Full Programme Released for BDA Conference 2026 – BOOK NOW

August 5, 2026

The full programme has now been released for the British Drilling Association (BDA) Conference 2026, “Drilling Horizons 2026 and Beyond”, taking place on 21 October 2026, at the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), London.

Free to attend for BDA Members, the conference will bring together drilling, ground investigation, geotechnical and wider construction professionals for a focused day of learning, discussion, exhibition viewing and networking.

The programme will address some of the most important issues currently shaping the drilling and ground investigation sector, including:

• The future of driller competency and the progress of the Driller Competency Super Sector initiative
• Sustainability, lower-carbon infrastructure and reducing the environmental impact of drilling operations
• Client expectations, safety, data and the emerging role of artificial intelligence
• PAS128, buried services, changing technical standards and the National Underground Asset Register
• Recurring safety incidents and the behavioural, cultural and commercial factors influencing safety performance on site

A key highlight will be the United Utilities keynote presentation, “Aligning for Success: Safety, Data, and AI in Modern Ground Investigation Frameworks.”

The keynote will be delivered by David Jones, Chief Engineer, Ground Engineering and Reservoirs at United Utilities, together with Pamela Rigby, Principal Engineer, Geotech and Geoenvironmental at United Utilities.

Drawing on United Utilities’ long-established Ground Investigation Framework, David and Pamela will explore the challenges and opportunities facing the ground investigation industry from a major client perspective. The session will consider how safety, data, artificial intelligence and closer collaboration can help create a supply chain that is agile, cost-efficient and prepared for future infrastructure investment.

Other speakers and contributors include Paul McMann, Chair of the BDA Training & Education Sub-Committee; Alison Randall, Chair of the BDA Sustainability Committee; Lee Healey, Chair of the BDA Technical & Standards Sub-Committee; and Kostas Tsiminis, who will chair the interactive health and safety panel discussion.

Alongside the formal programme, delegates will have opportunities to meet exhibitors and network with colleagues from across the drilling, ground investigation and geotechnical community.

Thank You to Our Headline Sponsor

The BDA would like to thank John Lawrie Tubulars (JLT), Headline Sponsor of the BDA Conference 2026, for its valued support.

Sponsorship and Exhibition Opportunities

A limited number of sponsorship packages and exhibition spaces remain available for organisations wishing to raise their profile, support the work of the BDA and engage directly with a focused industry audience.

Available opportunities include:

• Gold Sponsor: £800 + VAT
• Associate Sponsor: £500 + VAT
• Exhibition Space: £600 + VAT per stand

All opportunities are subject to availability and exhibition spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. To discuss sponsorship or exhibition opportunities, contact Joel at: joel@britishdrillingassociation.co.uk

The event is FREE to attend for BDA members, with non-member places priced at £120 + VAT. Advance registration is required for members and non-members.

Register your place now – contact Joel Stevens: office@britishdrillingassociation.co.uk