Connecting across the Summit.
Meaningful connections are at the heart of the Summit experience. The program is intentionally designed with generous networking breaks, hosted lunches, building tours, and exhibition time to encourage conversations between industry leaders from around the world, with opportunities extending into the evenings.
Monday, 26 October at 6:30–9:30 PM
Opening Networking Reception
Start your Summit experience with an exclusive opening networking reception at Horizon 22, atop the landmark 22 Bishopsgate in the heart of the City of London. Join fellow delegates for an evening of drinks, canapés, and conversation while taking in one of the world’s most iconic urban skylines from an extraordinary vantage point.
Images: Courtesy of Horizon 22
From 58 floors above the city, enjoy sweeping views that reveal London’s unique architectural identity—where centuries of history stand alongside a constantly evolving collection of innovative tall buildings. The panorama offers a striking perspective on the relationship between density, culture, and urban form, reflecting many of the ideas that will shape discussions throughout the Summit. As London’s skyline comes alive after dark, reconnect with colleagues, forge new professional relationships, and celebrate the opening of the conference in an iconic setting that provides a fitting backdrop for the conversations ahead.
Location
Tickets
Only those attending the core conference have access to the reception. An add-on ticket must be purchased alongside your core registration.
Getting here
Horizon 22 is approximately 30 minutes from the conference hotel via the London Underground (see directions). Attendees are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the reception.
Monday, 26 October at 5:15–6:15 PM
Women Rising Reception
Immediately following the Women Rising workshop, attendees can enjoy an hour of networking and reflection on the workshop outcomes. This is a chance to connect with peers, mentors, and allies, building relationships that will continue to champion equity, foster innovation, and shape the future of cities.
Kindly sponsored by:
Images: CVU
CVU Women Rising is a strategic initiative designed to elevate and advance women within the CVU network and the broader built environment. The program fosters a more diverse and inclusive professional community through targeted networking, mentorship, and development opportunities that drive leadership and business growth.
Location
On-site at core venue
Tickets
The reception is exclusively for those participating in the Women Rising Workshop. The workshop add-on ticket must be purchased alongside your core registration.
Getting here
This reception is held on-site at the core conference venue, no additional travel required.
Tuesday, 27 October at 6:00–7:00 PM
Sponsor Appreciation Reception
The 2026 VU Summit couldn’t happen without the generous support of our sponsors, whose commitment not only powers this industry-leading event but also sustains CVU’s mission throughout the year—and we’re deeply grateful. To thank you properly, we invite all sponsor-affiliated attendees to join us at the top floor of the Hilton Metropole. This exclusive gathering will bring together CVU Trustees and senior leadership to raise a glass in honor of your support.
Images: CVU
Location
On-site at core venue
Tickets
The reception is complimentary to all sponsor-affiliated attendees. No additional registration/ticket required.
Getting here
This reception is held on-site at the core conference venue, no additional travel required.
Tuesday, 27 October
Sponsor-Organized Social Events
Sponsor-organized social events are coordinated and hosted by the many partner companies supporting this year’s international conference. Events range from intimate dinners at local restaurants to parties in unique locations with hundreds of attendees.
Images: CVU
Location
Varies
Tickets
These events are organized by the sponsors primarily as private events. However, opportunities that are open to all will be shared with registered attendees ahead of the conference.
Wednesday, 28 October at 6:30–10:00 PM
Awards Ceremony & Dinner
The Awards Ceremony & Dinner is the grand finale of the VU Summit—a night to honor the year’s most exemplary projects and the team’s behind them. At this highly anticipated event, Award of Excellence honorees will learn who rises to the top as category winners, and which project will claim the highest accolade: “2026 Best Tall Building Worldwide.”
Images: CVU
Following the closing plenary, attendees will have time to freshen up before reconvening in the main hall for a three-course dinner and the ceremony proceedings. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to celebrate innovation, excellence, and the future of vertical urbanism.
Location
On-site at core venue
Dress code
Business Formal
Tickets
For individual seats, an add-on ticket must be purchased alongside your core registration. Table sponsorships including 10 seats and priority positioning are available, please enquire via [email protected].
Getting here
This reception is held on-site at the core conference venue, no additional travel required.
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