On 22 November, there was a unique celebration of women in digital roles in the AEC industry, a celebration that united trusted voices from across the globe to talk about the myriad of technological advancements driving the future of the digital built environment and BIM
At Women in BIM (WIB), we strive to celebrate women all over the world who achieve great things and make monumental wins.
WIB was established in 2012, fuelled by a passion to give women a voice in a noisy, male-dominated industry. Today, we have moved beyond simply giving women a voice; we have made our voices ones to be trusted.
The WIB Conference, which was held in London, provided a platform for a powerful line-up of influential and disruptive speakers to share their insights and experiences on people, projects and processes that are driving a sustainable future for the built environment.
This was a place where digital innovation came to life through the people at the very heart of the technology, shaping not just the way we design and build but the way we think, the way we deliver and the way we succeed.
Our goal was to empower our audience, both women and men, to have the confidence to make game-changing contributions to the digital development of the built environment.
Striving to maximise the potential of women in BIM
Like many conferences, there was a mix of presentations and panel discussions, but unlike many conferences, the powerful words that came from the speakers giving these presentations and taking part in these panels came with an impact.
People were captivated, enthused and excited about what they can personally achieve. Everything that was said and discussed is obtainable: no pipedreams, only hard facts that can be realised.
The panoptic theme for the day was confidence and having the confidence to be the best version of yourself. Our values make us who we are and our standards define what we are willing to accept in life. At WIB, we encourage everyone to never accept being anything less than their authentic, incredible, powerful self!
Growing confidence in women in BIM is essential
This theme ran true in every session but none more so than in our WIB Mentoring session: “It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent!”
At WIB, we strive to elevate the confidence of women in the construction industry. One of the ways to achieve this is through creating opportunities for more women to connect and support each other. The WIB Mentor Scheme has been designed to offer support and guidance for people to learn and grow both professionally and personally.
Now in its fourth year, the WIB Mentor Scheme is more than a simple support programme, it’s a life-changing experience.
This session looked at what makes a great mentor and the benefits of being in a mentor/mentee relationship for both members of the union. Plus, it specifically looked at how to build confidence, giving you the confidence you need to trust and believe in yourself.
Digital transformation in action
Although our core objective was to focus on our people, we also celebrated, explained, questioned and dissected the technological advancement and the digital transformation of the built environment – all fuelled by collaborative digital talent.
We asked questions such as:
- What part does digital play in the decarbonisation of construction?
- Can we achieve an equilibrium between digital innovation and crafting out a new sustainable built environment?
- What does the future hold for the digital twin?
- How can we reset thinking when it comes to attitudes towards technological change?
- How do we reassure people technology is not to be feared?
In response, the WIB trusted voices talked about how digital construction gives us strategic advantage for improving quality of life, driving economic activity to improve efficiencies and reduce waste; how to overcome obstacles and establish a movement for sustainable construction solutions.
And perhaps most important of all, how cross-sector, collaborative approaches can make climate neutrality irresistible for all stakeholders and unlocking benefits and accessibility.
The WIB community is supporting and contributing to the success of the global digital ecosystem, by connecting people, sharing knowledge and accelerating change. This collaborative approach gives people the confidence and skills to think differently, push boundaries, and to understand how we can learn from both the past and the future.
See the full line up of future-thinking speakers and talks that took place at the WIB Conference in London.
Marie Grieve
Vice global chair
Women in BIM
