Digital Construction Week (DCW) made a stunning return to ExCeL London from 18-19 May for its seventh edition.
With a strong 10% rise in attendance, Digital Construction Week 2022 has received high acclaim, cementing its reputation as the UK’s leading event for built environment professionals.
Ollie Hughes, DCW co-founder and Event Director, says, “Even though Digital Construction Week 2021 was only six months ago, this year’s event has absolutely surpassed all expectations. Both visitor and exhibitor numbers were much higher, and we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback for the quality and diversity of the programme. With technology in all sectors racing ahead, DCW has never been in a stronger position to lead the way for the AECO industries.”
Impressed exhibitors
Ben Douglass, Senior Director of Marketing, EMEA for Procore Technologies, says, “DCW is a tremendous opportunity to learn about the future of digital construction and how we can all be more sustainable, inclusive and transformative. Thanks to the DCW team for putting on a brilliant event – see you again next year!”
Amanda Fennell, Director of EMEA Marketing for Autodesk Construction Solutions, says, “It was great to join DCW 2022. The delegates represented a strong mix of representatives from contractors, technology partners and industry associates, which resulted in rich and meaningful conversations to support our business.”
Nigel Eatough, Regional Director – Northern Europe Construction and Discrete Industries for Bentley Systems, says, “We really enjoyed this year’s show. Everyone’s energy levels were high, and it felt good meeting new contacts and re-connecting with many existing ones. All the presentations I attended were excellent – I would have listened to more, but we were too engaged talking to great prospects and users on our stand!”
Ryan Sweeny, Product Manager for Pix4D, adds, “This is my first DCW and it has been a really impressive show. Being able to see all these products and meet so many people face to face has been amazing.”
New and improved products on show
Lots of new products and services were on display across the show floor, including Matterport’s 3D data platform which enables users to transform any space into a digital twin, simply using a smartphone and the all-new Axis motorised mount.
Kris Atkinson, AEC Specialist at Matterport, says, “Digital Construction Week has always been a staple event for the AEC industries in the UK. There is so much experience, knowledge and technology here – if you’re not here, you’re not advancing.”
Visitors also got a sneak peek of the new 3D Repo V5, which has undergone a complete redesign.
Dr Jozef Dobos, founder and CEO of 3D Repo, says, “DCW was a great opportunity to demo our platform on the immersive Mission Room displays – being able to walk up to 3D models and examine them virtually is magical. There is huge value in being able to meet people face-to-face and we were thrilled with the energy and appetite for construction technology.”
Plus, FARO showcased their recently launched FARO Sphere, a cloud-based information platform which neatly combines with the FARO Focus for laser scanning and the FARO Stream app. And I3PT launched the rebrand of their obi software.
Nemetschek Group showcased the latest offerings from dRofus, Graphisoft, Solibri and Vectorworks. And the lucky winner of the #NGroupStampChallenge walked away with a virtual reality headset! Not only that, visitors met two new start-ups – Imerso and Reconstruct – which recently received Nemetschek investment.
The future of construction robotics was on full display at DCW 2022. Boston Dynamics and Trimble explained how they developed a solution that integrates SPOT with Trimble’s X7 3D laser scanners and FieldLink software. Plus, SPOT was photographed by countless visitors as it explored the show floor using Leica’s BLK ARC technology.
HSS were also at the show, allowing visitors to explore their Virtual Reality training. Faye Edwards-Miller, Sales Director for HSS Training Ltd, says, “Our stand gave us the perfect platform for people to try our Virtual Reality training method first hand. Over one hundred visitors pitted their wits against the machine and the simulation. This was really well received and gave people an insight into operating highly technical equipment at height without the risk.”
Standing room only for the biggest talking points
All eyes were on the Main Stage with cross-industry panels discussing every major talking point, such as the Building Safety Bill, the ‘golden thread’, ESG, digital twins, mixed reality, and sustainability.
The Main Stage also saw inspiring keynotes courtesy of David Philp from Construction Innovation Hub, Nathan Marsh from Turner & Townsend, and Jaimie Johnston MBE from Bryden Wood.
David Philp, Impact Director for Construction Innovation Hub and host of ‘Digital Transformation brought to you by Construction Innovation Hub’, says, “DCW22 was the best yet with incredible energy on the floor and a real sense of enabling purposeful change. It allowed diverse and focussed collaboration across many built environment actors and organisations. For me, it was an opportunity to share our story on digital transformation and provide learning for others.”
