Futurebuild 2026 opens on Tuesday 12th May offering a series of unexpected experiences that extend beyond the event walls and main stages. Alongside the headline conferences, full knowledge programme and exhibition, this year’s fringe programme brings an additional layer of insight and collaboration, with dedicated spaces hosting specialist content delivered in partnership with leading organisations and industry voices.
These elements have been pulled together to spotlight cutting-edge thinking, real-world delivery and new approaches to some of the sector’s most pressing challenges. Highlights include opportunities to:
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Explore the Architects Climate Action Network (ACAN) stage, including its thought-provoking ‘Less Carbon, More Truth’ campaign
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Engage with practical learning through the Retrofit Academy Quality Retrofit Case Studies, sponsored by Steico
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Access training on the latest heat network products and solutions at the Heat Network Connection Pavillion and training stage in association with the UK District Energy Association (UKDEA)
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Discover emerging ideas across the Retrofit Innovation and Social Equality (RISE) stage.
Martin Hurn, Event Director at Futurebuild, comments: “Futurebuild 2026 offers real breadth and depth for anyone working across the built environment, especially now we’ve co-located with UK Construction Week London and the Stone & Surfaces Show.
“What also makes this year’s event particularly compelling is the range of experiences on offer – from major conference sessions through to more focused, hands-on formats and off-site activity. It’s a chance for professionals to explore the ideas, innovations and partnerships shaping the industry and to see first-hand how these are being applied in practice.”
The three-day programme (12 – 14 May) also includes a bespoke site visit to Tipping Point East in Newham offering a select number of registered attendees a rare opportunity to experience a live circular construction hub in action, demonstrating how material reuse can be embedded at scale.
At Excel, a new networking space reflects the event’s commitment to circularity and practical demonstration inside the venue. The Futurebuild Connect Lounge is being created using reclaimed materials by Material Index and will act as a central hub for discussion and exchange, hosting sessions ranging from live retrofit workshops and innovation showcases to peer-to-peer learning and technical deep dives. UKGBC Connect, for example, are hosting opportunities here for professionals to exchange insights, build capability and strengthen partnerships.
Inspiring communities including the Young Architects and Developers Alliance (YADA) are also taking advantage of the Connect Lounge to introduce emerging talent and established industry leaders during speed mentoring sessions. And the RIBA Bookshop hub (stand J50) is also sure to be a draw for specifiers featuring a curated selection of titles on architecture, sustainability and innovation, alongside opportunities to connect with the RIBA membership team.
Together, these more obscure features reinforce Futurebuild’s role as a platform for collaboration and progress, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the ideas, partnerships and solutions shaping a more sustainable and resilient built environment.
Conferences, stages and more!
Visitors can register for a free pass today to gain access to every corner of the UK’s new built environment super event serving 25,000 professionals and over 600 exhibitors under one roof.
Entry includes attendance on all three days and across Futurebuild’s full knowledge programme – comprising two major conferences, three seminar stages and 250 hours of CPD-accredited content.
