Construction Tips, News & Best Practices
17 Must See Talks at Digital Construction Week 2023
(Archdesk will be at Stand D342 - come and say hello to our friendly, knowledgeable team).
Every year, I waltz into DCW full of beans, looking forward to catching the talks from construction’s leading experts.
And every year, I’m thwarted by analysis paralysis, decision fatigue and general busy-ness.
But not this time. I won’t waste this opportunity to learn from the best minds the UK has to offer.
That’s why I put together a list of 17 DCW talks I’m either attending or getting my team to attend and take notes.
I thought, why not send this to others coming to the show…
Here it is:
Adam Lisik - Head of Software Operations & Automation at Waterstons Ltd
Talk Title: How code could kill your practice
About: Programming but don’t have a software developer? Creating code that sits within your business operation can generate significant efficiencies but, when not done right, could leave you open to risks.
Join this session to understand the major risks and common pitfalls associated with non-professional coding, as well as how you can take full advantage of the benefits of custom code to help your practice thrive.
When: 18th May @ 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Where: Transformation Hub
Ajoy Dua, Senior Project Manager at Heathrow Airport Ltd
Talk Title: Heathrow cargo tunnel project rebooted: The recipe for success
When: 18th May @ 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Where: Innovation Stage
About: This presentation will explore the £200m project’s requirements, constraints and approach to governance.
He will demonstrate how the strategy influenced stakeholder engagement and decision-making throughout the early conceptual design, spatial coordination, detailed technical design and now into the delivery phase.
Alastair Powell - Director at Bryden Wood
Talk title: Accelerating laboratory design for the bio revolution
About: The life sciences sector is evolving rapidly due to advancements in technologies and various socio-political shifts.
The UK's life sciences investment has grown by over 1000% in the past decade. Laboratories, crucial for this transformation, are in high demand. In this talk, Alastair will share how Bryden Wood is tackling these emerging challenges.
When: 18th May @ 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Innovation Stage
Alexandra Spencer - Data Scientist at Gleeds
Talk: Construction project cost data engineering, cost prediction and data extraction – The power of a KTP
About: Three challenges the industry is facing, each a task on its own.
This session will take you through the journey undertaken by Gleeds in its Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with the University of Nottingham, supported by Innovate UK, that has tackled them, and the lessons learned.
When: 17th May @ 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Where: Innovation Stage
Alice Ampolo - Senior BIM Manager at Mace Consultancy
Talk Title: Plan–do–check–act… digitally!
About: In this session, Alice will present a few digital strategies to enable producing and reviewing information against clients’ requirements.
Plan-Do-Check-Act is the base for efficient lean processes at the core of the UK BIM Framework according to the ISO 19650 series.
When: 18th May @ 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Where: Information Management Stage
Clare Taylor - National Rehearsal Lead at MWH Treatment
Dr. Melanie Robinson - Senior Digital Consultant at BIM Academy
Giulia Pustorino - Associate | BIM Manager at Weston Williamson + Partners
David Philp - Global BIM/IM Consultancy Director at AECOM
Panel Talk: WIB – How to address the low representation of women in digital leadership?
About: This panel will discuss one of the key themes of the progress report for the United Nations Sustainable Development goals – Women in Digital Leadership. They will touch on how as an industry we can overcome the challenges and barriers to address this challenge as well as key criteria to enable successful digital leadership across a business.
When: 17th May @ 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM
Where: Information Management Stage
Dan Rossiter - Sector Lead at BSI Group
Talk Title: Trouble at Tracey Island 2: Electric Boogaloo
About: In this presentation, Dan explores this scenario and how utilising the golden thread of information could have helped Parker save the day.
When: 17th May @ 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Where: Information Management Stage
Nick Leach - Head of Digital Construction at Sir Robert McAlpine
Talk Title: How to unlock the full potential from your digital platforms
About: Learn how SRM have maximised the benefits from standardising their digital tools across different types of sectors and adoption from their project teams.
When: 17th May @ 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Where: Innovation Stage
Aaron Atkinson - Regional BIM Manager at John Sisk
Talk Title: Pioneering digital delivery in healthcare
About: Aaron will provide insight into how technology has shaped and directed a digital strategy that has transformed the design and delivery of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Cancer Centre.
The presentation explains how digital construction methods inspire, connect and engage the client, end user, contractor and design teams.
When: 17th May @ 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Where: Innovation Stage
Edward Howlin - Director of Digital at Turner & Townsend
Talk Title: SMARTer collaboration
About: SMART technology is often held up as both the future, but also concurrently as a perceived expensive ‘nice to have’.
