Agenda 2025
| Wednesday, 22 October 2025 | ||
| Conference Hall C | ||
| 09.00 | Arrival and networking |
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| 10.00 | Keynotes |
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| 10.05 | Opening Keynote: Dame Dawn Childs, Chair, Pure Data Centres Group |
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| 10.15 | Keynote Panel: Intelligent infrastructure - the rise of AI-ready data centres In today's era of intelligent computing, AI ready data centres are revolutionising digital infrastructure. Built from the ground up using advanced engineering, these centres leverage cutting-edge liquid cooling systems, ultra-high-power capacities, and hybrid architecture to support the demands of AI-driven applications and next-generation chipsets. This discussion will explore the infrastructure and technology requirements for an AI-ready versus a traditional data centre and challenges to consider when planning scalable, agile, and reliable AI ecosystems that power tomorrow’s digital innovations. In conversation with: Felix Wass, CEO, Detasad Zainab Alamin, VP of National Digital Transformation, Microsoft |
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| 10.55 | Keynote Panel: Are data centres mission-critical in the age of the cloud? As digital infrastructure expands, this discussion explores if every industry needs a dedicated data centre, or if the cloud can meet evolving demands. With technology progress outpacing deployment timelines, should data classifications be revisited, redefining what’s truly mission-critical? Not all information requires ultra-high availability, so is the pursuit of “five nines” uptime still relevant, or has it become an outdated ideal in an era dominated by gaming, social media, and crypto? Equally, as energy-hungry data centres proliferate, how do governments and planners weigh their needs against those of the communities living nearby? This discussion looks at the trade-offs, opportunities, and policy choices shaping the future of digital infrastructure. |
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| 11.30 | Networking break |
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| 11.55 | Presentation: Data without borders - Developing in-kingdom data embassies Saudi Arabia is the first G20 nation to embrace the concept of data centre embassies. Led by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, the draft Global AI Hub Law outlined a framework around the concept, investment and the development of data embassies. These would allow other countries to build a data centre in the kingdom, but for it to be subject to that country's laws, not Saudi Arabia's. Here, we provide insight into the concept, how such data centres would operate, and what impact this could have on the build and technology needs for data centres in Saudi Arabia. |
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| 12.10 | Panel: Redefining design & build for scalable data centres With rising demand for scalable digital infrastructure, this session examines how modular, prefab, and offsite constructions, combined with mobile designs, enhance speed, flexibility, and efficiency. We'll assess advanced construction technologies in streamlining assembly, improving precision, and reducing build times. Additionally, we'll explore supply chain optimisation amid rapid growth to ensure seamless integration of critical components, like UPS systems and generators, into Saudi projects. In conversation with: AbdelSalam Shqair, Director Data Centres Operations, Ezditek Baraa Abu Eid, Senior Director- Design Data Centre, Edgnex Data Centres by DAMAC Ramachandra Nimbargi, Head – Data Centre (Design), International, Larsen & Toubro |
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| 12.40 | Panel: The future of digital Infrastructure in KSA Saudi Arabia’s Cloud-first policy for government departments is fuelling a data centre expansion in the kingdom, as they shift from on-prem solutions. This panel explores what is behind the decision, and the impact it is having on cloud use and data centre planning. With AI a critical requirement, the panel explores how to ensure a cloud approach becomes a scalable, cost-effective approach for both the private and public sector, if the country's tech infrastructure is ready for the flexibility that 'as a service' models demand, and the importance of clear regulations to guide decisions. In conversation with: Hazem Awni Jarrar, CTO, King Faisal Foundation Himmath Mohammed, Chief Information Officer, Gulf Data Hub Khaled Ali, Program Director Applications Projects Delivery, solutions by stc Mohammed Shah, Smart City Director, Knowledge Economic City |
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| 13.10 | Fireside talk: Hyperscale vs. Edge data centres: Finding the balance As data demands grow, hyperscale and edge data centres play vital roles in shaping digital infrastructure. Hyperscale facilities provide massive scalability for cloud and AI, while edge centres enable low-latency computing for IoT and smart cities. This discussion will explore their benefits, challenges, and how businesses can optimise performance by integrating both models in a rapidly evolving landscape. In conversation with: Sameer Joshi, Director Information Technology Services, Saudi Pharmaceutical Industries & Medical Appliances Corporation (SPIMACO) |
