Digital Construction and AI: Who’s in Control?

Digital Construction and AI: Who’s in Control?

The UWE Conference 2026 marks the third year in a row of this growing annual event series at UWE Bristol, building on the success of the previous two conferences, Are We There Yet? and Digital Construction Climate Nexus. Over the past two years, the event has become a valuable platform for bringing together industry, academia, and future professionals to explore the forces shaping the built environment.

This year’s theme, “Digital Construction and AI: Who’s in Control?”, turns the spotlight onto one of the most urgent questions facing both industry and academia today. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in construction processes, workflows, education, research, and decision-making, the event will examine how we can embrace innovation while maintaining responsibility, accountability, and meaningful human oversight.

Through keynote talks, breakout sessions, and cross-sector discussions, the conference will explore the opportunities, risks, and wider implications of AI for the built environment, creating space for critical debate on the future of digital construction across both professional practice and academic inquiry.

Location

The event will be held at the University of the West of England's (UWE) Frenchay campus. In theBristol Business School building. See image below. As you enter the building you will be greeted and given further directions.

Travel advice for gettin to UWE's Frenchay campus is available on their website https://www.uwe.ac.uk/life/campus-and-facilities/getting-to-and-from-uwe

What to expect

Expect a dynamic and thought-provoking event that brings together academia, industry, and future professionals to explore the growing role of AI in digital construction. Through keynote talks, breakout sessions, and open discussions, the conference will examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping decision-making, workflows, responsibility, and innovation across the built environment. The event will create space for both critical reflection and practical insight, moving beyond the hype to address real opportunities, risks, and challenges.

Why Attend?

• Hear directly from academics and industry leaders at the forefront of digital construction and AI.
• Explore the real opportunities, risks, and challenges of AI in the built environment beyond the hype.
• Gain insight into how AI is reshaping decision-making, workflows, responsibility, and control across construction.
• Take part in thought-provoking discussions on innovation, governance, ethics, and human oversight.
• Connect with a diverse audience of researchers, practitioners, students, and future leaders.
• Expand your network and build new links across industry and academia.
• Be part of a timely conversation shaping the future of digital construction.

Disclaimer and attendee notice:
By registering for this event, you agree that your registration details may be shared with the event sponsors, who may contact you regarding their products, services, and relevant offerings.

Please be aware that photography and video recording may take place during the event. These images and recordings may be used by the organisers and event partners for marketing, promotional, publicity, and communication purposes, including use on websites, social media platforms, and other promotional materials.

Info: An opportunity to network with the other delegates

Info:

Info: Start the day with a live debate bringing together speakers from industry and academia to explore one of the most pressing questions in digital construction: as AI becomes more embedded in decision-making, innovation, and delivery, who remains in control? This session will challenge assumptions, surface contrasting perspectives, and set the tone for a day of critical discussion.

Info: This breakout room provides a regional platform for buildingSMART and nima South West conversations, focusing on digital transformation, information management, and industry collaboration. It offers attendees the opportunity to engage with thought leaders shaping standards, interoperability, and the future direction of digital practice across the built environment.

Info: Hosted by CABER, this breakout room highlights UWE-led perspectives on research, innovation, and emerging thinking in the built environment. It creates space for discussion around academic insight, interdisciplinary collaboration, and how research can inform the future of digital construction and AI.

Info: This room brings together industry practice and applied innovation, featuring contributions from leading professionals working at the forefront of digital construction. Sessions will look at practical challenges, how things are really done, and how early decisions, digital tools, and AI affect project delivery and whole life carbon outcomes.

Info: The WIB drop-in room offers an open and welcoming space for discussion, networking, and knowledge exchange. Led by Women in BIM contributors, this room is designed to encourage conversation around inclusion, professional development, and the role of diverse voices in shaping the future of the construction sector.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Bristol Business School, University of the West of England, Stoke Gifford, United Kingdom

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