Digital Construction Week 2025 Smashed Records and Celebrated a Decade of Innovation
Digital Construction Week 2025 didn’t just raise the bar—it hurled it into the stratosphere. As the UK’s flagship event for digital innovation in the built environment, DCW marked its landmark 10th edition with a record-breaking turnout and a flurry of future-focused insight, demonstration, and celebration.
Held at ExCeL London in June, this milestone year brought together more than 9,000 attendees and 7,100 unique visitors—a 4% rise on the previous year. Engineers, architects, contractors, policymakers, and tech providers converged for two jam-packed days exploring the bleeding edge of construction’s digital revolution.
Innovation Takes the Spotlight
At the heart of the event were 230 knowledge-rich sessions spread across 10 dynamic stages. From digital twins and AI to smart infrastructure and sustainable design, the programme provided an unfiltered look into the innovations reshaping construction.
David Philp, Chief Value Officer at Bentley Systems, put it succinctly: “DCW has consistently served as more than just a conference. It’s a vital hub for learning, a platform for sharing both successes and setbacks, and an invaluable space for connection.”
Talks didn’t shy away from the tough stuff. Culture change, tech adoption, implementation roadblocks—it was all up for debate. Attendees heard from major contractors, disruptive startups, academic thinkers, and frontline workers, all championing progress with one shared goal: smarter, better building.
The Power of People
While the tech was undeniably impressive, it was the human element that really carried the show.
“The atmosphere at Digital Construction Week was palpable,” said David John Varghese, Principal Engineer at AtkinsRéalis. “Beyond the impressive software and hardware demonstrations, there was a strong undercurrent of conversation focused on implementation, adoption, and the cultural shifts necessary to make these technologies truly effective.”
Cliff Smith, Executive Director of the Get It Right Initiative, echoed this: “I was struck by the energy, the expertise and the sheer commitment on display to driving better construction outcomes and greater productivity through technology.”
This wasn’t just about ideas. It was about action.
A Community United by Progress
The 10th edition celebrated the people, ideas, and milestones that have brought the industry to this pivotal point. There was a distinct sense of occasion throughout the venue, from the Crystal Wall—inviting guests to share their visions for the next decade—to the retro Throwback Photo Competition.
And yes, there was a full-size DeLorean. Symbolic, playful, and perfectly fitting for a show that honours both past and future.
The 10th Anniversary Drinks Reception buzzed with connections both new and familiar. As Dan Rossiter FCIAT, Sector Lead at BSI, put it: “What makes Digital Construction Week truly special is seeing my friends and colleagues. No event brings us together better than DCW.”
Tech Giants and Disruptive Start-ups Alike
On the exhibition floor, more than 150 companies showcased cutting-edge digital solutions. The roster read like a who’s who of construction technology: Autodesk, Bluebeam, Bentley Systems, Nemetschek, Procore, IFS, Solibri, WSP, Causeway Technologies, and dozens of others.
Among the standout areas was the Start-up Village, where fresh thinkers like 1Breadcrumb, Qualis Flow, and Relatics demonstrated how agility and innovation are fuelling rapid change.
Matt Cox, Senior Account Manager at Bentley Systems, summed up the enthusiasm: “Being able to inspire the next generation of people coming into the industry has been fantastic. The event of the year.”
Not to be missed was the Oracle Red Bull Racing Simulator—combining high-octane engineering with competitive fun.
Global Appeal, Local Impact
Visitors flew in from across the world—Malaysia, Finland, Australia—underscoring DCW’s global reach. Yet, its impact was felt most deeply in the UK, where digital adoption in construction is gathering serious momentum.
Jonathan Hunter, Chief Executive Officer at Eleco, called it plainly: “DCW 2025 was a testament to the industry’s commitment to embracing digital transformation and innovation—paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable future in construction.”
This wasn’t just another trade show. It was a call to arms.
The Road to 2026
With the dust barely settled on this year’s edition, organisers are already looking ahead. Digital Construction Week returns to ExCeL London on 3-4 June 2026, promising even more hands-on tech, deeper insight, and broader community engagement.
But there’s no waiting around. Building on the energy of London, Digital Construction North is set to land in Manchester Central on 19 November 2025. A one-day showcase, the event will focus on regional expertise, local voices, and how emerging technologies can drive grassroots progress.
What Makes DCW a Must-Attend?
For anyone with a stake in the future of construction, DCW is the place where ideas become actions. Over the last decade, it has grown from a niche gathering to the premier stage for showcasing innovation across architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO).
Event Director Karolina Orecchini captured it best: “DCW 2025 was a celebration of how far we’ve come over the last decade, and a powerful reminder of why this event matters. We owe this year’s success to our incredible exhibitors, speakers, and community. Their energy, insight, and willingness to collaborate are what make DCW so impactful.”
With an ethos rooted in knowledge-sharing and practical transformation, DCW has become more than a conference. It’s a cornerstone of the sector’s digital journey.
A Stronger, Smarter Sector Starts Here
As the construction industry accelerates towards a digitally integrated future, events like DCW are proving critical. They foster the collaboration, courage and clarity needed to tackle entrenched inefficiencies and drive meaningful change.
With DCW 2025 now in the rearview mirror, the road ahead looks promising. The momentum is real, the community is growing, and the appetite for transformation has never been stronger.
DCW isn’t just about showcasing the future—it’s about building it.