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| 13.30 | Lunch and networking |
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| 14.30 | Fireside talk: Navigating Saudi regulations for secure data centres This session explores the evolving regulatory landscape shaping data centres in the Kingdom. We'll examine key legal frameworks, compliance challenges, and their impact on providers, cloud services, and operations. Our discussion will provide insight into the obstacles and opportunities within Saudi Arabia’s regulatory environment, helping stakeholders strategically align their operations in a rapidly advancing digital era. In conversation with: Amjad Hafez, CEO, NourNet |
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| 14.50 | Fireside talk: Cybersecurity in Cloud environments With the Cloud expected to meet stringent mandates set by Saudi regulators, this discussion will examine how providers ensure compliance to securely host government bodies and other high-security entities. Discussion topics include robust security frameworks, risk management strategies, and the debate on whether data centres are inherently critical or if their importance varies by usage. The discussion will offer actionable ways to enhance security and ensure resilient data centre operations in today’s interconnected digital landscape. In conversation with: Abdulkarim Alsowaygh, Associate Director Cybersecurity, New Murabba Majid Sawad, Cybersecurity Director, Digital Transformation Committee Member, Data Governance Committee Member, MODON |
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| 15.10 | Panel: Balancing sustainability and energy for low carbon data centres In today’s digital landscape, data centres face surging energy demands that challenge both operational efficiency and green targets. This panel explores how to blend conventional power sources with clean energy to meet client sustainability expectations whilst also ensuring energy reliability. We will ask if the scale of new data centres means it has become unrealistic to expect them to be 100% renewable energy, and therefore what options are available for different sized facilities through to hyperscale. In conversation with: Mohammed Dighriri, General Director of Environmental Data Center, National Center for Environmental Compliance Samira Nikzad, Project Development Director, DataVolt |
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| 15.50 | Case studies: Pioneering approaches to energy efficiency and cooling Advancing innovation is crucial for making data centres more sustainable while optimising cooling and water efficiency. Cutting-edge solutions are required to enhance internal climate control and minimise environmental impact. Equally, smart monitoring systems must be integrated to ensure uninterrupted operations and peak performance. These presentations showcase pioneering approaches to advanced cooling, intelligent monitoring, and resilient energy infrastructure, offering insights into the technologies shaping the future of sustainable data centre management. Hybrid energy models in hyperscale centres AI-ready cooling technologies (liquid cooling, direct-to-chip solutions, and AI-powered climate control) Water management Smart energy management systems |
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| 16.30 | Close |
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| Day 1: Wednesday, 30 April 2025 | ||
| Track 2 | ||
| Conference Hall B | ||
| 12.25 | Panel: Avoiding industry dark data (a sustainability and efficiency threat) – ensuring quality data management throughout the life cycle The construction and real estate sector are the most data generating industries in the world. Through sensors, IoTs, drones and 3D scanning millions of terrabytes are flooding the industry but with limited purpose and benefit. In this data driven age, the industry will need to be vigilant about burning energy on AI and data centres without the right business case. How can the industry ensure that it is collecting the correct data and segregating it for decision making - ensuring quality data management throughout the life cycle? Led by: Rob Jones, Partner, b2b Connect In conversation with: Amjad Abou Said, Head of Business Development, Dubai Asset Management Arjun Mohan, Founder & CEO, TENDERD Ismail Azam, Director of Construction Technology and Applications, NEOM Theofanis Fanourakis, Digital Design & Delivery Director, Diriyah Company |
