Designing the Future: Engineering the South East 2026 Conference and Expo
– Thursday, 15 October 2026, SETU Arena, Waterford
Building services engineering sits at the exact intersection of Ireland’s most pressing challenges: decarbonising the built environment, integrating smart technologies and creating sustainable, high-performance infrastructure.
On Thursday, 15 October 2026, the region’s flagship event –Engineering the South East Conference & Expo (formerly Toys4Engineers) – returns to the SETU Arena, Waterford, from 10 AM to 4 PM. For the country’s building services engineers, MEP consultants, and facility managers, this is an unmissable event.
Why you should attend
The 2026 conference and expo brings together over 100 exhibitors and 2,000 attendees across construction, energy, renewables, technology and pharmaceuticals. As the push toward net-zero buildings accelerates, this event provides direct, hands-on access to the latest HVAC innovations, smart building automation systems, energy storage solutions and digital twin technology shaping modern mechanical and electrical design.
Conference focus
Beyond the extensive exhibition floor, the dedicated conference programme tackles real-world implementation. Key sessions will explore practical applications of AI, data-driven operational design, predictive maintenance, and digital transformation in regulated environments. These insights are essential for building services professionals designing resilient, energy-efficient spaces for industrial, commercial, and healthcare clients.
Women in Engineering Breakfast
Networking is at the heart of the day. Connect directly with project leads, regional MEP suppliers, contractors and multinational clients – including confirmed partners like ESB, Prochem and Weltec Engineering. Early risers can also attend the Women in Engineering Breakfast from 9 AM to 10 AM to kick off a day focused on collaboration and talent pipeline development.
Where to attend
Whether you are seeking new technology suppliers, benchmarking your design strategies against regional trends, or expanding your professional network, set aside Thursday 15 October for SETU Arena, SETU West Campus, Woodstown, Carriganore, Co Waterford.
Join the conversation and shape the future of Ireland’s built environment at engineeringthesoutheastexpo.ie
“I am delighted to join Engineers Ireland at a time when the skills, expertise, and leadership of engineers have never been more important. I want to help ensure that engineering, across all its disciplines, has the profile and influence it deserves – that we continue to attract and develop the next generation of engineers, support the highest professional standards, and make the strongest possible case for engineering to be at the heart of decisions about Ireland’s education, infrastructure, and economic future.
“I look forward to working with council, the team, and our members to build on Engineers Ireland’s strong foundations, champion the profession and ensure that its collective voice is heard.”