This session is dedicated to discussing some of the wider industry challenges, what we can do to address those, and some suggestions on the ‘next steps’ to ensure that we create a sector in which everyone wins
When: 17th May @ 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Where: Asset Management Stage
Anna Wendt - Partner at Buro Happold
Talk Title: Diversity + digital technology = profitability
About: How can construction technology, coupled with a diverse workforce, influence your business’ profitability?
And why, as an industry, are we so behind our peers when it comes to the adoption of new technologies which can increase efficiency and productivity?
This women-only panel, made up of some of the industry’s biggest names, will highlight the benefits of adopting a diverse and technologically-advanced workforce, and where you should start to make this a reality for your business
When: 17th May @ 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM
Where: Main Stage
Brittany Harris - Co-founder & CEO of Qualis Flow
Talk Title: Decarbonising construction: The what, why and how
About: Transformational change is needed in the construction industry. There are new technologies, new talent, and more drive in the built environment.
Achieving low carbon and reaching the UK’s 2050 net zero targets has never been more imperative.
Brittany Harris will explore the topic of Decarbonising Construction. She will uncover lessons learnt, some shocking stats and how to become more sustainable without breaking the bank.
When: 18th May @ 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Where: Net Zero Stage
Paul Surin - Associate Partner - Global lead Engineering, Construction, Operations, PLM, IBM
Talk Title: Future of sustainable smart cities
About: The session will also look at the potential of new technologies such as AI, edge computing, 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enable sustainable smart cities.
Paul will discuss and demonstrate how these technologies can be used to optimise resource use, improve mobility and increase citizen engagement.
When: 18th May @ 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Where: Net Zero Stage
Edwards Gibbs - Director at Arcadis
Talk Title: Asset Management for building safety compliance
About: This talk will help the built-asset management community understand the context, requirements and challenges presented by the new Building Safety Act that comes into force this year
Edward will demonstrate an approach for achieving the ‘Golden Thread’ of information as outlined in the regulation.
When: 17th May @ 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Where: Asset Management Stage
Sangeeta Shenoy - Associate Director and BIM Lead at Fraser Brown Mackenna Architects
About: Building 60 at the University of East Anglia is a state-of-the-art STEM facility, created using Building Information Modeling (BIM).
This session explores the project's innovative use of digital construction, collaboration, and information sharing methods, which resulted in significant savings, streamlined facilities management, and promoted wider BIM adoption.
When: 18th May @ 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Where: Information Management Stage
Emma Hooper - Head of R&D at Bond Bryan Digital Ltd
Talk Title: Information chaos theory revisited – Principles and concepts of information management
About: This presentation explores information management in the built environment by treating information as an asset.
It envisions a collaborative approach with industry, client organisations, and delivery teams, uniting processes and data.
The talk applies this to specification, planning, and delivery of information models, and explores future technologies like knowledge graphs, linked data, machine learning, and ChatGPT.
The challenge is getting the industry to solve this 'jigsaw puzzle' together.
When: 18th May @ 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Information Management Exchange
Paul Wilkinson - Director of pwcom.co.uk
Talk Title: Delivering valuable data
About: This talk introduces the Interoperability Code of Practice for Technologies, created to enhance data sharing and collaboration within organisations.
Developed by an industry group, it outlines five key principles and technical requirements for software and technology evaluation. Launched in 2023, the first edition encourages industry feedback for future refinement.
Attendees will learn about the code, interoperability principles, technical requirements, and opportunities to contribute to future developments.
When: 17th May @ 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Where: Information Management Exchange
Find Archdesk on Stand D342
Our team will be at our stand on both days. If you have any questions about construction software or the industry in general, please come and say hello.
They’re a friendly and knowledgeable bunch.
I will be there both days too. I’d love to talk construction with you so feel free to introduce yourself at the show.
See you there.
Danny Mitchell
Head of Content Marketing
You might also like
May 16, 2024 • 3 min read
Ditch the Spreadsheets and Siloed Data: Unleash Efficiency and Innovation in the Modern AEC Industry with Archdesk
AEC firms need a solution that empowers them to ditch the spreadsheet sprawl and embrace ...May 14, 2024 • 6 min read
Navigate the Construction Lifecycle with Confidence: How Archdesk Streamlines Every Step
The construction industry pulsates with activity, each project a meticulously orchestrated dance of planning, construction, ...February 29, 2024 • 7 min read
Utilizing the human-first approach to construction projects to drive higher results.
How can a human-first approach to construction help to drive higher results? It requires the ...July 3, 2023 • 6 min read
8 Best Construction Drawing Management Software (2023): A Comprehensive Guide
Find all the information you need about the construction drawing management software tools available on ...
