Taking place on 17th June at London’s 30 Euston Square, the annual Tall Buildings Conference & Awards returns with a fresh agenda to provide clarity on the high-rise landscape as the industry navigates and adjusts to regulatory reform, whilst paying homage to the tall buildings that demonstrate excellence from a sustainability and design standpoint.

Combining expertise with inspiring case studies, the Tall Buildings Conference 2025 provides an essential platform which explores the crucial issues that are promoting and also prohibiting growth in the sector. Navigating the Building Safety Act, and notably the new Building Safety Regulator’s gateway system, has presented a unique set of challenges for the sector, and with mounting pressure to deliver the Government’s housing targets, clarity is needed more than ever. This year’s conference addresses these important issues alongside a range of other topics including tall building trends and sustainability, plus innovations in materials and technology.

Chaired by Steve Watts, Director at Turner & Townsend alinea, the extensive conference promises thought-provoking discussions, driven by an esteemed line-up of speakers from a wide range of disciplines including architects, engineers, lawyers, professors and HSE’s Deputy Director, Tim Galloway.

Session one will address tall building trends, with Federico Ortiz, Head of Programme at New London Architecture, reflecting on the organisation’s latest findings on applications in the City for tall buildings in 2024. Followed by Will Dyson, Placemaking Director at the Eastern City Business Improvement District, who will discuss the importance of considering ground-level engagement when building up.

Session two features a highly-anticipated chapter on the impact of the Building Safety Act. Introducing the session, Tim Galloway, Deputy Director of Building Safety Regime Development and Regulatory Support, will update delegates on the role of the BSR to date and provide clarity on hurdles experienced with the gateway regime. Following this, session chair Cecily Davis, Partner at Fieldfisher, will open the panel debate on the impact of the Building Safety Act.  

After a much-needed interlude for lunch and networking, the afternoon’s final session will place a spotlight on some of the industry’s best tall buildings from a design and sustainability standpoint. Speakers from the architecture discipline will present case studies that demonstrate excellence in high-rise design, whilst setting the benchmark for environmental standards.

With many Q&A opportunities available, the conference aims to inform and inspire delegates. There is also the chance to celebrate the achievements of the industry with the dedicated Tall Buildings Awards, which takes place at various intervals throughout the day. 

Tall Buildings Media Editor, Hannah Woodger, comments: “It's a critical time for the tall buildings arena. The evolution of technology, systems and materials are promising excellent opportunities for the market, yet the current hurdles, namely application delays and inconsistencies concerning the BSR’s requirements, are stifling momentum. It’s through platforms, such as the Tall Buildings Conference, that offer the industry a much-needed chance to convene, challenge and collaborate, seek clarity, and celebrate what’s been achieved. Join the discussion, we hope to see you there!”

Shortlisted finals can be found at www.tallbuildingsawards.co.uk