16 July 2026 | Hilton Bankside, London
Event Information
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Key Contacts
Event Overview
Bridges are not standalone structures. They are the connective tissue of the UK's transport network, enabling continuity of movement across road, rail, pedestrian, and freight systems. When they fail, networks fail. When they are managed well, whole systems thrive.
The UK's bridge stock is extensive and ageing, designed for historic loading regimes and very different operational demands. Increasing traffic volumes, heavier vehicles, climate-driven pressures, and rising societal expectations have exposed the limits of asset-by-asset thinking.
NCE Bridges 2026 traces a single thread across the day: from bold new visions for networked infrastructure, through the hard realities of ageing stock and constrained budgets, to innovation, criticality, and a future grounded in evidence, culminating in a direct challenge to government to respond to what the sector has built the case for.
CPD Accredited — assessed by The CPD Group.
Back to top Timings
The full programme is available on the event website. Outline timings for the day:
| 08:30 – 09:00 | Registration & networking |
| 09:00 – 10:00 | Morning sessions |
| 10:00 – 10:30 | Morning networking break |
| 10:30 – 12:05 | Late morning sessions |
| 12:05 – 13:05 | Lunch & networking |
| 13:05 – 14:45 | Afternoon sessions |
| 14:45 – 15:15 | Afternoon networking break |
| 15:15 – 16:30 | Final sessions |
| 16:30 | Conference close |
We recommend arriving by 08:30 to allow time to register and find your seat before the first session. The full programme is available at bridges.newcivilengineer.com.
Back to top Venue & Directions
Venue Details
| Venue | Hilton London Bankside |
| Address | 2–8 Great Suffolk Street, Bankside, London, SE1 0UG |
| Event room | Ballroom |
| Website | hilton.com |
Located in Bankside, SE1, within easy reach of Southwark and Blackfriars stations, and a short walk from the South Bank.
Getting There
Underground
Southwark (Jubilee line) — approximately 6-minute walk.
Blackfriars (Circle & District lines) — approximately 10-minute walk via the South Bank exit.
Train
Blackfriars station (Thameslink) has a South Bank exit and is approximately 10 minutes' walk.
London Bridge is approximately 15 minutes' walk.
Bus
Routes 40, 63, 344 and 381 serve the Blackfriars Road and Southwark Street area.
Plan your journey at tfl.gov.uk.
By Car
The venue is within the London Congestion Charge and ULEZ zones. Valet parking is available at the hotel, subject to availability. We strongly encourage delegates to use public transport where possible.
Accessibility
- Blackfriars station has lift access from the South Bank exit — use the rear of the train for step-free access.
- The hotel has lift access throughout the venue.
- Accessible facilities are available on site.
- Please contact the event team in advance if you have specific access requirements.
Catering & Dietary Requirements
All catering is included in your delegate pass:
- Arrival refreshments during registration
- Mid-morning networking break (refreshments provided)
- Buffet lunch
- Afternoon networking break (refreshments provided)
Dietary Requirements
Please contact Rose Redfern to advise of any dietary requirements ahead of the event. Contact details are in the Key Contacts panel at the top of this page.
Meals are prepared in kitchens where allergens are handled. If you have a severe allergy, please inform us in advance and flag it to catering staff on the day.
Lunch Menu
The lunch menu will be confirmed closer to the event. Check back here for updates.
Back to topOn the Day
Registration & Badge Collection
Registration opens at 08:30. Bring your confirmation email (printed or on your phone). Please wear your badge at all times — it is required for access to sessions and catering.
Dress Code
Business dress.
Photography & Filming
Photography and filming will take place for NCE marketing purposes. Please inform the registration team on arrival if you do not wish to be photographed.
Social Media
Use #NCEBridges and tag @NewCivilEngineer to join the conversation online.
Mobile Phones
Please set your phone to silent during sessions.
Networking Opportunities
Networking is built throughout the day's programme:
- Networking during registration (08:30–09:00)
- Mid-morning break (10:00–10:30)
- Lunch networking (12:05–13:05)
- Afternoon break (14:45–15:15)
A delegate list is available on this app — use it to connect with fellow attendees before and during the event.
Back to top Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in my delegate pass?
Access to all conference sessions throughout the day, all catering (arrival refreshments, mid-morning break, buffet lunch, and afternoon break), event materials, and CPD certification.
Can I attend individual sessions only?
Yes, your delegate pass is valid for the full day but you are welcome to attend as much or as little of the programme as suits you.
Will slides and recordings be available after the event?
We aim to share speaker presentations following the event, subject to speaker consent, via the event website and/or email to registered delegates.
What is the cancellation and substitution policy?
Substitutions are welcome at any time at no charge — please contact the event team as soon as possible. Speakers should contact Rose Redfern directly. See the Key Contacts panel at the top of this page for details.
Is there a cloakroom?
Yes, a cloakroom is available at the venue. Items are left at delegates' own risk.
Is the event accessible for delegates with disabilities?
Hilton London Bankside has lift access and accessible facilities throughout. Blackfriars station also has step-free access via the South Bank exit. Please contact the event team in advance if you have specific requirements so we can ensure appropriate arrangements are in place.
How do I earn CPD points at this event?
The event has been assessed by The CPD Group. You will receive a CPD certificate following the event. For more information, contact the event team.
Who should I contact if I have a question before the event?
For speaker-related enquiries, contact Rose Redfern. For all other questions, contact Megan Pringle. See the Key Contacts panel at the top of this page for details.
Who should I contact on the day?
Megan Pringle is your on-the-day point of contact — see the Key Contacts panel at the top of this page for her details.