Party conferences remain key events in the political calendar, providing the opportunity for us to influence government policy while raising the profile of architects and the built environment.
This year, we are hosting and taking part in a series of events focused on tackling the housing and skills crises, promoting high-quality design, and driving sustainable, inclusive development.
Find out more about our events below.
Events at Liberal Democrat party conference
Drinks reception: Networking with the built environment sector
Date: 22 September 2025
Time: 8pm to 9.45pm
Location: Sherbourne Suite, Highcliff Mariott Hotel, Bournemouth
In partnership with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), we are hosting a networking reception bringing together Liberal Democrat MPs and Peers, and members of RIBA and RICS to look into the strategic challenges and opportunities facing the built and natural environment in the UK. Speakers include Gideon Amos MP, Liberal Democrat MP for Taunton and Wellington, architect, and RIBA Member.
Events at Labour party conference
Built environment drinks reception
Date: 28 September 2025
Time: 7pm to 9pm
Location: Labour Housing Group’s ‘Housing Zone’, ACC Liverpool
Since the election, the government has got to work with fixing the housing supply crisis, boldly reforming the planning system, addressing key blockers to preventing homes from being built, and putting in the necessary funding to kickstart a generational boost to social housing. Key to delivering the government’s planning goals will be the built environment sector, including architects, planners, contractors, and project leaders.
This invite-only drinks reception, sponsored by the Labour Housing Group and in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), will feature as a celebration of the government’s progress to building 1.5 million homes, as well as serve as a call for action in this crucial area.
The reception will include speeches from RIBA President, Chris Williamson and a Minister or political speaker.
1.5 million homes - but what about quality?
Date: 29 September 2025
Time: 9:30am to 11:00am
Location: Gallery 1, RIBA North, 21 Mann Island, Liverpool, L3 1BP
Hosted by RIBA, this panel will bring together voices from Parliament, local government, architecture, and the wider housing sector to examine why design, sustainability, and placemaking must underpin efforts to tackle the housing crisis.
The discussion will explore how we can ensure new homes are well-designed, energy-efficient and meet the needs of diverse communities across the country.
Panellists include:
- Richard Wooldridge (Chair) - Director of HPA Architects and member of RIBA’s Housing and Planning Expert Advisory Group
- Hetty Wood – Cabinet Member for Housing, Liverpool City Council
- India Gerritsen – Researcher, Institute for Public Policy Research
- Margaret Mullane MP – Dagenham and Rainham
- Matt Rodda MP – Reading Central
- Sharon Thompson – Deputy Mayor of West Midlands Combined Authority
Book your place
Seizing the opportunities of the new towns agenda
Date: 29 September 2025
Time: 10:30am to 11:30am
Location: Connect Hub, Arena Room 3, ACC Liverpool
In partnership with Velux, this panel will explore the government’s evolving new towns agenda, with over 100 proposals currently under consideration.
The session will reflect on the ambition and delivery of these developments – not just in terms of housebuilding, but the creation of communities where people genuinely want to live. The discussion will also explore how high-quality design, placemaking and well-planned infrastructure can help ensure these new towns stand the test of time.
Panellists include:
- Vicky Spratt – Housing correspondent, i newspaper (Chair)
- Andrew Pakes – MP for Peterborough
- Ant Breach – Director of Policy and Research, Centre for Cities
- Chris Williamson – RIBA President
Quality and capacity: the key to unlocking the right homes at the right time
Date: 30 September 2025
Time: TBC
Location: Museum of Liverpool
Organised by the public services think tank, Re:State, and sponsored by CIOB, RIBA, RICS, and the Royal Town Planners Institute (RTPI), this private roundtable will explore how government, industry and other stakeholders can work together to ensure that the housebuilding sector has the necessary skills to deliver 1.5 million homes, and that these homes are built to appropriately high standards.
Workforce shortages are a major barrier to meeting these housing targets, and while the government plans to address these shortages, by for example launching Skills England and recruiting 300 new planning officers, this is only part of the puzzle. Focusing on both the quality and quantity of homes is necessary to ensure they are designed to a high-quality, are environmentally efficient and built to last.
Events at Conservative party conference
Maintaining engagement with Conservative MPs and stakeholders
Dates: 6 to 7 October 2025
While RIBA is not hosting any events at the Conservative party conference this year, our Policy and Public Affairs team will attend to maintain engagement with Conservative MPs and industry stakeholders.
Keep up to date with our policy and public affairs work.
