WoodBUILD 2026 to bring together timber sector in Wales

Woodknowledge Wales has announced its flagship conference and exhibition, WoodBUILD 2026, is to take place on 30 June – 1 July at Trefforest Campus, University of South Wales, Llantwit Road, Pontypridd, Wales, CF37 1DL.

Under the theme of ‘Responsible Timber Futures through Policy and Practice’, the event focuses on big questions of how public buildings and housing can catalyse more resilient forest landscape, how resilient forests support the creation of energy-efficient and
affordable homes, and how policy strengthen a value chain that sustains both.

This event will bring together over 250 industry leaders from across the value chain, including policymakers, knowledge creators and practitioners, creating an ideal environment for knowledge sharing and practical demonstration.

Programme Highlights

WoodBUILD features a comprehensive programme designed to connect strategic thinking with practical delivery.

Ahead of the conference, on Monday 29 June, delegates can attend one of four stand-alone tours offering behind-the-scenes access to sites across South Wales and the Valleys.

Day 1 sets the context, reflecting on progress to date while exploring future challenges and opportunities across forests, construction, society and policy, and includes:

• Keynote sessions on innovation, future trends and cross-sector collaboration
• Discussions on community approaches and their impact across the value chain
• Panel conversation on policy priorities and lessons from across Europe

Day 2 moves onto practical questions, addressing the challenges and opportunities shaping delivery across the sector. The day’s events include:

• Interactive breakout sessions on finance, community forestry, skills and public
  procurement
• Exploration of housing investment, rural economies and biobased materials
• Closing reflections on next steps for the sector.

Tickets
Registration is now open, with early bird tickets available until 30 April 2026. Ticket options include:

• Full Price Early Bird
• Standard Admission – Multiple Days £275 + VAT £175 + VAT
• Standard Admission – Single Day £175 + VAT £125 + VAT
• WkW Member Admission – Multiple Days £150 + VAT £115 + VAT
• Student Admission £75 + VAT
• Conference Dinner – 30 June £35 + VAT

Location

This year’s event will take place at Trefforest Campus, University of South Wales, Llantwit Road, Pontypridd, Wales, CF37 1DL. This venue is accessible by train or by car:

Trains to Trefforest run regularly from Cardiff Central and Cardiff Queen Street stations, with typical journey times of 20 minutes.

The 200-occupancy visitor’s car park is located opposite the main campus, with a price of £2 per day.

For more information, visit: https://woodknowledge.wales/woodbuild-2026/