AFBELIVE! 2026
The Future of Engineering:
From Access to Equity
AFBELive! is a national conference conceived by AFBE-UK in 2022 to highlight the technological issues of our day and to showcase the power of Engineering and Technology to solve today’s most complex and challenging problems. AFBELive also provides a forum for engineers, technologists, students, politicians, industry leaders and experienced professionals to deep dive into the state of our sector and to discuss the role that a more diverse and Inclusive workforce might play in improving the sector’s ability to innovate.
Key Information:
Date:
30th October
Location:
The Vox Conference Centre, Birmingham
About the Event
AFBELive is a conference conceived by AFBE-UK on its 15th anniversary to showcase AFBE-UK’s work over many years in towns and cities across the UK. The one-day conference will highlight the contributions of people from minoritized groups in the UK through innovation.
The conference aims to amplify the importance of diversity, inclusion and belonging by providing all stakeholders with insights into strategies that enable growth of our industry while discussing technology challenges in the industry.
Date and venue
Date: 30 October 2026, 9:00 – 22:30
Venue: The Vox Conference Centre, Birmingham B40 1PU
The Focus
The Future of Engineering: From Access to Equity
A Pipeline that Delivers Change
Building pathways that turn access into lasting equity
Trends and Opportunities in Engineering
Spotlighting the innovations reshaping engineering and expanding access to real opportunities
Sustainability
Sustainability as a pathway to equity, building resilient, equitable futures
Inclusive Supply Chains
Fair, transparent routes into procurement and partnerships
Meet our 2026 speakers
Awai Collins-Harrison (PhD, BEng)
Ollie Folayan MBE (PhD, CEng, FIChemE)
Nike Folayan MBE (PhD, CEng, FIET)
Celebrate diversity as an AFBELive sponsor
Join us in championing diversity in engineering. Sponsorship offers unique perks like presenting awards, exclusive branding, and special recognition.