Digital Construction North Puts AI in the Spotlight
The North of England is gearing up for one of the most influential digital construction gatherings of the year, as Digital Construction North returns to Manchester Central on 19 November 2025.
With a spotlight on artificial intelligence, data-driven delivery, collaboration, and future-ready infrastructure, the event promises to be a defining moment for AECO leaders ready to harness the next wave of innovation.
Digital transformation in the built environment has gathered serious momentum in recent years. Yet, as AI breaks out of the lab and into the hands of engineers, contractors, architects, and project managers across the world, the conversation is shifting rapidly from theory to implementation. Now more than ever, decision-makers want substance, not smoke.
Bringing AI to Life in Real Infrastructure Projects
Headlining this year’s agenda is a highly anticipated session featuring Nasrine Tomasi, Head of AI at Mott MacDonald, alongside Alex Bone from innovation consultancy Mettle Studio. Their talk promises rare behind-the-scenes visibility into EMMA, Mott MacDonald’s AI chatbot designed to support major infrastructure programmes.
Attendees can expect frank discussion and unfiltered lessons about integrating large language models in the field, including:
- What it really takes to bring AI safely into real-world engineering workflows
- Challenges and breakthroughs during development and deployment
- Practical examples showing how AI is already reshaping delivery on complex infrastructure programmes
This is not a hypothetical technology pitch. It is a deep dive into a live, operational solution built inside one of the world’s most respected engineering consultancies.
Tomasi’s work aligns with a growing industry trend. Major players, from Bentley Systems and Trimble to AtkinsRéalis and Jacobs, are now embedding AI-assisted design, risk forecasting, digital twins, and automated quality workflows into mainstream delivery. With EMMA, Mott MacDonald demonstrates that AI is moving far beyond experimentation. It is an active partner in infrastructure delivery.
Why Manchester Matters in the UK’s Digital Shift
Digital Construction North has quickly cemented itself as the leading AECO technology event for the Northern powerhouse region. With Greater Manchester investing heavily in smart infrastructure, low-carbon construction, digital planning innovation, and a thriving tech talent pipeline, the location reflects the sector’s ambitions.
Recent regional initiatives include:
- The UK’s first City Region Digital Strategy, accelerating BIM and smart asset management adoption across public projects
- Northern local authorities trialling AI for planning, transportation, and asset condition monitoring
- Major contractors establishing digital hubs in the region to support UK-wide delivery
In many ways, the North has become a testbed for digital construction at scale. So, when an event draws the industry’s most influential digital leaders together in Manchester, the message is unmistakable: transformation is no longer confined to global capitals.
A Speaker Line-Up Packed With Leaders in Digital Delivery
Alongside Mott MacDonald’s AI insights, the programme offers more than 50 CPD-accredited sessions from pioneering voices across engineering, architecture, sustainability, and smart project delivery.
Confirmed speakers include:
- Owen Ashton, Regional Digital Construction Manager, Morgan Sindall
- Emma Hooper, Head of Information Management Strategy at RLB Digital and Vice Chair – Projects at nima
- Ellen Willis, Thrive Sustainability Consultant, and Sagal Rooble, Digital Strategy Coordinator, Chetwoods Architects
- Nidaa Alazmeh, BIM Lead, and Jorge Luna, Senior BIM Engineer, Sisk
- Gary Bell and George Mokhtar, Directors, Turner & Townsend
- Dr Melaine Robinson, Associate, and Dan Black, Senior Digital Consultant, Okana
- Mike Edwards, Partner, Ridge & Partners
- Lilian Ho, Programme Director of the Master in AI for Architecture & Construction, ZIGURAT Institute of Technology, and Regional Lead, Women in BIM
- Darren Grears, Digital Director, AtkinsRéalis
This roster demonstrates the breadth of innovation sweeping across AECO markets. From generative design to reality capture, from carbon optimisation strategies to digital governance frameworks, these speakers represent real-world leadership in adopting emerging technology responsibly and economically.
Hands-On Learning and Technology in Action
The one-day event delivers far more than keynotes. Attendees will have access to:
- 50+ exhibitors unveiling the latest digital tools, software, automation systems, and collaborative platforms
- Networking lounges, drinks receptions, and AECO leadership meet-ups
- A Start-Up Village showcasing emerging construction technology ventures
- Four themed theatres providing project-focused, instantly applicable learning
- A senior-level keynote panel exploring future industry strategy
In previous years, Digital Construction North has shone a spotlight on innovations including AI-enhanced design validation, reality capture, digital skills acceleration, and carbon-conscious project delivery. This year’s edition continues that momentum while bringing AI sharply into focus.
Practical AI, Measured Innovation, and Skilled People
The rise of AI in construction has sparked both excitement and caution. While tools such as Autodesk Forma, Bentley Synchro, and Trimble Construction Cloud offer extraordinary capabilities, successful application depends on more than software licences.
Industry leaders are now focused on:
- Responsible AI adoption in safety-critical environments
- Upskilling teams rapidly and affordably
- Digital-ready procurement and data-sharing frameworks
- Cybersecurity maturity in increasingly connected infrastructure ecosystems
- Tangible ROI from digital investment
According to global consultancy McKinsey, construction firms applying digital tools effectively can reduce project delivery time by up to 30 percent and cut costs by up to 15 percent. With such compelling numbers, competitive pressure is soaring.
Event Director Karolina Orechinni emphasises the real value proposition: “Digital Construction North is all about connecting people with the technology, ideas, and inspiration they need to shape the future of their industry.”
Final Seats for AECO Professionals
Attendance remains free for verified AECO professionals actively involved in project delivery. With demand rising and capacity limited, early registration is essential.
Those looking to attend can register at Digital Construction North’s official platform.
Confidence and Collaboration
Digital Construction North arrives at a pivotal moment for the built environment. As AI accelerates productivity, strengthens safety, and enhances decision-making across the construction ecosystem, events like this ensure the conversation stays grounded, practical, and people-focused.
Far from replacing human expertise, AI is becoming a catalyst for better engineering judgement, stronger sustainability outcomes, and more predictable project performance.
With innovators like Nasrine Tomasi leading the discussion, and a region increasingly synonymous with digital excellence, Manchester is set to host a milestone gathering for the sector.
The future of construction isn’t arriving someday. It is unfolding right now, and those investing in digital capability today will shape the infrastructure of tomorrow.
