EFRA Chair to headline ADA Flood & Water Conference 2025

Our speaker line up is officially complete.

We are delighted to announce that Rt Hon Alistair Carmichael, MP, Chair of the House of Commons’ Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Committee (EFRA) will deliver this year’s keynote address at the annual ADA Flood & Water Conference & Exhibition on 25 November 2025 at the magnificent setting of One Great George Street in Westminster, London.

Sponsored by Balfour Beatty and Wilkin Chapman Rollits, the ADA Flood & Water Conference & Exhibition 2025 will bring together ADA’s members, flood and water level management practitioners, politicians, industry experts, suppliers and policymakers for a day of insight, learning and networking.

Delegates can look forward to hearing from renowned speakers, engaging in a discussion forum, learning about the latest industry innovations in the exhibition and networking over lunch and refreshments.

ADA is pleased to confirm our full speaker line-up:

Rt Hon Alistair Carmichael, MP – Chair, Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Committee (EFRA). Alistair is the longest-serving Liberal Democrat MP and the senior Scottish MP in the current UK Parliament. The EFRA Committee, which scrutinises the work of Defra, has recently launched a long-term thematic inquiry into climate and weather resilience.

Juan Valero De Palma – President, National Federation of Irrigation Communities of Spain. As one of the most recognised voices in the field of Spanish water management, Juan represents more than 700,000 irrigators as Spain faces significant challenges from drought and flooding, most strikingly highlighted by the devastating flash floods that hit Valencia in October 2024.

Lila Thompson – Chief Executive Officer, British Water. Lila has over 20 years of international experience in the infrastructure, healthcare, and water industries, driving business growth, policy development, and stakeholder engagement.

David Porter – President Elect, Institution of Civil Engineers. David is currently the director of engineering with the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), and formerly CEO of the Rivers Agency, in Northern Ireland. He is also the head of the civil engineering profession within the Northern Ireland civil service.

Sebastian Catovsky – Co-Director of Floods & Water, Defra. A highly influential civil servant working alongside and advising government, Sebastian is the coordinator of the government’s Floods Resilience Taskforce.

Juan Valero De Palma	Lila Thompson	David Porter	Sebastian Catovsky

Each speaker brings their unique perspective on leadership, resilience and solutions to address water and flood risk management issues – offering delegates the chance to be inspired, gain knowledge and learn first-hand from the experiences of those directly shaping the sector.

Book your place

Don’t miss out on reserving your ticket for our annual ADA Flood & Water Conference 2025. Tickets are on sale now and selling fast – BOOK HERE.

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