Council’s Crowne Gala Dinner Date

Billy Billingham, after-dinner speaker at the CAB 2026 Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony.

26th August 2026

The Council for Aluminium in Building 2026 Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony, will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon on Thursday 15 October.

This year will see CAB introduce a new format, along with networking and recognition there will be a programme of industry speakers discussing subjects relevant to members and the wider sector ahead of the black-tie dinner. Further details will be announced shortly, although it has been revealed that a decorated former Special Forces leader will be the after-dinner speaker. Guests will hear from Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham MBE QCB, Chief Instructor on SAS: Who Dares Wins and a Directing Staff member on Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.

Who Dares Wins

Billingham served for more than 20 years in the Special Air Service, having joined the Parachute Regiment in 1983 and the SAS in 1992. During his military career, he planned and led strategic operations around the world, including hostage rescues. For his services, he received the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery and an MBE.

Calendar highlight

Jessica Dean, Membership and Events Director at CAB, said: “Our Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony is always a highlight of the CAB calendar and a valuable opportunity to bring members and guests together.

“We are excited to introduce a new format this year, with industry speakers adding another dimension to the evening. Combined with the awards ceremony and Billy Billingham as our after-dinner speaker, it promises to be a very special event.”

Supporters

Dean added: “We are also incredibly grateful to Novastruct UK, TECHNAL UK, Kestrel Aluminium Systems, Metal Technology, Senior Architectural Systems, UL Solutions, Business Pilot, Fentrade, and Sapphire Louvres for their support and for helping us bring the aluminium in building community together for the evening.”

Tickets cost £175 plus VAT per person or £1,600 plus VAT for a table of ten. Dinner bookings close on Thursday 1 October.

Picture: CAB’s 2026 Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony will take place on Thursday 15 October.

To reserve your place or download the booking form, Click Here

CAB’s 2026 Gala Dinner will add a programme of industry speakers to its traditional networking and awards, with former SAS leader Billy Billingham appearing as after-dinner speaker.