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| 12.55 | Panel: Powering data centre efficiency in the GCC Regulations in the UAE and KSA mandate that certain data, such as personal or financial information, must be hosted within the country, leading to increasing reliance on local data centres. Given that data centres are increasingly essential, to become more energy efficient they require specialised architectural and engineering design to contribute to tough ESG expectations. This panel will delve into the challenges and opportunities of developing robust and sustainable data centres in the region, focusing on regulatory compliance, energy, water and cooling efficiency, and the cutting-edge construction technologies required. Led by: Hassan Shuweihdi, Associate Director, Turner & Townsend In conversation with: Mohannad AlOmari, Business Development Manager, Group AMANA Ramachandra Nimbargi, Head – Data Centre (Design), International, Larsen & Toubro Samir Abdullah, Director of Smart Cities, KEO International Consultants Sanjay Kumar, Director‑Design Data Centers, EDGNEX Data Centers by DAMAC |
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| 13.25 | Panel: Securing data in the digital built environment As cloud-based and decentralised data usage rises within the extended construction supply chain, cybersecurity is becoming ever more critical. Companies must protect valuable data but in an industry known for thin margins, it must also meet ROI expectations. This discussion will explore evolving threat landscapes as data becomes more decentralised, best practices to minimise local and third-party risks, emerging technologies, regulatory compliance, and data protection laws. Led by: Phillip Higgins, Director, Ventures Middle East In conversation with: Ahmed Gadelhak, Senior IT Director, Saudi Binladin Group Dr. Hussain Aldawood, Cybersecurity Innovation Director, NEOM, Member of the Global Centre for Cybersecurity, World Economic Forum Mike Soldan, VP of Global Services, Egnyte Shadi Al-Ghanim, Chief Technology Officer, Al Ayuni Investment and Contracting Company |
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| 13.55 | Networking lunch |
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Success | failure stories: Extending BIM usage (but we prefer information management) to its full potential Extremely few organisations are utilising BIM to its full potential to drive value in workflows. With a distinct lack of use-cases integrating BIM to site or into operations and maintenance, this series of stories tackle the current gaps in implementation as well as provide examples of who has successfully integrated such workflows on the ground for construction monitoring, supervision and O&M. |
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| 15.00 | Success | failure story: Turning physical asset management into digital asset management: BIM in operational efficiency (occupancy | utilisation rates) and maintenance Tarika Jain, Co-Founder and Head of Business, nCircle Tech |
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| 15.10 | Success | failure story: Extending BIM use to site | field operations for increased productivity Cristina Sánchez, BIM Manager, Lendlease Europe |
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| 15.20 | Success | failure story: How developers use BIM Amarnath Patnam, Vice President - Design Technology, Sobha Realty |
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| 15.30 | Success | failure story: Dubai municipality open BIM mandate: lessons learned and future vision Eng. Hadeel Fadda, Principal Architectural Design Engineer, Permits Department, Dubai Municipality |
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| 15.40 | Fireside Chat: What clients need to know about ISO 19650 as a driver for operational success Led by: Casey Rutland, Associate Director & Head of (B)IM - Property & Buildings, WSP In conversation with: Khalid Elsharnoby, BIM Manager, Kanadevia-inova Mohamed Raafat, BIM Expert, Government Confidential |
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| 16.05 | Panel: ‘BIM’ is banned! Let’s talk what matters - intrinsic information management (ISO 19650) As competency increases, so does the wider realisation that digital delivery is underpinned and driven by robust information management processes that impact the organisation, project lifecycle and supply chain. With technological, process and procurement related aspects, understanding the right ISO 19650 principles and how to implement them is the key to transformation. The rest of it is ‘bolt on’. Led by: Dr. Ali Ismail, BIM Expert, Dubai Municipality In conversation with: Andy Boutle, Head of Digital Construction, ALEC Jason North, Group BIM Lead, Robert Bird Group Mahmoud Adly, Digital Engineering Director, Abu Dhabi City Municipality Mina Nessim, Head of Engineering & BIM, Binladin Contracting Group |
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| 16.45 | Close of day 1 | Track 2 |
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| Day 2: Thursday, 01 May, 2025 | ||
| Conference Hall A | ||
| 08.00 | Registration and networking |
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| Track 1 | Conference Hall A | ||
| 10.00 | Opening Rob Jones, Partner, b2b Connect |
