The built environment sits at the heart of thriving communities, shaping how we live, work, and connect. At the Connected Places Summit, explore how innovation, investment, and inclusive growth come together to create sustainable, future-ready places across the UK.
From digital planning and smarter public procurement to regeneration, retrofit, and housing innovation, this is where policy meets practice, where local authorities meet innovators, and where construction meets creativity.Expect cutting-edge insights from leaders driving regional growth and transforming local economies — showcasing demonstrators from across the UK that are decarbonising industries, expanding digital infrastructure, and unlocking new funding models.
Explore how integrated design, intelligent infrastructure, and collaborative delivery are shaping people-focused, affordable, and sustainable places that drive genuine social and economic value.
Join us at the intersection of the built environment and local growth, and help shape the places of tomorrow.
Attended in 2025
Previous speakers who took the stage
Join leading voices reshaping the built world, from housing and retrofit to high streets and placemaking.
Our speakers will spotlight the breakthroughs transforming property, planning, and the future of our places, driving sustainable, affordable, and people-centred environments.
Speaker
Lorna Pimlott
Managing Director, Local Authority Advisory & Lending
National Wealth Fund
Speaker
Dan Labbad
Chief Executive
The Crown Estate
Speaker
Dr Michèle Dix CBE
Council of Expert Advisors
National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority
Speaker
Graeme Craig
Director & Chief Executive
Places for London
Speaker
Jamie Bartley
CEO
Unyte Group
Speaker
Lolita Jackson MBE
Executive Director of Sustainable Cities
Sustainable Development Capital LLC
Speaker
Laura Fleming
Country Managing Director (UK & Ireland)
Hitachi Energy
Speaker
Natalie McIldowie
Client Delivery Director
Jacobs
Speaker
Steve Phipps
Head of Materials Engineering
Balfour Beatty VINCI
Lorna Pimlott
Managing Director, Local Authority Advisory & Lending - National Wealth Fund
Dan Labbad
Chief Executive - The Crown Estate
Dr Michèle Dix CBE
Council of Expert Advisors - National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority
Graeme Craig
Director & Chief Executive - Places for London
Jamie Bartley
CEO - Unyte Group
Lolita Jackson MBE
Executive Director of Sustainable Cities - Sustainable Development Capital LLC
Laura Fleming
Country Managing Director (UK & Ireland) - Hitachi Energy
Natalie McIldowie
Client Delivery Director - Jacobs
Steve Phipps
Head of Materials Engineering - Balfour Beatty VINCI

The Connected Places Summit is a great platform for networking and information exchange."
Sunderland City Council


The Summit demonstrates the Catapult's convening power, and has been a fantastic platform for networking, learning and innovating together."
TECHUK

The countdown is on
Tracks
Transport
Whether you're designing the future of rail, decarbonising freight, or reimagining the passenger journey, our Summit will connect you to the people, knowledge, and collaborations that drive real-world change.
Built Environment
This is where local authorities meet innovators, where SMEs meet investors, and where construction meets creativity. We’ll spotlight the breakthroughs, large and small, that are enabling more sustainable, affordable, and people-centred environments.
Local Growth
We’ll spotlight real-world programmes where innovation is helping to decarbonise local industries, and bringing digital infrastructure into underserved areas. Expect insights into new funding models, smarter public procurement, and the role of civic leadership in delivering change.
Data & Digital
This is where technologists, policymakers, and place leaders come together to discuss not just innovation, but trust, governance, cyber resilience, and the infrastructure needed to keep our systems future-proof and connected.