The construction sector has spoken and once again, the IWD event is sold out.
On Friday, March 6, the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) brings the industry together at Johnstown House Estate, for its flagship International Women’s Day Summit, now firmly established as one of the most anticipated leadership events in the construction calendar.
Year on year, CIF IWD has grown in scale, ambition and influence.
What began as a celebration has evolved into a must-attend industry event, one that not only recognises the achievements of women across construction but also challenges the sector to think differently about leadership, culture and the future we are building together.
Register to watch the live stream here
#GiveToGain: Investing in people, powering progress
The 2026 theme, #GiveToGain, reflects a powerful truth shaping modern construction: when organisations invest in people, everyone benefits. This year’s theme champions the impact of opportunity, voice, trust, flexibility and sponsorship, and how these investments strengthen teams, unlock innovation and deliver long-term business value.
In a sector facing rapid technological change, skills pressure and sustainability demands, inclusive cultures are essential.
A programme built for a changing industry
The 2026 bumper programme mirrors the realities of today’s construction landscape, where digital innovation, ESG, inclusion and leadership are not standalone conversations but deeply connected drivers of progress.
Featuring keynote addresses, expert-led panels and emerging voices from across the industry, the summit promises a dynamic morning of insight, inspiration and practical takeaways with a few surprises along the way.
Panel 1: Digital Adoption & Innovation
Moderated by Denise Tuffy (CIF), this opening session explores how digital tools, information management and innovation are reshaping delivery, collaboration and competitiveness across construction.
Panellists include:
- Jenny Melia, CEO, Enterprise Ireland
- Aisling O’Brennan, Information Management & Digital Integration Lead, Sisk
- Belinda Dillon, BIM Information Manager, Jones Engineering
- Sinead O’Malley, Digital Manager, CJK
Panel 2: ESG – More Than Carbon Management
Moderated by PJ Ryan (CIF), this discussion broadens the sustainability conversation beyond carbon reporting, addressing the full reality of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) in construction today.
Panellists include:
- Louise Martin, ESG Lead, Walls
- Aoife O’Donnell, Head of Sustainability, Jones Engineering
- Diana Samoilă Bolog, Sustainability Lead, Mercury
- Paula Voiseux, Senior Business Partner HR, Talent Acquisition & ED&I, Glenveagh
Keynote addresses
The morning keynote will be delivered by Niamh McNulty, Director of Health & Safety at OMC, offering insights into leadership, responsibility and safety in a complex industry. Later, delegates will hear from Marie Gleeson, former Naval Captain and Managing Director of NavMar Leadership, bringing a compelling perspective on resilience, decision-making and high-performance leadership.
Panel 3: A Day in My Boots – Apprentice & Graduate Voices
Moderated by Sean Downey (CIF) and with special guest, Rose of Tralee and Dancing with the Stars star Katelyn Cummins, this session puts emerging talent centre stage. Representatives from Clancy, Glanua, Bennett Construction, Dornan and John Paul Construction share real, unfiltered experiences of entering the industry, highlighting pathways, challenges and the opportunities shaping the next generation.
Panel 4: The Inclusion Exchange
The final panel, moderated by Laura O’Donovan Calvert from the Irish Centre for Diversity brings the #GiveToGain theme to life. Focusing on how investing in others drives innovation and organisational strength, speakers include:
- Jan Glynn, PJ Hegarty
- Amy Martin, Sisk
- Karen O’Hara, Ardmac
- Panellist from Kirby
Closing the summit
The event will be formally closed by Andrew Brownlee, CEO of the CIF, before delegates continue the conversation over lunch at 1pm.
Building what comes next
With another full house, CIF IWD 2026 once again demonstrates the appetite across the sector for thought-provoking discussion, shared learning and inclusive leadership. As the industry looks ahead, the message from this year’s summit is clear: when we give to others, we all gain.
