Shaping the Future of the Built Environment at Digital Construction North 2025
The wait is over for digital enthusiasts and construction professionals in the North. The Digital Construction North 2025 seminar programme has officially been unveiled, and it promises to be one of the most dynamic and thought-provoking industry gatherings of the year.
Set to return for its second edition on 19 November 2025 at Manchester Central, this free-to-attend event is expected to draw more than 1,000 AECO professionals (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations) for a full day of CPD-accredited insights, collaboration, and innovation.
With over 50 sessions and 75+ speakers confirmed, the event has been meticulously curated to tackle the most pressing challenges shaping the built environment. From the rise of AI-driven workflows and digital twins to the shift toward data-driven construction, Digital Construction North (DCN) offers a front-row seat to the digital transformation sweeping across the sector.
Advancing Digital Construction
This year’s event spans four specialist theatres, each designed to address different dimensions of digital transformation across the AECO ecosystem:
- The Information Management Stage explores best practices for BIM, data governance, and lifecycle information management, ensuring digital consistency across assets.
- The Transformation Hub celebrates the cultural and organisational shifts driving successful digital adoption. Expect case studies on workflow integration, leadership, and the business strategies turning ambition into reality.
- The Innovation Hub delves into cutting-edge technologies such as AI, digital twins, and generative design, offering a glimpse into the next era of project delivery.
- The Tech Stage is all about hands-on engagement, featuring live demonstrations of the latest software and tools bridging theory and on-site application.
Together, these platforms create a comprehensive, regionalised programme aimed at professionals who are actively delivering projects across the North of England. Whether attendees are digital managers, design engineers, contractors, or asset owners, there’s a stage tailored to spark ideas and accelerate innovation.
Programme Highlights: Leading Voices, Real Insights
This year’s line-up reads like a who’s who of digital pioneers. Representatives from AtkinsRéalis, John Sisk & Sons, Chetwoods Architects, Morgan Sindall, Ridge & Partners, and Okana will share their expertise through a diverse set of sessions covering everything from carbon reduction to smarter project delivery.
Among the standout sessions are:
- Weaving the Golden Thread: Lessons Learned from a Complex Higher-Risk Building – Dan Black, Senior Digital Consultant, Okana; Melanie Robinson, Associate, Okana
- Northern Nuclear Powerhouse – Darren Grears, Digital Director, AtkinsRéalis
- Underground, Unlocked: Smarter Delivery Through Digital Solutions – Jorge Luna, Senior BIM Engineer, Sisk; Nidaa Alazmeh, BIM Lead, Sisk
- Using What We Have: The Best Means of Saving Carbon – Ellen Willis, Thrive Sustainability Consultant, Chetwoods Architects; Sagal Rooble, Digital Strategy Coordinator, Chetwoods Architects
Turning Ambition into Action
Event Director Karolina Orechinni shared her excitement about bringing the event back to Manchester: “We’re proud to bring Digital Construction North back to Manchester for a second year. This is an event created specifically for professionals in the North who are leading projects and driving real change. The focus is on practical learning and collaboration, helping attendees turn digital ambition into on-the-ground results.”
Her statement encapsulates the spirit of DCN 2025: collaboration over competition, and practical innovation over hype. This philosophy runs through every session, whether it’s discussing digital integration in brownfield regeneration or showcasing how AI is reshaping construction documentation.
Networking, Keynotes, and Hands-On Learning
While the CPD sessions form the core of the event, DCN 2025 goes beyond the lecture hall. Attendees can look forward to a keynote presentation, live product demonstrations, interactive workshops, and networking drinks, all designed to foster new partnerships and knowledge exchange.
The event also provides eight CPD hours for a full day’s attendance, ensuring professionals not only gain insight but also meet their continuing professional development goals. One 2024 attendee, Estevao Hayworth, DPS Engineer at BAM Construction, summed up the value of the event perfectly: “Brilliant event. I found the talks on the day interesting, which provided food for thought to help drive improvements within my job.”
Why Digital Construction North Matters
The UK construction sector is evolving rapidly. The increasing adoption of digital twins, AI-based project management, cloud collaboration, and data-driven decision-making is redefining what’s possible in design and delivery. Events like DCN 2025 are critical in aligning the northern AECO community with these global digital trends, ensuring that innovation doesn’t stop at London or the South East.
Manchester’s role as a digital hub only strengthens this mission. As home to major engineering and technology firms, academic centres, and infrastructure projects, the city offers an ideal backdrop for forward-thinking dialogue about the future of digital construction.
Building Knowledge, Building Networks
Beyond the technologies themselves, the event’s real power lies in connection. Digital Construction North brings together professionals from across disciplines, fostering a sense of shared progress and purpose. Attendees can exchange best practices, debate strategies for sustainable digital adoption, and explore collaborations that might just define the next big leap in UK construction.
From information modelling and AI integration to carbon-conscious workflows and real-time asset intelligence, DCN 2025 provides a complete snapshot of where the industry is heading and what it takes to get there.
Free but Limited Access
Registration for Digital Construction North 2025 is now open, but access is vetting-based to ensure the audience reflects professionals who are genuinely shaping and delivering projects in the region. Approved spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-qualified, first-served basis.
Those looking to secure their place at Manchester Central on 19 November 2025 are encouraged to register early via the event’s official platform. It’s an unmissable opportunity to learn, network, and play an active role in shaping the future of digital construction across the North.
Driving the Next Chapter of Digital Construction
Digital Construction North 2025 isn’t just another date on the calendar, it’s a movement built around empowering AECO professionals with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration needed to lead the digital transformation of the built environment.
By connecting theory with real-world results, the event ensures that innovation continues to drive progress, sustainability, and resilience in the construction sector.
