The NI Construction Awards take place this October, with an audience of close to 850 guests expected at ICC Belfast for one of the largest awards night of its kind in Northern Ireland.
The sold-out event will bring together representatives from across the construction industry and the wider built environment sector for an unprecedented celebration of excellence, achievement and innovation. The evening will be hosted by architect and television presenter George Clarke alongside broadcaster Claire McCollum, with 27 awards being presented across a range of categories recognising outstanding projects, businesses, individuals and teams.
CEF Chief Executive Mark Spence commented: “We are delighted by the response to this year’s awards and incredibly proud to be bringing the industry together on such a scale.
“Construction is one of our largest sectors and makes an enormous contribution not only to our economy, but to the communities and places in which we live, work and invest. From building homes and delivering major infrastructure to creating jobs, supporting supply chains and driving innovation, the industry touches almost every part of our economy and society.
“It is fantastic to see the awards go from strength to strength, recognising achievements and the exceptional projects, partnerships and delivery across not only Northern Ireland but throughout the UK and Ireland.
“Most importantly, these awards are about the people behind the projects – the businesses, teams and individuals whose skills, expertise and hard work deliver for their clients every day. There is a huge amount to be proud of and this is our opportunity to recognise and celebrate that.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone to ICC Belfast for what promises to be a truly memorable night.”
The awards, formerly known as the CEF Excellence Awards, have been part of the construction calendar for more than 25 years. However, 2026 marks a significant new chapter, introducing a new name, a new venue and a new partnership with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Mineral Products Association Northern Ireland (MPANI), broadening the awards to bring together the wider built environment sector.
Fiona Graham, Sales Specialist at headline sponsor Payapps, added:
“The scale of this year’s event, with more than 800 guests coming together at ICC Belfast, is a fantastic reflection of the strength and importance of the construction and wider built environment sector across Northern Ireland.
“We are proud to play a part in what will be the biggest awards night of its kind ever held locally and look forward to celebrating the achievements of the industry with everyone at this landmark event.”
The evening will also support Little Heroes, an independent charity which fundraises exclusively for the Children’s Hospital.
The NI Construction Awards 2026 take place at ICC Belfast on Thursday 1 October.