13 May 2026, Carlisle
The 2026 ECIA Conference brought together more than 100 industry leaders, contractors and clients from across the engineering construction sector for a day of insight, collaboration and forward‑looking discussion around the NAECI. With a packed programme, a dynamic series of speakers and highly engaged audience participation, this year’s event has been widely praised as one of our strongest and most energising conferences to date.
From the opening session to the final dinner, the atmosphere was one of shared purpose: strengthening NAECI, growing our workforce and shaping the future of industrial relations across the UK’s major project landscape.
A Day of Insight, Dialogue and Sector Leadership
The conference opened with a welcome and a look back at the history of the ECIA and NAECI, grounding the day in the long‑standing partnership model that continues to underpin stability and fairness across engineering construction.
Throughout the day, attendees heard from influential voices across industry, training, employment law and workforce. Panel discussions and interactive sessions encouraged open dialogue, with delegates contributing their own experiences and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
The programme explored some of the most pressing issues facing the sector today:
- The Government’s consultation on merging CITB and ECITB
- The evolving industrial relations landscape following recent unrest
- National skills delivery and the future of apprenticeships and upskilling
- The impact of the Employment Rights Act 2026
- The vital role of women in engineering and construction
- Strengthening client–contractor relationships in the UK chemical industry
Audience engagement was an important feature, with Q&A sessions, discussion and a strong sense of shared commitment to improving outcomes across NAECI projects.
The day concluded with a well‑received dinner, giving attendees the chance to continue conversations, build new connections and celebrate the collective achievements of our industry.
Feedback from delegates has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the quality of speakers, the relevance of the topics and the value of bringing the NAECI community together at such a pivotal moment for the sector.
The ECIA Conference continues to be a cornerstone event for our sector and a place where employers, clients and other stakeholders come together to share knowledge, challenge thinking and shape the future of NAECI.
We extend our thanks to all speakers, contributors and attendees for making the 2026 conference such a success.
We look forward to welcoming you again next year as we continue to strengthen our industry, our workforce and the national agreement that supports them both.
