Shift 2026

Shift returns to Newcastle on Wednesday 4th November 2026 for its fifth year, taking place at The Catalyst for the first time and welcoming a larger audience.

Hosted by Space Group and chaired once again by Chris Hines, the conference will feature another exceptional line-up of speakers and panellists from across the built environment and beyond.

The morning asks what the built environment can learn from other North East businesses, sharing knowledge and exploring how approaches from one sector might find new relevance in another.

In the afternoon, the focus turns to regeneration and adaptive reuse. The UK Green Building Council estimates that around 80% of the buildings that will exist in 2050 have already been built. As extreme weather becomes more frequent, the challenge is to adapt existing buildings for a less predictable climate, extending their life and preserving their value to local communities. Reuse can also have a huge impact on embodied carbon, with even partial retention saving emissions compared with demolition and rebuilding.

As in previous years, the programme will leave space between sessions for ideas to be exchanged beyond the stage. New for 2026, Magic Hat Catering will provide food throughout the day, an inspiring company tackling food waste in the North East.

Following the final session, there will also be an informal drinks and networking event run in collaboration with People Planet Pint.

Free to attend, Shift connects people through shared purpose, helping fresh thinking move from conversation into climate action.