Seminar In Person

Building the Future: AI & Digital Tech in Construction

by CIOB London

Event details

  • Brewers' Hall, London
  • 22 April 2026
  • 08:00 AM - 12:30 PM GMT

Event fees

Early Bird - CIOB Member

£20.00

Early Bird - Non Member

£45.00

CIOB Member

£40.00

Non Member

£65.00

CIOB Assist Optional Donation

£5.00

CIOB Assist Optional Donation

£10.00

Summary

Half day seminar on AI and digital tech in construction - expert insights and practical perspectives.

Save the Date

AI is no longer the future - it's here.

This seminar will equip you with the knowledge to understand digital transformation, identify opportunities, and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive industry.

Join us for a focused morning exploring how AI and digital innovation are shaping the future of construction across the Greater London and South East region, hearing from different perspectives across technology, legal, and project delivery.

🎟️ Early Bird tickets are available for a limited time – book early to secure your place.

Please note: this event is for over 18’s only

More information coming soon.


Contact

Gemma Lovell

Member Services and Events Coordinator - London

[email protected]

Beverley Lawrence

Member Services and Events Coordinator - Maidstone

[email protected]

Agenda

  • Agenda
    08:00
    Arrival & registration
    08:20
    CIOB Welcome
    08:30
    Talk 1 - AI Upskilling, Literacy and Governance
    • James Garner
    More detailed information on the content of this talk will be provided closer to the event.
    09:20
    Talk 2 - The emerging world of construction data
    • Matt Samways
    From BIM to Digital Twins, the emerging world of construction data is shaping how facility owners and public sector bodies can meet legislative compliance such as the building safety act, increase operational efficiencies using the Internet of Things, and determine business outcomes to reduce cost in insurance premiums, reduce risk through certainty and ensure safety in occupation. But what does this mean and how can we navigate the landscape? Everything we do in the modern world is enhanced through data. Construction and estate management is no different. The world of BIM is changing, and it’s getting easier. Benefits of attending session o Understand the digitalisation journey o Why it is imperative to embrace change o What needs to be done to keep momentum
    10:05
    Refreshment Break
    10:35
    Talk 3 - Project Management with real life examples
    • Joe Shepard
    • Scott Laird
    More detailed information on the content of this talk will be provided closer to the event.
    11:20
    Talk 4 - Legal
    • May Winfield
    More detailed information on the content of this talk will be provided closer to the event.
    12:10
    Panel discussion (All speakers)
    The event will close with a panel discussion featuring all five speakers from the morning’s sessions. Join us for a lively conversation covering insights from AI, construction data, project management, and legal perspectives, with an opportunity for audience questions.
    12:30
    Close

Our Speakers

A picture of James Garner

James Garner

James Garner BSc (Hons), FRICS, RITTECH, AMBCS, Senior Director, Gleeds | Head of AI and Data | DataIQ 100 | Chair, Project Data Analytics Taskforce

James Garner is a pioneering digital and data leader in the construction industry, driving transformation through AI, analytics, and strategic innovation. Starting his career as a Quantity Surveyor in 2000 after earning first-class honours, he became a Chartered Member of RICS in 2002 and a Fellow in 2012 for his technical writing contributions to the RICS Black Book.

He has delivered major projects across the UK, including for Imperial College and Oxford University. At Gleeds, James progressed from heading the Education sector in London to becoming the firm’s Global Head of AI and Data, where he leads a function focused on business intelligence, project analytics, AI implementation, and digital maturity.

In 2022, he formally qualified as a data analyst, enhancing his ability to bridge traditional consultancy with emerging technologies. James now spearheads the integration of AI into project delivery, commercial consultancy, and strategic planning across global operations.

As Chair of the Project Data Analytics Taskforce, James leads a cross-industry initiative accelerating AI and data adoption across the built environment, uniting industry, academia, and government in shaping the future of projects.

He was named one of the DataIQ 100 in 2023 for his influence in advancing the use of data in construction.

James also publishes Project Flux, a weekly newsletter and podcast helping professionals stay ahead in AI, data, and digital transformation.

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A picture of Matt Samways

Matt Samways

Managing Director
A picture of Joe Shepherd

Joe Shepherd

Managing Director - Public Sector

Bio TBC

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A picture of Scott Laird

Scott Laird

AI & Technical Director

Bio TBC

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A picture of May Winfield

May Winfield

Global Director of Commercial, Legal and Digital Risks Associate