The organisers of Digital Construction Week are calling for new voices from the built environment sector to apply speak at the 2021 show. Applicants have until Friday 30 July to apply to join the speaker line-up at Europe's leading innovation and technology event for the built environment, which takes place on 24-25 November at ExCeL London.

Event director Ollie Hughes says: “Digital Construction Week is all about sharing ideas, hearing from different people and growing the community. We're committed to increasing diversity of thought in the built environment and that’s why we're urging anyone who's new to the stage, that feel they have something exciting to share with the AECO community, to apply.

“Our aim is to help create new role models and encourage others to join the sector, so we strongly encourage applications from speakers from traditionally under-represented groups. If you have a fresh perspective and new ideas to share that could help drive our industry forward, then we want to hear from you.

“Of course, if you’ve spoken at DCW before and you’re keen to present again this year, we’d love to hear from you too. But please also encourage your colleagues and peers to take up the mantle by sharing this story with them or asking them to join you on stage.”

Digital Construction Week’s nine theatres focus on some of the key trends shaping digital construction. They include the BIM Village & BIM Workshops, the Geospatial Theatre, the Innovation Stage, the Visualisation Theatre and the Transformation Hub. Read more about the theatres and the topics they cover here.

New People & Change Theatre

This year will also see the launch of a brand-new theatre at the show – the People & Change Theatre.

Ollie Hughes explains: “The transformational nature of the digitalisation of the built environment requires focus in three key areas: people, process and technology. While historically DCW has focused on technology and process, the people side of change, best practice and what works in this area has not always received the same attention. That’s why this year we’ll be launching the People & Change Theatre at DCW.

“Submissions for this theatre should focus on behavioural change and engagement throughout the built environment. We’ll be looking for case studies of change and what works to engage with people. We’d also like to hear your stories of behavioural changes, change management and how you’ve embraced new ways of working. Whether you’ve used technology to engage and communicate with staff. How you’ve embedded collaboration contractually, culturally, or financially in your business.

“We’d also like to hear your strategies for inclusion and how you’ve created inclusive environments. We’re interested in sessions that share advice on how to be a male ally or how to build racial and gender inclusion. And we want to hear about wellbeing in the workplace, mental health first aid, psychological safety and how to create it.”

Mentor programme launch

Another initiative launching at Digital Construction Week 2021 is the new mentor programme for speakers.

Ollie Hughes continues: “We’ll be offering a mentor programme to pair up seasoned speakers with those who are new to the stage, so they can offer guidance and support. Mentors will be available for guidance ahead of the event and will attend mentees sessions to provide feedback.

“The aim of the scheme is to help develop and encourage speakers to return to future events. If you’d like to take part as a mentor or mentee you can apply via our call for speakers. We’ll also be running speaker forums where those speaking or just interested in speaking in the future can hear from others.”

How to apply

To apply potential speakers need to submit details of their presentation via the speaker application form before the deadline of Friday 30 July.

It's free to apply and there is no charge to speak at Digital Construction Week. Speakers are chosen by selecting the best quality presentations submitted via the call for speakers.

For more information about speaking at Digital Construction Week – including insights into what they are looking for – read the guidelines here.

Save the date for Digital Construction Week 2021

Digital Construction Week takes place at ExCeL London from 24-25 November 2021. Attendees can register their interest here.

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Grace Donnelly, Conference & Content Manager
t: +44 (0)1273 916523
e: gdonnelly@divcom.co.uk

Ollie Hughes, Portfolio Director
t: +44 (0)1273 645154 
e:  ohughes@divcom.co.uk