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

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. 

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.