The UK’s leading annual event for innovation in the built environment, Digital Construction Week, received rave reviews and saw a 7% increase in attendee numbers in 2024
Held at ExCeL London from 5-6 June 2024, Digital Construction Week (DCW) showcased cutting-edge technologies, ground-breaking innovations, and a thought-provoking education programme.
With a 7% increase in attendee numbers, the packed-out event provided a platform for exchanging knowledge, fostering valuable connections and delving into the latest emerging trends.
Mathew Lorento, Kane technology director at Kane Selection, comments on his visit: “The event was absolutely packed with innovation, education and an overall sense of excitement as the construction industry moves into and embraces digital technology.”
Rubens Lage Lopes, digital project manager (BIM) at Ethos Engineering, likened DCW to “uncovering a treasure map for the future of construction”.
Dinesh Raj, business development at SrinSoft Technologies, echoed this, saying: “I had the pleasure of spending two outstanding days at Digital Construction Week, undoubtedly the premier event in the construction industry. It was fantastic to witness all the innovation and enthusiasm for digital advancements.”
“Taking away a wealth of knowledge”
The successful show brought the built environment community from all parts of the world together, fostering collaboration and unlocking new opportunities for growth.
“I attended Digital Construction Week for the first time, and what a fantastic learning experience it turned out to be. I delved deeper into industry-relevant topics, participated in enlightening sessions, and forged new connections,” begins Priyanka Lengure, information manager at Buro Happold.
“The standout moments were the engaging panel discussions, where industry experts shared valuable insights. I’m taking away a wealth of knowledge from this event.”
Also in agreement is Emma Hooper, head of information management strategy at RLB Digital, vice chair of nima and buildingSMART UK&I, commenting: “Compared to other events I have attended this year, it was by far the best. If we could bottle up the passion, innovation and magic in the room and spread it to the rest of the industry we could actually change for the better.”
Santhosh Mahadevaiah, graduate engineering trainee, Shapoorji Pallonji Group, had an “incredible” time at the expo, saying: “It was fantastic to meet professionals from different tech departments and learn about new digital technologies, BIM, digital engineering and asset management. The interactive networking was invaluable. This opportunity helped me learn more about construction, project management, and project control through new technologies.”
“A sign of a healthy market!”
The bustling show floor featured over 165 leading companies, start-ups, industry bodies and organisations at the forefront of digitising the built environment.
The leading equipment manufacturers, software companies and service providers that exhibited included Autodesk, Bentley Systems, Bluebeam, Causeway Technologies, Glider, IFS UK, Mission Room, MSite, Paperless Construction, Procore, Sir Robert McAlpine, Symetri, Strata, Trimble, Twinit, Xinaps, YardLink, and many more.
The disruptive technologies and solutions that were on display included digital twins, augmented reality, information management, automation and AI, drones, robotics and much more. Visitors discovered how these solutions can help them be more efficient, collaborative, connected, sustainable and profitable.
“It was great to see so many smaller businesses this year. Some really great offerings were on show, a sign of a healthy market!” says Luke Fowler, technical director at ScanTech Digital.
“By far the best event there is in the construction industry”
The immersive exhibition unveiled the next generation of solutions for the built environment, providing a glimpse into how these advancements are reshaping the AECO industry and revolutionising data-driven decision-making.
Daniel T, volunteer and computer scientist explains witnessing “such an exciting promise for modern construction and property development – virtual reality modelling, incredible ways to visualise and survey sites with robotics, drones and other consumer tools, and exciting specialist ways to manage teams and mitigate issues”.
“It was great to see the impact of 3D visualisation and virtual reality across various industries, and inspiring to meet numerous start-ups leveraging creative technology to propel the construction industry forward,” comments Luke Anderton, founder of Virtus Studios.
Nicoleta Bocaneala, senior team leader – digital estates (BIM) at ONE Creative environments (ONE), describes her two days exhibiting at DCW as “amazing”, saying: [Digital Construction Week is] by far the best event there is in the construction industry, great to see all the innovation and passion for digital.”
“Another immensely successful DCW”
The show didn’t just result in happy attendees, but exhibitors too. Many were thrilled with the result of the show and praised the quality of visitors and strong leads over the two days.
“Another immensely successful DCW 2024 comes to a close. For me, hands down the best industry event of the year and it’s always a treat to see familiar faces and demonstrate the true power of Revizto to people,” shares James Lawrence, VDC construction implementation manager at Revizto.
First-time exhibitors SIMLAB had this to say: “Thanks to our presence at DCW, we anticipate the application of our platform in many new projects and locations, both in the UK and internationally. DCW brings together key players who are setting trends in the digitalisation of the construction world. We are proud to have stood alongside these major brands and to have showcased our best innovations.”
Launching their new BuildM8 software at the show, Riccardo D’Elia, director of operations at BuildM8, explains: “The event was a great platform to showcase our solutions and build authority. The feedback and connections we gained were invaluable, boosting our visibility in the market.”
SrinSoft Engineering dubbed the event “a super successful experience meeting with clients, brands and a multitude of visitors. We are thrilled by the connections made and the exciting opportunities ahead”.
“Insightful presentations across multiple stages”
The event also featured a CPD-accredited programme packed with over 200 talks, panels and workshops delivered by 300+ expert speakers from across the built environment.
Visitors were spoilt for choice with eleven theatres focused on some of the key areas shaping AECO. These included information management, asset management, geospatial, net zero, digital transformation and more.
Speakers from HS2, Microsoft, AtkinsRealis, Heathrow Airport, Arup, Causeway Technologies, Bluebeam, BDP and Elliott Wood were just a few examples of big names who were part of the line-up.
Exhibitors Pointscene (an ARKANCE company) say: “The event was packed with insightful presentations across multiple stages, covering many interesting topics.”
“Insightful and thought-provoking seminars on the Main Stage about AI and mental health from industry experts highlighted how this will shape the evolving landscape of construction,” agrees Miguel Espinosa Cancino, graduate digital construction manager at Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure.
Lokman Z, MSc BIM and digital transformation at the University of Liverpool, describes his experience as “full of thought-provoking talks, cutting-edge inventions and motivating interactions. I had the chance to learn about the newest developments in digital construction and network with some of the most innovative people in the field. The seminars I attended were insightful with particular emphasis on; digital twins, digital transformation, GIS-BIM integration, geospatial, and decarbonisation”.
On the other side of the coin, Victoria Jones, lead digital engineer at Laing O’Rourke was a first-time speaker at this year’s event.
“The DCW team helped me at every stage, from being creative with my presentation, promoting my session and encouraging me as I was about to speak,” she says.
Register now for Digital Construction Week 2025
The resounding success of Digital Construction Week 2024 has set the stage for an even more extraordinary event next year, taking place at ExCeL London from 4-5 June 2025.
Plus, it’s the tenth anniversary edition! Celebrate a decade of DCW, get ahead, and register your interest by visiting: www.digitalconstructionweek.com/register-your-interest
