The CIBSE Annual Industry Dinner 2026 brought together distinguished guests from across the built environment recently, providing a high-profile forum for collaboration, discussion and shared thinking on the future of the profession.
The evening highlighted the importance of cross-sector engagement, with attendees encouraged to connect, exchange ideas and build meaningful partnerships throughout the event. The dinner once again reinforced its role as a key platform for debate, fresh thinking and collaboration across disciplines within the industry.
Keynote address from Chris Skidmore
CIBSE was pleased to welcome Chris Skidmore as this year’s keynote speaker.
Chris Skidmore has held several ministerial roles, including Universities, Research, Innovation and Skills, and Energy and Climate Change, during which he played a significant role in helping to enshrine net zero into UK law. He also contributed to the UK’s preparations for COP26 and has held wider responsibilities across government, including roles in the Department of Health, the Cabinet Office and Number 10.
Alongside his political career, he is an accomplished author, including Mission Zero, and is widely recognised for his expertise in net zero strategy and climate policy.
The value of the evening
The dinner provided an opportunity for guests to come together in an informal setting to exchange ideas, share perspectives and strengthen professional relationships. The importance of collaboration across sectors and disciplines was a central theme throughout the evening, reflecting the industry’s shared commitment to addressing the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Attendees spoke of the value of the discussions, networking and insights the evening facilitated, reinforcing the role of the Annual Industry Dinner as a catalyst for connection and forward-looking dialogue within the sector.