Wales Regional Conference, Exhibition and Awards Dinner 2026
The annual Wales Regional Conference, Exhibition and Gala Awards Dinner will take place on 6/7 May 2026 in partnership with NHS Wales, Shared Services Partnership, and Specialist Estate Services. The Conference and Exhibition are being held at the International Conference Centre at (ICC) Coldra Woods, Newport, South Wales, while The Gala Awards Dinner is being held in the Augusta Suite at the Celtic Manor Golf Club.
This event will focus on strengthening healthcare estates to meet evolving challenges through improved planning, innovation, and workforce development. Through targeted discussions and shared insights, the event aims to help estates become more adaptive, secure, and equipped to ensure continuity of care in uncertain times.
Key programme themes
- Resilience and contingency — strengthening systems to respond to disruption and emerging risks.
- Resilient workforce — developing capable, adaptable teams to support sustainable estates operations.
- Estates manager toolbox — practical tools and insights to address daily and long-term estate challenges.
- PFI: returning assets to the NHS — understanding the transition process and its operational implications.
- Dragons’ Den — innovation delivery — showcasing innovative solutions and new approaches within the commercial sector.
Conference highlights Wednesday 6 May
9.00-9.15
Welcome from Pete Sellars, IHEEM CEO.
9.15-9.35
Keynote: A view from the bridge. Jacqueline Totterdell, director general for Health and Social Services and NHS Wales chief executive.
11.15-11.45
Journey from student through to employment via placement. Des Keighan, assistant director of commercial and contract management; Sam Burnett, estates officer SB HB and Swansea University.
11.45-12.15
Career development routes: assistant to manager. John Prendergast, principal decontamination engineer, NHS Wales SSP SES, chair of IHEEM Wales Branch; Mark Furmage, independent authorising engineer decontamination; Ross Andrews, Wye Valley NHS Trust.
12.15-12.45
Talent stacking. Gary Cooper, managing director PPL Training; Martin Worth, technical director of PIM (Plant Integrity Management).
14.30-15.15
Investigating incidents — how to guide. Martyn Jeffery, consultant; Eugene Conway, Zendeavour.
15.15-15.45
POW infrastructure — failure to success. Jason Williams, assistant head of operational estates CTM UHB.
15.45-16.15
Prince Charles hospital development — lesson learnt. Jeremy Holifield, responsible officer, PCH; Cyril Glennon, project director, Tilbury Douglas; Kelly Edwards, social value manager, Tilbury Douglas.
16.15-16.45
Providing essential resilience alongside good design: enhancing Mental Health LD Unit design. Jessica Ellis, senior associate architect, Stride Treglown; Michelle Blackie, head of strategic marketing, Pineapple Contracts.
16.45-16.55
Closing address. John Prendergast, principal decontamination engineer, NHS Wales SSP SES, chair of IHEEM Wales Branch.
Awards Dinner
18.00-19.00
Welcome drinks reception
19.00-00.00
Gala Awards Dinner with after dinner speaker Jonathan Davies OBE and presentation of the awards.
Conference highlights Thursday 7 May
9.00-9.15
Welcome from Nigel Keery, IHEEM President.
9.15-10.45
Welsh Dragons’ Den panel discussion, formal presentations, a Q&A segment, and audience voting.
10.45-10.50
Winners Award Presentation
10:50-11:15
Invisible infrastructure. Christine Thomas, Assistant Major Capital Development Manager; James Smart, CAD technician, Hywel Dda University Health Board.
12.00-12.45
Changes to AE provision within NHS England. Pete Sellars, IHEEM CEO; Paul Fenton, IHEEM business development director.
12.45-13.15
What’s next for APs and CPs? Mark Gapper, head of engineering, NHS Wales SSP SES, followed by an open-floor discussion.
13.15-14.00
Romeo and Juliet — the tale of two lovers separated by the Director of Finance. Open-floor panel discussion: Operational Estates vs. Capital Projects.
14.30-14.45
Closing Address. Stuart Douglas, director NHS Wales SSP SES.
Northern Ireland Conference, Exhibition & Gala Dinner 2026
On 19/20 May the IHEEM Northern Ireland Conference will bring together leaders, innovators, and specialists from across the healthcare estates and engineering community to explore this year’s theme: Data & Intelligence: Driving Smarter, Safer Healthcare. As the healthcare system continues to evolve, the intelligent use of data — supported by emerging technologies, digital integration, and AI — has become central to transforming the performance, resilience, and sustainability of our built healthcare environment.
This year’s programme will highlight how advanced analytics, digital twins, AI‑enabled decision support, and real‑time building intelligence are reshaping the way we design, operate, and maintain healthcare facilities. Through keynote presentations and practical case studies, delegates will gain insights into how data can unlock efficiencies, strengthen compliance, improve patient outcomes, and support a more sustainable future for health and social care.
The conference will also celebrate the exceptional talent and commitment across our sector through the first IHEEM NI Annual Awards, recognising those who demonstrate excellence, innovation, and leadership. Awards will be presented for:
- Design Team of the Year — honouring outstanding collaborative design that enhances healthcare environments.
- Contractor of the Year — recognising exceptional project delivery, quality, and partnership in Healthcare setting.
- Trainee of the Year — celebrating emerging talent and future leaders of the profession.
- Estates Team of the Year — acknowledging an individual or team whose impact has been truly transformative.
- Supply Chain Provider of the Year — rewarding excellence in service, reliability, and sector support.
In addition, this year’s Awards Dinner will welcome Pete Snodden — one of Northern Ireland’s most recognisable broadcasters — and Paddy Raff — one of Northern Ireland’s leading comedians.
Together, the conference and awards reflect the forward‑thinking spirit of the estates and engineering community and reaffirm Northern Ireland’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in healthcare infrastructure.