Global Construction and Infrastructure Conference 2026

The construction and infrastructure sector stands at a critical juncture. COP30 designated the transition towards climate-resilient development a trend of the future and a “political and market signal that can’t be ignored”. Built environment professionals have an important role to play in reducing global emissions and strengthening strained infrastructure, yet the 2025 RICS’ Sustainability Report suggested a slowdown in the adoption of sustainable approaches and carbon measuring. At the same time, the impact of AI, inflation, urbanisation, supply chain disruption, and skills shortages are creating further challenges for construction professionals – as well as opportunities for transformative change.

At the Global Construction and Infrastructure Conference 2026, you’ll explore the key forces and trends at play within markets worldwide that must be tackled to prepare the sector for the future. Featuring a line-up of keynotes, panel discussions, and in-depth spotlight sessions from leading experts, this year’s programme covers topics such as circular construction, green investment, bio-based materials, innovations in geothermal energy, smart connectivity, and a guide to AI best practice.

This is your opportunity to hear transformative discussions and debates from industry thought leaders, to deepen your understanding of the pressing challenges facing the sector, and to gain the lessons, tools, and knowledge needed to embrace new technologies, embed sustainable practice, and navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing industry.

As a RICS member, you can attend and rewatch this digital event for free and earn valuable CPD points to support your ongoing professional development.

Why should you attend? This conference offers a wealth of benefits:

Actionable Market Insights: Stay ahead of emerging trends and get exclusive insights on the latest developments in green technologies, sustainable construction, and carbon measurement strategies.
Address Industry Challenges: Learn how to navigate rising costs, supply chain bottlenecks, workforce shortages, and the growing demand for climate-resilient infrastructure.
Practical Takeaways: Walk away with tangible strategies to integrate cutting-edge solutions like AI, digital tools, and green financing into your projects.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with a global network of professionals from diverse regions and sectors to exchange ideas, collaborate, and expand your professional horizons.
Earn CPD Points: As a RICS member, you can attend for free and earn valuable CPD points to support your ongoing professional development.
This is your opportunity to engage with thought leaders, deepen your understanding of the industry’s most pressing challenges, and gain the tools and knowledge to drive sustainable, resilient infrastructure projects in a changing world.

This Conference is For...

Construction and Infrastructure Professionals (Engineers, Architects, Project Managers)
• Stay ahead of industry innovation: Discover the latest in sustainable construction methods and materials procurement, including urban mining, design for disassembly and reuse, and biobased and regenerative design.
• Navigate climate resilience: Gain insights into how infrastructure is being reimaged to mimic natural systems and withstand extreme weather, and how green materials are being utilised to progress carbon capture and restore ecosystems.
• Practical tips and skills development: Learn best practice for utilising AI in your daily work and hear how digital twin technology can enhance building connectivity and user experience to help future-proof your practice.

C-Suite Executives (CEOs, CFOs, Directors of Sustainability, etc.)
• Unlock investment opportunities: Learn about the case for green bonds, adaptation finance, public-private partnerships and funding models being explored for large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Strategic leadership in sustainability: Gain a comprehensive view of the latest developments in sustainable construction practice in order to align your business strategy and lead the market.
• Global & regional insights: Benefit from a global perspective on challenges and opportunities around financing, labour and costs, whilst understanding regional practices and insights to emerging markets that could impact your decisions.
• Understand regulatory changes: Understand the evolving regulatory landscape around AI and the challenges of compliance with data trust and professional standards, as well as exploring green legislation reform and what it means for your organisation.

Government and Public Sector Officials (Urban Planners, Policymakers, Transport Authorities)
• Integrate climate resilience in urban planning: Learn about the innovative ways that aging infrastructure systems are being maintained and updated for future resilience and concepts of sponge cities.
• Shape the future of infrastructure: Discover routes to navigating shortfalls in infrastructure funding including adaptation and sustainable financing and the role of public-private partnerships.
• Cross-country learning: Benefit from hearing how other cities, regions and countries are tackling challenges in funding allocation, sustainability, green building practices, and infrastructure maintenance.

Investors and Financial Institutions (Bankers, Green Bond Issuers, Asset Managers)
• Gain insights into changing markets: Hear about the growth of data centre and energy asset development and why some emerging markets are experiencing an infrastructure construction boom.
• Maximise ROI in green infrastructure: Explore investment in the circular economy and how projects will be demonstrating green benefit to secure your investment and interest.
• Networking with Key Stakeholders: Connect with government representatives, developers, and industry leaders to explore potential collaborations and investment opportunities.

Sustainability Professionals and Consultants
• Expand knowledge on cutting edge sustainability practice: Discover the ways that bio-based materials are being developed and used and how mass timber construction and regenerative design offer new ways of looking at embodied carbon and net zero.
• Explore solutions to sustainability slowdown and roadblocks: Uncover how to unlock capital and structure projects to attract investment.
• Opportunities for Collaboration: Network with professionals and organizations committed to sustainability and learn from real-world case studies of successful green infrastructure projects.

Young Professionals and Students in the Construction and Infrastructure Sectors
• Learn from industry leaders: Hear discussions and debates from experts and seasoned professionals with a chance to ask questions and receive learning from practical real-life case studies.
• Explore new career pathways: Hear about new roles in the construction industry emerging from AI and sustainability, overcoming perceived barriers to entry, and the ways you can strengthen the purpose-led impact of the profession.
• Develop networking skills: Build your professional network by connecting with mentors, peers, and potential employers across different regions and sectors.