The importance of embracing new technology and innovation to secure the long-term success of the construction industry is one of the key topics up for discussion at a conference and exhibition taking place in Aberdeen on 30 November.

Professionals from across the sector are gathering at the AECC to share their experience, best practice, and new ways of working, for the benefit of the industry as a whole. More than 200 delegates are expected to attend the inaugural event, which provides an excellent opportunity for professional development.

The conference welcomes 19 speakers from across the industry, and includes a panel discussion that will focus on why the industry should be embracing new technology, and how it can be used to help retain talent in the North-east and address the current skills shortage.

The exhibition will host 21 companies, with a range of live technology demonstrations taking place across the day, including Morrison Construction's virtual reality site induction.


Stephen Slessor, Infrastructure Scotland Operations Director, Morrison Construction said: "I am delighted to speak at the inaugural Build It conference. I look forward to promoting digital construction and discussing how new technology can be used to find innovative solutions to overcome challenges faced by the industry.

"At Morrison Construction our priority is health and safety, which is why we invested £50,000 to develop virtual reality site inductions. We believe this innovative technology can be used to improve industry safety, enhancing tradition site inductions."

Jennifer Smart, Business Relationship Manager, Construction Scotland Innovation Centre said: "Whether it is a new idea, product, solution or just simply doing something better, innovation is key to the future success of the Construction industry. We are excited to be part of the Build it Conference supporting the Construction industry in Scotland."

Law Society of Scotland-accredited construction law specialist, Jennifer Young, who is chairman and partner of event main sponsors, full service law firm Ledingham Chalmers, said: "As far as property technology — proptech — goes, we're at something of a tipping point in the construction industry.

"Already we're seeing tech like sensors, VR and drones being deployed to help professionals including architects, building firms and surveyors do their jobs ever better, even more safely and more efficiently. And excitingly, this is just one of the topics up for discussion at this event, where the industry will come together to begin mapping a way to make the most of opportunities like this in the north-east and beyond."

Build it is being organised by Mearns & Gill, in partnership with The Aberdeen Association of Construction Professionals, Aberdeen Society of Architects, Aberdeen Association of Civil Engineers, Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and Women in Property.