainability and equality, diversity and inclusion. Both are now central to how construction demonstrates credibility, competitiveness and long-term resilience.
A recurring theme throughout the day was that leadership in construction can no longer be measured by technical delivery alone. Today’s leaders must be comfortable balancing commercial and programme pressures with social value, environmental responsibility and people-focused decision-making.
The importance of clear, accessible professional pathways was also evident. For students, early-career professionals and those entering through non-traditional routes, understanding how experience, competence and learning are recognised remains critical. Employers and exhibitors spoke openly about the value of professionalism within their organisations, reinforcing its growing role in building confidence for clients, businesses and individuals alike.
EDI: collaboration in action
The day also included a panel discussion on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), which brought together perspectives from across education, public sector, professional bodies, social enterprise and independent accreditation. The panel included Harrison, Claire King, programme coordinator for NotJustForBoys at Women’sTec; Jennifer Morgan, programme director at the Strategic Investment Board; Claire McCleery, director at Now Group; and Christine White, director of Diversity Mark.
The discussion centred on accountability, practical inclusion and the role of clients and professional bodies in driving meaningful change. A shared message emerged: EDI cannot sit at the margins of construction strategy. It directly affects who enters the industry, who stays, who progresses and who leads. For Northern Ireland, where skills pressures are acute, collaboration across organisations and sectors is essential to move from intent to impact.
“Meet the CIOB 2026 demonstrated the value of engaging with the realities of the industry rather than its aspirations alone,” said Yvonne Conway. “As construction continues to respond to economic, environmental and societal pressures, professional leadership, underpinned by dialogue, collaboration and action, will be a defining factor in shaping the future of Northern Ireland’s built environment.”
