BESA Annual Conference Agenda

Competence under the BSA is not just about new frameworks and training targets—it is also a governance, risk, and defensibility issue. If challenged, is your SKEB system up to scratch? Can you defend it?

With increased geopolitical uncertainty, inflationary pressures and increased regulation - how can the building services sector stay resilient and grow.

Hosted by David Frise, Chief Executive, BESA

As the industry adapts to a new era of accountability, Dr Barbara Lane will explore why effective ethical practice, such as honesty, integrity, accuracy and rigour, is crucial to producing a safe building, as well as improving the standards of existing buildings.

Drawing on her extensive experience across building safety in the design, construction and maintenance phases, she will challenge delegates to consider their responsibility to society, why public trust depends on accuracy, integrity and quality, the resulting need to act with care and diligence in all professional work, and why everyone operating in the built environment must continue to demonstrate their commitment to improving public trust in the built environment sector.

SMEs often fall into the trap of making design changes, which can have serious implications for project risk.

Taking insight from BESA's "Top 30 M&E Contractors Report". Directors of larger firms share insights on key growth, including: data centres, life sciences, healthcare, defence and upgrading public sector estate .

A high-energy series of short presentations (6 slides in 6 minutes) bringing technical standards to life.

• DW/172 – Kitchen Ventilation Systems.

• DW/154 – Plastic Ductwork

• TR19 – Ventilation Hygiene and Safety

• TR20 Pipework Specification and TR50 Supports and Fixings

Cutting through the complexity of Building Regulations to explain how the Competent Person Scheme simplifies compliance, certification, and quality assurance. A practical look at what it means for installers, businesses, and consumers. 

How national commitments made in Downing Street, from carbon budgets to F-Gas regulations, translate into real-world projects delivered by contractors at a local level.

This session will explore the regulatory “sticks” shaping the built environment, including MEES, Building Regulations and wider legislation, alongside the financial and policy “carrots” driving adoption and investment. Learn what’s changing, what it means in practice, and where the opportunities are emerging.

AI promises to transform the way our industry works, but where can it genuinely make a difference? Join Felipe Manzatucci, co-founder of OptimaBI, as he explores his current AI pilot project is supporting compliant planning applications. Alongside feedback from those involved in the project, this interactive session invites delegates to discuss their hopes, fears and practical requirements for adopting AI with confidence. 

Providing hands on experience in how to work on reciprocating compressors with a general overview of reciprocating compressor technology  

We all know that ensuring a system is operating at optimum conditions maintains a systems performance, but what difference does it really make and is it worth spending the money to set up a system correctly and keep it well maintained? In this session we'll look at how good choices and simple actions can save significant costs. 

Key Takeaways: 
Use the Energy Efficiency First approach, correct set-up and maintenance and making the right technology choice.
The 3 pillars of how to reduce climate changing emissions and save money. 

Technical knowledge is only part of what makes a successful RACHP engineer. Whether you're preparing for WorldSkills UK, your end-point assessment, or your first years in industry, the ability to work methodically, demonstrate compliance, and spot the details others miss can make all the difference. In this interactive session, REFCOM will share the practical habits, checks and professional standards that separate good engineers from great ones and help you avoid common mistakes both in competition and on site. 

Key Takeaways: 
Understand the small details that make a big difference to safety, compliance, quality and overall performance. 
Learn a simple final-check methodology that can help prevent costly mistakes, missed faults and lost marks. 
Develop a professional mindset by understanding how employers, assessors, customers and judges evaluate your work beyond technical competence. 

A technical walkthrough of A2L refrigerant systems including basic principles, flammability considerations, charge limit calculations, ATEX and PED regulatory requirements, system design and operation, and risk assessment.

Key Takeaways: 
- Choosing the perfect refrigerant 
- Flammability & ATEX 
- Refrigerant charge estimation 

A technical walkthrough of A2L refrigerant systems including basic principles, flammability considerations, charge limit calculations, ATEX and PED regulatory requirements, system design and operation, and risk assessment.

Key Takeaways: 
- Choosing the perfect refrigerant 
- Flammability & ATEX 
- Refrigerant charge estimation 

The Beijer Ref Academy will be hosting a practical, hands on, alternative to the traditional seminar style talk.

6 Competitors will be challenged to correctly wire up a refrigeration system controller connecting it to a solenoid valve, coil, and HP/LP pressure switch in front of the live audience. This live demonstration refrigeration controls challenge designed to develop and test real-world wiring skills.

Developed to support preparation for the WorldSkills UK Finals, this interactive session demonstrates the Academy's commitment to the development of practical skills, technical excellence securing the future of the HVACR industry.

WorldSkills UK Finalists will also be invited to take part and test their own wiring knowledge throughout the event.

• Understanding refrigeration control circuit design and operation.
• Practical wiring and troubleshooting techniques used in real applications.
• How hands-on training supports skills development across the HVACR industry.

This CIBSE-approved CPD gives an introduction to the key drivers for decarbonisation, including UK net zero targets, and explores how hybrid and bivalent systems can provide a practical and flexible pathway to reducing carbon emissions.

It also outlines key design considerations such as system temperatures, heating circuit compatibility, electrical capacity, space constraints, and phased plant replacement strategies. While examining the challenges associated with domestic hot water in low temperature systems and the benefits of decoupled solutions, concluding with a structured approach to selecting the most appropriate low carbon heating strategy for new and existing buildings.

This seminar is designed for all levels of mechanical engineers from graduate through to senior, director and associate, sustainability engineers, building services engineers, engineering technicians, incorporated engineers and chartered engineers.

S&P presents an overview of the key factors affecting indoor air quality (IAQ), exploring common sources of indoor and outdoor pollutants and their impact on occupant health. The session reviews relevant UK Building Regulations and industry standards, explains filtration efficiencies and the ePM grading system, and demonstrates how mechanical ventilation solutions can help achieve healthier indoor environments. A short Q&A concludes the session.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

• Identify the range of emission sources commonly found in enclosed spaces.
• Understand the relationship between indoor and outdoor air quality and how external pollutants affect indoor environments.
• Explain the particulate matter (PM) scale and the significance of different particle sizes.
• Recognise the short- and long-term health impacts of traffic-related and other outdoor air pollutants.
• Understand the ePM filter grading system and how appropriate filtration and mechanical ventilation contribute to improved indoor air quality.

Discover how chemical-free water treatment can help protect closed-loop heating and cooling networks from corrosion and improve system performance.

This CPD session explores the principles behind corrosion, the technology driving chemical-free treatment, current guidance including VDI 2035, and how to select, install and maintain the right solution.

Attendees will also learn about the key benefits and advantages of chemical-free water treatment.