The Institute of Quarrying (IQ) and the Institute of Asphalt Technology (IAT) have announced that tickets are now available for the Fellows Lunch and Student Awards 2026, taking place on Friday 6 November 2026 at Symphony Hall, Birmingham.
Following overwhelming feedback from attendees, the Fellows Lunch and Student Awards will return to the same venue for the third consecutive year, bringing the occasion to the prestigious Symphony Hall in Birmingham.
Held in partnership with the Institute of Asphalt Technology, the Fellows Lunch and Student Awards is one of the sector’s standout annual celebrations, bringing together Fellows, guests, senior leaders and emerging talent for an afternoon of recognition, networking and professional pride.
This year’s event marks a particularly special occasion for the Institute of Quarrying, as it will include the public inauguration of and very first presidential address from Ben Uphill FIQ as President of the Institute of Quarrying, following Ben Williams FIQ completing his term in office.
The event will also feature a presidential address from Dr Helen Bailey FIQ, President of the Institute of Asphalt Technology, marking her second and final year as IAT President at the event but her first as Chair of IQ – a unique moment for both institutes.
Speaking ahead of the event, Ben Uphill FIQ, said:
“It is a tremendous honour to take on the role of President of the Institute of Quarrying, and I am especially proud that my first presidential address will take place at the Fellows Lunch and Student Awards.
“This event is a brilliant opportunity to celebrate the people who make our industry so strong, from those who have dedicated their careers to the profession to the students and emerging talent who will help shape its future. Returning to Symphony Hall for a third consecutive year reflects the quality and significance of the occasion and I look forward to sharing this special moment with Fellows, partners, colleagues and guests from across the sector.”
Helen Bailey FIQ, President of the Institute of Asphalt Technology, said:
“The Fellows Lunch and Student Awards is special because it brings together the full professional timeline of our industry; those whose experience and leadership have helped shape the profession, alongside the students and emerging professionals who will shape what comes next.”
“As I return for my final Fellows Lunch as IAT President, I want us not only to celebrate what people have achieved, but to think about what we are handing on. Our responsibility is to ensure the next generation inherits our knowledge, our experience and the very best of our profession, while having the confidence and curiosity to challenge it and make it better.”
“That is what makes this event so important. It is about recognising achievement, but it is also about building the people, relationships and professional community that will carry our industry forward. I look forward to joining colleagues, Fellows, students and guests for another memorable afternoon.”
Taking place in the Jane How and Justham Family Rooms, the event will begin at 12 noon and conclude at approximately 5.00pm. Guests will enjoy a prestigious awards ceremony featuring presentations from the IQ, IAT and Minerals Matter, alongside valuable networking opportunities and a luxury three-course dinner.
Located in Birmingham’s Centenary Square, Symphony Hall is widely regarded as one of the world’s finest concert halls and is home to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. The venue was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1991 and has since become synonymous with world-class performances, major events and landmark occasions. Earlier this year, Symphony Hall further underlined its status as a major cultural venue when it hosted the world premiere of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, with the red carpet rolled out in Birmingham for the film’s launch.
The event celebrates the latest achievements within the industry while honouring the legacy of those who have helped shape the sector. It will also recognise the outstanding achievements of students from the University of Derby’s Centre for Mineral Products and Minerals Matter, shining a spotlight on individuals whose talent and commitment mark them as current and future leaders of the sector.
Companies are also being invited to support the Fellows Lunch and Student Awards 2026 through a range of sponsorship opportunities designed to raise brand visibility before, during and after the event. Sponsors will be able to place their brand before senior leaders from across the quarrying, mineral products and asphalt industries, as well as the wider IQ and IAT membership and extended community.
Sponsorship for the main event, menu and wine are available, giving companies the opportunity to align their brand with professional excellence, student achievement and the future leadership of the sector.
Delegate tickets are priced at £165.00 each (£137.50 + VAT) and are available to Fellows of the Institutes and their guests. Places are limited and early booking is encouraged to avoid disappointment.
The Fellows Lunch and Student Awards 2026 will take place on Friday 6 November 2026 at Symphony Hall, Birmingham.
Book tickets: https://www.quarrying.org/fellows-lunch-2026
Those interested in sponsoring the event can contact either Isaac Azim, IQ Marketing Manager, at isaac.azim@quarrying.org or 0115 972 9995, or Sandy Sykes, IAT Executive Director, at sandy.sykes@instituteofasphalt.org or 0131 359 1010.