David Glennon, Senior Digital Delivery Director for The Red Sea Development Company and host of ‘Challenges and Successes of Digital Delivery at The Red Sea Project’, adds, “Being a speaker at DCW 2022 was a career highlight for me. It was a privilege to speak to my industry peers about digital construction methods and discuss how these technologies benefit end-users like myself to provide world-class services to our clients.”
A big focus at DCW 2022 was the evolution of BIM and IM, with the new Information Management Stage and Information Management Exchange, both in partnership with UK BIM Alliance and sponsored by UK BIM Framework.
Highlights included a conversation between Casey Rutland and Fiona Moore from the Government & Industry Interoperability Group (GIIG) and a panel on CLC data and digital transformation. Also, for the first time, the BIMOpenMic saw courageous visitors share their thoughts live on stage.
The net zero agenda was also front and centre at DCW this year. ZERO partnered with the show to deliver the Net Zero Stage where ZERO Next Gen delivered thought-provoking sessions and the Digital Twin Fan Club hosted a live podcast with guests from the Atkins, Arup, I3PT, WSP and Centre for Digital Built Britain.
Vicki Reynolds, Chief Technology Officer for I3PT, panellist and podcast guest, says, “The layout of DCW and the content of the stages meant that attendees were engaged and ready to explore new solutions and ideas. The agenda for the Main Stage was especially thought-provoking, and the calibre of speakers was high. Every member of our team has fed back that they learned something new.”
Transformation and innovation were more than mere buzz words at DCW 2022, thanks to thought-leaders such as Brittany Harris from Qualis Flow and Ella Walter from GPE who demonstrated how Contech helps developers future-proof their assets; Julia Lotzo and Melissa Bodtländer from DB Systel GmbH who demonstrated how AR supports passenger orientation and maintenance employees; and the C-Tech Club, which brought together founders of disruptive start-up companies – ATLAS, Modulous and SORT IT AI.
John Hunt from Enterprise Ireland and panel member for ‘A step change In CX and Collaborative Innovation’, says, “The terrific attendance really hit home the importance of DCW at this incredible chapter for our industry. The pandemic legacy, emerging ESG requirements, and the Building Safety Bill continue to drive demand for new technology-driven solutions. For two days, DCW represented a much-missed physical marketplace for meeting and discussion.”
Women in BIM had a strong presence at the show, with a well-attended session on mentoring, followed by WiB’s first in-person networking event since 2020, hosted by GliderBIM.
Elaine Lewis, Managing Director of Cadventure, says, “I was delighted to see the Women in BIM session almost full, with a diverse range of attendees. It was a very positive experience with great energy between the speakers and the audience.”
Melanie Robinson, Senior Project Manager for BIM Academy, adds, “We had some brilliant insights from my three panellists, and I hope we empowered attendees to embrace the role of mentor, as well as mentee, and to help nurture those early in their career, particularly in the face of the skills shortages within the industry.”
Spaces to relax and network
Alongside the bustling show floor, visitors had plenty of opportunities to dip out of the action. Besides the official DCW lounge, the Wellbeing Lounge (hosted by Fit For Work) offered one-to-one advice from a mental health specialist, and the immersive FULmax Lounge was back by popular demand, in partnership with Fulcro and FULmax IDE.
Plus, DCW Drinks (sponsored by Nemetschek) capped off the end of day one, welcoming visitors, exhibitors and speakers alike for an hour of socialising. And industry group ZERO co-hosted a lounge with Mission Room at their ‘ultra-low carbon’ stand.
James Bowles, founder of Freeform and core member of ZERO, says, “ZERO was very impressed by Digital Construction Week this year – brilliantly organised and a pleasure to be involved. The energy of the show was fantastic, and our stand was lively for the whole two days. Our time at DCW was spent in a wide range of conversations with colleagues, pioneers, and champions for a better industry. ZERO will 100% return next year.”
DCW returns in 2023
Ollie Hughes concludes, “The team and I would like to thank everyone who joined us and helped make the 2022 edition of DCW a runaway success. With so much activity on social media this past week, it looks like DCW 2022 has left a big impression!
“But now, all our focus is on making next year’s event even better! You can register your interest to attend next year via our website. And if you’re interested in exhibiting or speaking at DCW 2023, our friendly team is on hand for a chat.”
Digital Construction Week returns to ExCeL London from 17-18 May 2023 To find out more and register your interest, visit www.digitalconstructionweek.com