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| 10.05 | Keynote panel: Creating the Blueprint to meet 2030 UAE emissions targets The UAE aims to achieve an ambitious 85% reduction in construction-related emissions by 2030. The initiative, known as UAE Sustainability Built Environment Blueprint, unites key local and international organisations to collaborate on enhancing working practices and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Advancements in construction technology and the use of sustainable materials are critical to achieving these improved efficiencies. This session brings together key members of the working group as they outline the measures being implemented to meet the rapidly approaching target deadline. Led by: Naveen Raza, Net Zero Transition & Partnerships, HSBC In conversation with: Abdullatif AlBitawi, CEO, Emirates Green Building Council Alida Saleh, Head of Sustainability, JLL | Senior Advisor, Climate Champions Built Environment Team Dr. Jagannathan Ramaswamy, Senior General Manager Sustainability & Climate Action, Sobha Realty Nazly Asadollahpour, VP Sustainability, Majid Al Futtaim Holding |
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| 10.45 | Future state of construction report: A data-driven look at the next decade of construction As the construction industry stands at the edge of unprecedented opportunity, emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, robotics, augmented reality are no longer just possibilities-they are the catalysts for a smarter, safer, and more sustainable future. And it’s never been more important to stay competitive by knowing what’s coming in the future. Please join Procore to take a dive into what the next 2, 5 and 10 years of construction will hold, based on today’s data and trends. Andrew Rampton, Industry Transformation Leader, Procore |
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| 10.55 | A quantum leap in construction | development Quantum computing is one of the most promising, yet least understood advancements on the horizon. It has the potential to radically impact the sector, solving complex problems at unprecedented speeds, revolutionising everything from project management to material science, unlocking efficiencies and innovations that are currently unimaginable. While still in its infancy, could the emergence of some early quantum engines reshape the industry sooner than expected? Sam Kumar, Principal of Studio Operations, U+A |
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| 11.05 | AI beyond chat bots part 1 As AI becomes more structured and intuitive, most major companies are embedding dedicated frameworks and strategies to explore how AI can benefit their business and leverage existing data for the best use-cases. But minimal applications beyond chat bots exist in the market. This session explores the state of tangible AI uses out there and debates if AI will significantly change the way the industry works OR if it will just make certain jobs easier. Led by: Tim Shelton, Operations Director Technology & Advisory, Omnium International | Advisory Board Member, RICS UAE In conversation with: Abdurrahman Arruhaily, Deputy EPMO Director, Madinah Region Municipality Bandar Alshahrani, Executive Director of Digital and Technology, Rua Almadinah Holding Company Mohamad Kassir, Global BIM & GIS Manager, Egis Tony Pagliocco, Senior Vice President Product Management, Aldar Properties |
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| 11.50 | Morning networking break |
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| Track 1 | ||
| Track 1 | Conference Hall A | ||
AI beyond chat bots part 2 As AI becomes more structured and intuitive, most major companies are embedding dedicated frameworks and strategies to explore how AI can benefit their business and leverage existing data for the best use-cases. But minimal applications beyond chat bots exist in the market. This session explores the state of tangible AI uses out there and debates if AI will significantly change the way the industry works OR if it will just make certain jobs easier. |
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| 12.15 | Success | failure story: AI in Portfolio Risk Management Vladimir Milovanović, CEO, Lupa Technology |
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| 12.25 | Success | failure story: AI in site HSSE Ashraf Elgabry, BIM Director, Trojan General Contracting |
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| 12.35 | Success | failure story: AI in design: Bidding visualisation and model automation for time and cost optimisation Chris Smeaton, Global Digital Design Director, HBA |
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| 12.45 | Success | failure story: AI in action: Transforming construction claims and disputes management Rohit Singhal, CEO, MASIN |
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| 12.55 | Success | failure story: Transforming construction progress control through AI Chiara Simonetti, Director Project Governance Technical PMO, Red Sea Global |
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| 13.05 | Success | failure story: AI in site safety, efficiency and predictive maintenance Ramy Abdelwahab, IT Director, NMDC Group |
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| 13.15 | Success | failure story: AI and AR in enhanced BIM workflows & scheduling Kendall Wilson, Senior Manager Digital Twin, Modon Real Estate |
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| 13.25 | Close of day 2 | Track 1 |
