Blog

Futurebuild2026

Supporting sustainability conversations on the ground

June 2026

The Hattrick team spent three days at Futurebuild 2026 at ExCeL London in May, managing media relations in the lead up to the event and running the onsite press office. Alongside coordinating interviews and capturing content, we joined conversations about the future of the built environment and the innovations shaping the sector.

What stood out most was the energy around sustainability, retrofit and materials innovation which are no longer niche topics but are becoming ‘business as usual’ for committed construction brands leveraging Futurebuild’s platform.

We heard inspiring examples from businesses developing new approaches to materials, retrofit and low carbon construction. The discussions felt practical, optimistic and focused on action.

From a communications perspective, it was an incredibly busy and rewarding few days. Working with multiple stakeholders, we supported a packed programme of activity designed to maximise visibility before, during and after the show. This included coordinating media opportunities, securing and facilitating interviews, capturing video content and managing live social media coverage throughout the event.

One particular highlight was securing and coordinating an exhibitor interview opportunity with The Wall Street Journal podcast, alongside a series of other media engagements that helped amplify what was taking place on the show floor. Alongside this, we drafted and distributed press releases onsite, ensuring a steady flow of news to maintain momentum and encourage both media attendance and visitor footfall across the three days.

The pace was relentless, but it showcased the value of a collaborative approach. From filming interviews and creating social content in real time to writing copy, publishing updates and engaging with attendees online, every channel played a role in extending the reach of the event beyond the exhibition halls.

Behind the scenes, it was a true team effort. We worked closely with our client, as well as the co-located UK Construction Week London and Stone & Surfaces Show teams, to coordinate activity, source and share assets, manage approvals and ensure opportunities were acted on quickly. With so much happening across the venue at any one time, constant communication and teamwork were essential. It was a brilliant example of how strong partnerships, clear planning and agility can come together to deliver impact at a major industry event.

We left Futurebuild feeling inspired, hopeful (and somewhat exhausted!). The appetite for innovation is growing, the conversations are becoming more mature and the built environment sector continues to show that sustainability is increasingly part of the everyday conversation, not a separate one.

If you're looking to build momentum around an event, campaign or sustainability initiative, get in touch. From speaker programmes and media relations to content creation and awards submissions, we help organisations turn great ideas into impactful campaigns that showcase genuine progress and help drive meaningful conversations.