Conference Online

Student Festival 2027

by The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)

    Event details

    • Online
    • 01 - 02 March 2027
    • 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM GMT

    Event fees

    CIOB Member

    Free

    Non Member

    Free

    Student

    Free

    CIOB Assist Optional Donation

    £5.00

    CIOB Assist Optional Donation

    £10.00

    Summary

    The Student Festival is a space to explore the latest trends, breakthroughs, and career pathways shaping the construction industry today.

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

    The Student Festival is a virtual, two-day global event designed for every student member of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Whether you’re just starting your studies or already building your professional path, this festival is your gateway to inspiration, innovation, and connection within the world of construction.


    What is the CIOB Student Festival?

    Launched in 2021, the festival has quickly become an unmissable annual event that unites students, industry leaders, academics, and professionals from around the world. It’s an immersive experience where ideas meet opportunity, offering a space to explore the latest trends, breakthroughs, and career pathways shaping the construction industry today.

    Expect engaging discussions, interactive sessions, and practical insights that will help you grow—personally and professionally.


    Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss

    Industry Insights: Hear from leading voices shaping global construction.

    Career Growth: Explore international pathways and opportunities.

    Student Success: Gain insider tips, tools, and strategies to excel.

    Well-being & Balance: Build resilience for a sustainable career.

    Connect & Thrive: Network with peers, mentors, and industry professionals.

    Agenda

    • Day 1
      08:30
      Welcome
      • Dr Victoria Hills, MRTPI FICE FRSA MCMI, CIOB
      We are delighted to welcome our new CEO, Victoria Hills, who will introduce this fantastic event and officially kick off our two-day festival.
      08:45
      Exploring a project - High end residential building in Sydney
      • Ben Lunn, SQ projects
      10:00
      Working with city governments to implement safer, healthier & fairer construct
      • Cécile Faraud, C40 Cities
      • Dan Daley, C40 Cities
      11:30
      Gain your Advantage with Tomorrow's Leaders Events
      • Sophie Cox, CIOB
      During my session we will be exploring how Tomorrow's Leaders events can help individuals to gain an advantage in both personal and professional development. I am delighted to be joined by Tomorrow's Leaders Champion Isabel Armer and Tomorrow's Leaders Representative Kufre Usen Antia who will be sharing their valuable insights.
      13:00
      Global Leaders in Circular Economy: Lessons for UK Business
      • Titus Akpan, MCIOB MSc B.Eng (Hons), Colemans
      • Mania Alabadla, MSc, CEnv, MCIOB, AtkinsRéalis
      17:30
      Round up of Day 1
    • Day 2
      13:00
      Day 2 Welcome
      • Hassana Ahmed, CIOB
      13:15
      CIOB Rising Star
      • Rohit Malhotra, Atkins Realis
      Rohit is a multi-award-winning Project Manager, the proud recipient of the CIOB Rising Star Award for 2025, and a star speaker at CIOB Student Festival 2026. He is a CIOB Tomorrow's Leaders Champion, and is a vocal and committed supporter of professional development, inclusivity, and mentoring within our industry. Join this session to hear all about his journey.
      14:30
      Wellbeing through Third Spaces
      • Yasmin Garcia, UCL
      • Beatrice Mensimah Ossei-Gudom, UCL
      This session will explore how informal campus "third spaces" influence PhD researchers’ mental health, wellbeing, and sense of belonging to support students make they step from education into industry. We all need a place of peace, comfort, and enjoyment; be it our favourite coffee shop, pottery class, or gym, humans need a place to reduce isolation, and strengthen connection with those around us.
      15:45
      Power of Apprenticeships
      • Steve Conopo, CIOB
      • Max Lambert, Dandara
      Apprenticeships are an exciting paid option for you to upskill or change career because they offer the chance to earn a wage whilst you work and study. Hear from our CIOB lead Steve Conopo in all things parentships and listen to Max's story on how they have support his career.
      16:45
      The Intelligent & Responsible use of AI when applying for jobs
      • Phil Jackson, Hays
      17:30
      Round up and close of Student Festival 2026
      • Ros Thorpe, CIOB

    FAQs

    Related events

    People crossing street

    The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)

    Every year the CIOB organises hundreds of CPD and networking events, award ceremonies and competitions across the globe.