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| 14.00 | Awards networking reception | Construction Technology Awards |
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| 15.00 | Awards ceremony | Construction Technology Awards |
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| Day 2: Thursday, 01 May, 2025 | ||
| Track 2 | ||
| Track 2 | Hall B | ||
| 10.00 | Opening |
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| 10.05 | Panel: Closing the Capex | Opex data gap – the next vital frontier for mega projects Globally there is still a clear disconnect between data created during construction and data required for operation, with asset owners often starting from scratch or undergoing huge data reorganisation between phases and projects. The ability to harness data created from concept to delivery and ensure consistent operations, from sales lead management to property management is the vital next frontier for major projects and needs to be defined early. Hear how these organisations are attempting to close the gap through BIM, AI models and integrated platform plays and who will be responsible for maintaining the data throughout the asset lifecycle. Led by: Cristina Savian, CEO and Founder, BE-WISE In conversation with: Amr El Etreby, Managing Director of Project Management and Cost Consultancy, Land Sterling Anastasios Dimas, Regional Technology Director ME, AtkinsRéalis Claire Huhes Munro, Chair, UAE Regional Advisory Board, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Dana Al Mahmoud Nahas, Corporate Technical Director, Trojan Construction Group Garry Murray, Community Management Expert |
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Success stories: Operational digital twins only! Tangible examples & results Tired of theoretical digital twin frameworks? We searched the globe to shed light on tangible digital twins in practice from representing design data for better stakeholder engagement & marketing, to feeding in site data for progress monitoring and reducing carbon/cost in project handover and building operations. |
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| 10.50 | Success story: Construction monitoring, cycle time and carbon reduction Roger Wahl, Chief Technology Officer, Innovo |
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| 11.05 | Success story: From static models to living twins: keeping your digital twin alive and aligned Wissam Hijazi, VP Innovation - MENA, EllisDon |
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| 11.20 | Success story: Seamless integration in sales to asset management Sunder Jagannathan, Co-founder | CEO, PropVR |
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| 11.35 | Success story: Driving efficiency from BIM to boardroom: Scaling intelligence across urban infrastructure Zubran Solaiman, Director, Industry Strategy Cities, Bentley Systems |
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| 11.50 | Morning networking break |
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| 12.15 | Panel: Digital twin strategies 2025 As the digital twin concept gains maturity, many tier 1 projects in the region are executing a digital twin strategy. This session reviews the latest digital twin strategy developments and use-case scenarios in mega projects from construction to operations and customer experience. Led by: Wissam Hijazi, VP Innovation - MENA, EllisDon In conversation with: Andrew Bevan, Technical Director - Head of Digital Solutions EMEA, Parsons Corporation Aqeel Bafadel, VP - Smart City & Innovation, KAFD Asim Rehmani, Manager- Business Transformation, DHRE, Dubai Holding Real Estate Jatin Lad, Lead - Smart Cities & Digital Twin, Ardara - PIF Kendall Wilson, Senior Manager, Digital Twin, Modon Real Estate |
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| 13.00 | Panel: Revolutionising urban living through true smart cities As the built environment undergoes rapid digitalisation, we are edging closer to realising true smart communities and cities. The region's giga- and mega-cities will be reliant on the information that smart systems through monitoring will provide, creating safe, secure, and sustainable urban environments. This session explores the pivotal role of technology in enhancing urban living through connected services that integrate building management, city operations, transport and mobility, energy, water and waste management, public safety, cybersecurity, and digital citizen services. Led by: Mohamed Misbah, Director, Digital Services, Middle East & Africa, Khatib & Alami In conversation with: Marwan Abu Ebeid, Digital Construction Lead, Turner Construction – International Mohammed Shah, Smart City Director, Knowledge Economic City Sebastien Miller, Manager of Public Realm, Masdar City |
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| 13.30 | Close of day 2 | Track 2 |
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| 14.00 | Awards networking reception | Construction Technology Awards |
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| 15.00 | Awards ceremony | Construction Technology Awards |
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