IAT Conference 2026: Resilience in Action

IAT Annual Conference 2026

Morning Session

We begin with a welcome and a special Retrospective to Focused view, celebrating 60 years of the Institute of Asphalt Technology while looking ahead to the challenges and responsibilities of the next generation. This opening reflection will frame resilience not as reaction, but as intentional leadership.

Our first keynote will bring a regional authority perspective, connecting policy, place and infrastructure performance reminding us that resilient networks sit at the heart of resilient communities.

The morning panel, “Building a Resilient Workforce: Meeting the Challenges of Tomorrow,” will focus squarely on people. Representatives from across professional institutions and industry will examine how workforce strategy underpins the strength, adaptability and long-term sustainability of our road networks.

Morning Session Highlights

• The impact of workforce shortages on network resilience
• Preparing for climate-driven and technology-led change
• Collaboration between institutions, government and industry
• Real-world examples of innovative workforce initiatives

The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A, identifying the sector’s most pressing workforce challenges and defining three actions we must take today to build a resilient workforce for tomorrow. 

Resilient infrastructure depends on resilient supply chains, materials and markets. This session will explore how strategic decision-making, leadership and culture shape our industry’s long-term capability.

Afternoon Session

The afternoon session shifts focus from foundations to forward momentum, exploring how innovation, leadership and investment translate resilience into delivery.

Our second technical keynote, “Engineering Resilience: Digital Futures for the Road Network,” will examine how data, digital engineering and emerging technologies are reshaping asset management and network performance. From smarter decision-making to predictive maintenance and integrated systems thinking, this session will demonstrate how digital capability underpins long-term resilience.

The closing panel discussion, “Building Resilience in the UK Road Network: Innovations, Funding and Future Challenges,” brings together leading industry commentators and analysts to explore:

Aternoon Session Highlights

• Climate adaptation and long-term planning
• Digitalisation and innovation
• Funding pressures and investment priorities
• Case studies and forward-looking insights from across the sector

From materials to maintenance, from innovation to budgets, this discussion will tackle the real-world challenges facing the UK’s highways sector  and the practical solutions that will strengthen resilience across the network.

The afternoon concludes with a call to action and a Diamond Year celebration, reflecting on 60 years of leadership — and the responsibility to shape what comes next.

Conference Pricing

• £210.00 (£190.00 until end of Feb) for IAT members
• £285.00 (£270.00 until end of Feb) for non-members
• £189.00 (£170.00 until end of Feb) Accommodation for evening of Wednesday 13 May

This is the perfect opportunity for non-members to experience the value of the IAT community firsthand. By attending the conference, you'll see why membership is so valuable and could be the key to unlocking further exclusive resources, networking opportunities, and industry recognition.

Why You Can't Afford to Miss This Event

• Expert-Led Insights – Hear from top industry leaders as they share innovative strategies, real-world case studies, and emerging trends shaping the future of highways maintenance and asphalt technology.
• New Session Formats – Say goodbye to long, monotonous presentations! This year's conference introduces interactive panel discussions, dynamic case studies, and engaging Q&A sessions to keep you actively involved and inspired.
• Unrivalled Networking Opportunities – Meet and connect with top decision-makers, suppliers, engineers, and industry influencers. This is your chance to build relationships that can transform your business and career.
• Stay Ahead of the Curve – Discover cutting-edge technologies, sustainable solutions, and industry best practices before they hit the mainstream. Gain valuable insights to help future-proof your operations.
• Tailored Content for Every Level – Whether you're a highways engineer, contractor, asset manager, or senior executive, this conference offers relevant, practical, and forward-thinking sessions designed to meet your needs.

What's Included for £1,300 (£1,200 until end of Feb):

• Exhibition space
• 1 delegate place to attend conference sessions and network
• Exposure to a targeted audience of industry professionals
• Networking opportunities throughout the event
• Brand visibility through event materials and online promotion

Trade Exhibition

Why You Should Take an Exhibition Stand

Exhibiting at the IAT Annual Conference 2026 is a unique opportunity to showcase your products and services to a highly engaged audience in the asphalt and highways industry. For just £1,300 (£1,200 until end of Feb), you'll secure your exhibition space and receive one delegate place, making this an unbeatable value for gaining exposure, generating leads, and networking with key industry players.

Why Exhibit?

• Reach the Right Audience – The IAT Annual Conference is attended by industry professionals, senior decision-makers, engineers, and contractors. Exhibiting puts you directly in front of potential customers who are looking for innovations to improve their operations.
• Prime Conference Visibility – Your exhibition stand will be situated in high-traffic areas where delegates naturally gather during breaks, lunch, and networking sessions.
• Meet Key Decision-Makers – The conference attracts top professionals, including local authorities, contractors, suppliers, and consultants. You'll have direct access to this audience.
• Generate Leads – With direct access to a relevant audience, you'll be able to meet potential clients and partners who are actively looking for solutions like yours.
• 1 Delegate Place Included – Your exhibition stand includes one delegate place, giving you the chance to attend conference sessions and network with other professionals.

Exhibiting at the IAT Annual Conference is a strategic investment in growing your business, generating qualified leads, and positioning your brand as a leader in the highways maintenance and asphalt industry.