Join industry leaders for a panel discussion on skills, talent, and the future workforce in the built environment.
About this Event

Who Builds the Future? – A Built Environment Question Time

Brings together industry leaders, practitioners, and emerging professionals for an insightful and engaging panel discussion on the future of the built environment.

Hosted by CIBSE West Midlands, in collaboration with the CIBSE Fellows Network, WIBSE, and YEN, and supported by CIBSE Patrons and the CIBSE FM Group, this event promises a lively, thought-provoking evening tackling some of the industry’s most pressing challenges.

The panel will explore skills shortages, talent attraction and retention, career development, and how the sector can adapt to meet future demands.

Attendees can expect honest debate, diverse perspectives, and an interactive Q&A designed to challenge thinking and spark meaningful conversation.

The event will take place at WSP’s Town Hall Room, Mailbox, Wharfside St, Birmingham B1 1RQ, with dedicated networking opportunities available both before and after the panel discussion.

Event Schedule:

16:30 – Meet & Network
17:15 – Panel Discussion Begins
18:30 – Panel Discussion Closes
18:30 – 19:00 – Networking & Close

Panel Speakers:

Banita Basra, Schnieder Electric – WIBSE
Josh Emerson, Swegon – CIBSE Patrons
David Stevens, NHS, – CIBSE FM Group
Dr Emeka Efe Osaji, Coventry University – Academia
Simon Drinkwater, Briggs & Forrester – Contractor
Anil Chandlar, AtkinsRealis – Consultant
Andrada Borcovici, Shipways– YEN
Callum Robinson, RobinsonBrown – Recruitment

What You’ll Learn:

Hiring vs developing talent, what actually works?
How AI, hybrid working, and digital tools are changing careers
Are we preparing the future workforce or falling behind?
Sustainability frameworks: better buildings or better marketing?
Does CIBSE membership accelerate careers?
How to attract, retain, and stand out in a competitive industry

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CIBSE Event Behavioural Policy

CIBSE wants all attendees to feel welcome and included at our events. We ask attendees to keep in mind that they are within a professional environment when at CIBSE events and they are expected to always demonstrate professional behaviour modelling high standards of ethical conduct, honesty and integrity to protect the reputation and standing of CIBSE. CIBSE will not tolerate or allow any discriminatory or disrespectful behaviours by any person during CIBSE events, including bullying, harassment or sexist, racist, or exclusionary comments or jokes at our events. Where alcohol is provided, attendees are expected to know their limits and drink responsibly. The provision of alcohol should not be taken as an endorsement by CIBSE for attendees to drink excessively nor for any resulting improper conduct or activity.

By registering for this event, you agree to abide by the CIBSE Event Behavioural Policy.