The show floor was packed with exciting new features and much-loved returning favourites!

All features were free-to-attend and enjoyed by thousands of utilities professionals!
 


 

NEW! THE SQUARE sponsored by AtkinsRéalis
New! The Square sponsored by AtkinsRéalis

The Square sponsored by AtkinsRéalis - the show’s central hub and the go-to point for:

  • Information, support, and guidance, including help to navigate the show and plan what to see
  • Meeting up with colleagues and peers 
  • Refreshments, drinks, and street food

Sponsored by: 

AtkinsRéalis
 

THE HUB
New! The Hub

The Hub was a new space to continue the conversation from theatre sessions, take part in interactive workshops, and join ‘Meet the Innovator’ sessions.

It's where visitors came to see how to apply learnings to their businesses and connect with innovators whose solutions could support their goals.


 

NEW! CGI CYBER ESCAPE 2.0
Cyber security training in an escape room

CGI's Cyber Escape 2.0 provided visitors with security awareness training in a fun and memorable way, helping them to learn the basics of cyber security and help control risks within their organisation.

cgi at uwl

BLOCKAGE BUSTERS!
Back by popular demand! Blockage Busters

Back by popular demand, the Blockage Busters competition returned to the show floor for 2026! The high-pressure race to clear a sewer blockage spotlighted the vital skills needed to keep our drains flowing. Feature in partnership with Southern Water and Cappagh Browne.

Blockage busters
 

NEW! DIGGER SKITTLES AND HOOK A DUCK - WITH CAPPAGH BROWNE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HE SERVICES
NEW! Digger Skittles and Digger Hook a Duck with Cappagh Browne in partnership with HE Services

A new challenge for visitors to get behind the controls of electric diggers in Digger Skittles and Hook a Duck, testing precision and coordination in two fun challenges that show how electrification reduces carbon emissions in construction.
 

Digger Skittles and Hook a Duck with Cappagh Browne

NEW! PARTNER PROGRAMME
NEW for 2026! The Partner Programme

The new Partner Programme was developed in association with leading innovatorsthought leaders, supply chain partnersprofessional institutions, and trade bodies, offering a range of stage sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities.

UKPN, WUN, Northumbrian Water, CECA, EIC, Spring, FEN
Ofwat, ACE, british water, yep, igem, credo, stream

 

VIP MEMBER EXPERIENCE
UWL26 offered a host of free benefits for Utility Week Members including:
  • Priority access to all areas of the exhibition, including a VIP entrance to the Keynote Stage
  • Complimentary refreshments and a quiet space for working at the Members' Lounge
  • Access to the new Members' Bar where to casually network with industry colleagues over a drink (or two!)
  • Access to content presentations post-show
    ...and much more!

 

NETWORKING DRINKS RECEPTION
Networking drinks reception
FLEX AWARDS
The Flex Awards are back!

The Flex Awards were open to all visitors to celebrate the innovators dedicated to advancing energy flexibility. They recognised creative ideas and strategies that pave the way for energy flexibility and make markets more inclusive and accessible.  

Held on the showfloor, on day one, at 4.20pm.

NEW! THE INNOVATION LOUNGE
NEW! Innovation Lounge

Our new Innovation Lounge explored key industry challenges, drawing together learnings from regulation-funded innovation projects across energy and water, as well as R&D departments, academic institutions and the global innovation community.


 

NEW! MARKET-LEADING TECH DEMOS
More live tech demonstrations than ever before

See market-leading technology up close at the show, from underwater drones with Spectis Robotics, virtual substations with NovaTech Automation, Cybersecurity challenges with CGI's Cyber Escape Room and more!

With more live tech demonstrations than ever before, UWL26 gives visitors the chance to see new solutions in action and understand how they work in real environments.

 

NEW! THE ATKINSRÉALIS TAP
NEW! The AtkinsRéalis Tap

The AtkinsRéalis Tap - a new central space for collaboration and insights exchange.

The new The AtkinsRéalis Tap hosted partner-led sessions with Northumbrian Water Innovation Festival; Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE), British Water, and the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA); the Institute of Water's Young Professionals Networks, Energy UK's Young Energy Professionals and Utility Week's Future Leaders Club; and Womens Utilities Network.