Registration, Exhibition and Networking
Refreshments and networking to connect subcontractors, manufacturers and designers and well as see exhibitor stands from key suppliers and digital tools.
Thursday 22 October
09:00 – 10:00
Welcome and scene setting
This session will look at the current state of the fit-out and specialist subcontracting landscape, as well as challenges around pipeline volatility, talent, and quality expectations.
Thursday 22 October
10:00 – 10:15
Construction Outlook: What the forecasts mean for businesses in the finishes and interiors sector
Dr Noble Francis, Economics Director, Construction Products Association
- Latest economic and construction demand trends
- Sector and regional hotspots
- What subcontractors need to prepare for over the next 3–5 years
Thursday 22 October
10:15 – 10:45
Regulation in Practice: how competence is being understood, evidenced and tested on the ground
Panel: Geoffrey Brown – Office for Product Safety and Standards; Mark Turner – Elevate Interior Solutions; Nick Kendall – LABC; Sean Kearns – CSCS.
During this session we will explore the evolving regulatory landscape, including the growing role of Product Passports and the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI). We’ll discuss practical steps to reduce onsite risks, improve the quality and transparency of product information and share strategies on how to embed a culture of compliance from the ground up.
Thursday 22 October
10:45 – 11:30
Networking Break
Refreshments and networking to connect subcontractors, manufacturers and designers and well as see exhibitor stands from key suppliers and digital tools.
Thursday 22 October
11:30 – 12:00
Designing Under Pressure: how we rewire the design process
Panel: Mark Thorley – KOPE; Will Pitt – Laing O’Rourke; Dale Sinclair – WSP; Matt Taylor – Taylor Design Consultancy
This session will discuss emerging design trends influencing commercial interiors; delivering high‑impact design in compressed programmes; and coordinating designers, contractors and suppliers for smoother execution
OR
Conflict avoidance: How we design out contractual confusion
Panel: Sarah Fox – 500 Words; Anthony Armitage – Thirdway, Shy Jackson – Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP and NEC
Join this session as we look at frictionless construction, adjudication and what an inclusive workforce really means
Thursday 22 October
12:00 – 12:50
Lunch and Networking
Lunch and networking to connect subcontractors, manufacturers and designers and well as see exhibitor stands from key suppliers and digital tools.
Thursday 22 October
12:50 – 13:50
Sustainability That Works: Real‑World Approaches for Subcontractors
Panel: Darcy Arnold-Jones – Marks Barfield Architects; Matt Robinson – Ambit; Luke Wills – Space Interior Systems
Themes:
- Low‑waste fit-out
- Plasterboard Waste
- Material selection & circularity
- Carbon reporting for SMEs
OR
How AI and Digital Workflows Are Changing Specialist Contracting
Panel: Jennifer Brennan, Harlow Consulting (and co-author of the BEFA AI research); Helen Gawor, Operational Strategy Consultant; Sarah Crawford, Eque2
Themes:
- Practical AI tools that are transforming fit-out
- Digitisation pathways, how fit-out SMEs can adopt tech without heavy investment
- Template starter packs
Thursday 22 October
13:50 – 14:40
Refreshments and Networking
Refreshments and networking to connect subcontractors, manufacturers and designers and well as see exhibitor stands from key suppliers and digital tools.
Thursday 22 October
14:40 – 15:00
Fit-Out Futures: What will define the next generation of contracting?
Panel: Mario Senna – Proline Internals; Anna Cooper – Architectural Wallsz; Bravi Platforms
Join the debate as we look at Gen Z and how managing them isn’t a problem, it is an imperative, how technology can help improve the way we work and what an inclusive workforce really means in our sector.
Thursday 22 October
15:00 15:30
The Responsible No, how we work together better as a supply chain
Chaired by: Liz Barclay
Panel: Anthony Puma – Payapps; Guy McCoig-Lees – Collins Construction; Neville Grunwald – Wates, Specialist contractor to be confirmed; Iain McIlwee – FIS CEO
Thursday 22 October
15:30 16:15
FIS AGM and welcoming new President
Announcement of the FIS Board Election results and impact of FIS work during 2026
Thursday 22 October
16:15 – 16:30
18:00 | Drinks Reception & Networking in Exhibition Area
19.00 | Dinner and Innovation Awards
22:00 | Awards evening close
Thursday 22 October
18:00 – 22:00
FIS Golf Competition
The FIS Masters gets underway on Friday 23 October
Friday 23 October
10:00 (tee times from 11am)