Global Inspiration, Local Pride: Highlights from the IAKS 2025 Congress in Cologne

It felt a little bit like the first day at high school, with nerves of anticipation. Attending the IAKS 2025 Congress in Cologne was always going to be full of excitement and so far it has kept me buzzing.
The attendees heard from speakers from around the world. A couple of key topic areas for the day. A key ambition is moving to net zero carbon facilities, with projects in the UK and North America highlighted. The social return on investment and more generally measuring the value of the benefits participants and the wider community gain from facilities was a highlight from me; with speakers talking about environmental, social and economic sustainability (I’d like to add in cultural sustainability too).

I did have to smile when the last speaker of the day, Matt Body, from Warren and Mahoney used the Mainpower Stadium, in Rangiora as an exemplar! For context, we did the early planning work on this facility, and it is literally down the road from home, and is well utilised by the Lindsay whānau.

The exhibition hall with the trade fair blew my mind. It spans several large halls. I have to admit to getting lost in there for a bit and was wondering if I could find my way out.

The second day is about to start, and another kiwi is on stage, with Nick Yannakis about to wow the crowd. While last night, the Hiwa facility at Auckland University got a top gong.