From low-carbon concrete and seismic resilience to structural innovation and the economic outlook for construction, the Concrete NZ Conference 2026 promises three days of ideas, insights and industry connections that will resonate well beyond the cement and concrete sector.
Held from 21–23 October at Wellington’s Tākina Convention and Exhibition Centre, this year’s conference evokes the spirit of Capital Connections – a fitting reflection of both its location and its purpose. More than 400 engineers, architects, contractors, designers, researchers, suppliers, asset owners and industry leaders are expected to gather for New Zealand’s premier concrete event.
Whether you’re involved in commercial construction, infrastructure, residential development or engineering design, the conference offers a unique opportunity to hear from international experts, explore emerging technologies and connect with the people shaping the future of New Zealand’s built environment.
Leading this year’s keynote programme is Michelle L. Wilson, Senior Director of Concrete Technology and Industry Outreach at the American Cement Association.
With more than 25 years’ experience in cement and concrete technology, Wilson is recognised internationally for her expertise in concrete materials, durability, specifications and performance. As lead author of The Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures – the industry’s most widely used technical reference – she has played a pivotal role in advancing best practice across North America. Her presentation will examine global trends influencing concrete construction and the transition toward lower-carbon materials, drawing on the American cement industry’s Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality and practical lessons from around the world.
Joining Michelle is Professor Andrzej Ćwirzeń from Sweden’s Luleå University of Technology, one of Europe’s leading researchers in sustainable cementitious materials. Ranked among the world’s top researchers in his discipline, Professor Ćwirzeń has published more than 150 scientific papers covering alternative binders, durability, nanotechnology and low-carbon concrete. His keynote will explore how cutting-edge materials research is improving the performance, durability and sustainability of tomorrow’s concrete structures.
Providing the New Zealand economic perspective is Brad Olsen, Chief Executive and Principal Economist at Infometrics. One of the country’s most respected and engaging economic commentators, Olsen is renowned for translating complex economic data into practical insights. His keynote will examine the outlook for New Zealand’s economy, the factors influencing construction activity and infrastructure investment, and what they mean for businesses operating across the built environment.
Beyond the keynote speakers, delegates can expect a comprehensive two-day technical programme featuring presentations from leading practitioners and researchers across New Zealand and overseas.
Sessions will cover many of the issues currently shaping the construction industry, including structural engineering, seismic design, durability, materials technology, precast concrete, low-carbon concrete, infrastructure delivery and emerging research. The programme has been designed to combine academic rigour with practical, real-world case studies, ensuring attendees leave with ideas they can apply immediately to projects and business decisions.
Beyond the traditional technical presentations, delegates will enjoy three engaging programme features: Lightning Talks, a thought-provoking panel discussion, and concise five-minute presentations from students and early-career professionals. Together, these sessions showcase emerging talent, encourage lively discussion and bring additional energy and diversity to the conference programme.
While the technical programme is the centrepiece, the value of the conference extends well beyond the lecture theatre.
The extensive trade exhibition brings together suppliers, manufacturers, consultants and service providers from across the construction and concrete sectors, offering delegates the chance to discover new products, technologies and services while speaking directly with the people behind them. From materials and equipment through to digital tools and specialist engineering solutions, the exhibition has become an important forum for knowledge sharing and business development.
Networking also remains one of the conference’s greatest strengths. The President’s Reception, Conference Awards Dinner and numerous informal breaks provide opportunities to reconnect with colleagues, establish new professional relationships and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry in an increasingly complex operating environment.
The construction industry is evolving rapidly. Expectations around sustainability continue to grow, new technologies are changing the way projects are delivered, and economic conditions remain dynamic. In an industry that never stands still, continuing professional development is about more than acquiring knowledge – it is also about exchanging ideas, challenging thinking and learning from the experiences of others.
For anyone involved in designing, specifying, building or supplying New Zealand’s built environment, the conference offers an outstanding opportunity to hear from internationally recognised experts, gain practical technical knowledge, explore the latest products and technologies, and build the professional relationships that help drive better project outcomes.
While the technical programme provides the knowledge, the conversations it sparks between sessions help provide the context, collaboration and connections that bring those ideas to life. This October, those conversations begin at Tākina.
For the full conference programme, speaker line-up and registration details, visit www.concretenz.org.nz
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