Inspiring Women in Construction and Engineering: Conference
Women and allies from across the UK construction and engineering sectors will come together in London this September for the Inspiring Women in Construction and Engineering Conference 2026.
Taking place on 16 September at the London Hilton on Park Lane, the event aims to encourage greater diversity across the built environment while giving women working within the industry opportunities to learn, network and develop their careers.
Organised through a partnership between Construction News, New Civil Engineer and Ground Engineering, the conference forms part of a wider programme designed to champion women working across construction, civil engineering and related industries.
Tackling some of the industry's biggest workforce challenges
Despite efforts to attract a more diverse workforce, women remain underrepresented across many construction and engineering occupations.
The conference will look beyond simply encouraging more women to enter the industry, with discussions exploring how employers can create workplaces where people from different backgrounds can build sustainable, long-term careers.
Topics for 2026 include career progression, inclusive leadership, workplace culture, disability and neurodiversity, recruitment and retention, and inclusive design.
A particular focus will be placed on what encourages women to remain within construction and engineering – and why some ultimately decide to leave.
The programme includes speakers from organisations including National Grid, Heathrow Airport, AtkinsRéalis, Galliford Try, Turner & Townsend, Laing O'Rourke, Arcadis and the Chartered Institute of Building.[
Building a more inclusive industry
Improving diversity is becoming increasingly important as construction and engineering employers continue to consider how they will attract the skilled workforce required for the years ahead.
Greater representation also means encouraging people to consider careers they may previously have overlooked – something particularly relevant to industries such as electrical installation, where women continue to represent a relatively small proportion of the workforce.
The Inspiring Women programme aims to support this change by bringing employers, industry leaders and individuals together to share practical ideas and examples of what is already working.
Alongside the conference, the Inspiring Women in Construction and Engineering Awards will also take place on 16 September, recognising individuals, organisations and initiatives helping to improve gender diversity within the sector.
For trainees and people considering a career within construction or engineering, initiatives like this are another reminder that the industry is changing. Creating a larger and more diverse workforce will require employers not only to attract new people into the sector, but to ensure they have opportunities to develop, progress and build rewarding long-term careers.
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