IMechE Yorkshire Regional Dinner 2026 - A Celebration of Engineering Excellence

On Friday 13 March 2026, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Yorkshire Region hosted its 11th Annual Regional Dinner in the magnificent surroundings of Cutlers’ Hall, Sheffield, bringing together members, industry leaders, academics and guests to celebrate another successful year for engineering across the region. 

The evening welcomed 180 guests, including the President of the Institution, Matt Garside, who delivered a keynote address, and Yorkshire Region Chair, Andrew Bromley, who hosted the event. Distinguished guests included former IMechE Presidents Patrick Kniveton and Carolyn Griffiths, Interim CEO Jo Passingham, Master Cutler Professor Keith Jackson, together with a number of prominent local business leaders and academics.

(Image: Matt Garside, 140th IMechE President)

Guests enjoyed a drinks reception accompanied by live music from New Orleans pianist Dale Storr, whose performance on the grand piano provided the perfect start to the evening. This was followed by a three-course dinner with wine, creating an excellent opportunity for networking and strengthening connections across the engineering community.

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(Image: Top Table)


The Yorkshire Region is particularly grateful to its headline sponsors, Elevation Recruitment Group and AESSEAL, for their continued and valued support. Elevation Recruitment Group has proudly sponsored the Regional Dinner since its inception in 2012, while AESSEAL has long been a dedicated supporter of both the Yorkshire Region and the Dinner. Their commitment plays a significant role in the continued success of the event.

Special thanks are also extended to Projex Solutions Ltd for once again sponsoring the presentation gifts.

Other companies and institutions that hosted tables included CarnaudMetalbox Engineering, Score, Howdens, Flame Hardeners Ltd, Sheffield Hallam University, Smith+Nephew, the IMechE Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Committee, and the IMechE South Yorkshire, East Yorkshire and West Yorkshire committees. It was particularly encouraging to see an excellent attendance from IMechE Young Members from across the Region, reflecting the strength and enthusiasm of the next generation of engineers.

A highlight of the evening was the presentations, which included recognising the achievements of members who had successfully attained Professional Registration and Fellow status. Congratulations were extended to those who had achieved Corporate Membership through Chartered Engineer (CEng), Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and Engineering Technician (EngTech) registration, as well as those who had been elected to Fellowship.

The Region also celebrated the achievements of participants in its Young Members competitions:

- winners of both the Yorkshire Region Design Challenge 2025 and the National Final 2025 - Team AFFinitY from Sheffield Hallam University (pictured below). Team members Farhan Mohd Fuad (Team Manager), Faris Najwan Bin Fawzie, Yusuf Riazzuddin, Luis Rodriguez and Muhammad Fauzamsaari were recognised for their outstanding success.

- winner of the Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre's Automobile Engineering Competition 2025 - Kaveesha Abeysundara, for his Bentley Motors project “Automated Tracking of Assembly Line-Side Flow Rack Parts”.

- runner-up in the Speak Out for Engineering Yorkshire Region Final 2025 - Julia Visoci, with her presentation "Shape-shifting Prosthetics: Taking the Next Step with Artificial Limbs and Metamaterials";  winner and recipient of the Philip Hilton Trophy - Nicola Yau for her presentation "Smart Tampon with pH Sensors: A Novel Approach to Women's Health Monitoring". Following her regional success, Nicola went on to represent Yorkshire in the National Final in November 2025, where she achieved an excellent second-place finish.

(Image: Team AFFinitY, Sheffield Hallam University)

The Annual Regional Dinner continues to be one of the highlights of the Yorkshire Region calendar, providing an opportunity to celebrate professional achievement, recognise emerging talent, strengthen industry relationships and showcase the excellence of engineering across the Region.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the individuals, organisations, sponsors and volunteers who supported this year's Dinner and helped make it such an enjoyable and memorable occasion. We look forward to welcoming everyone again next year.

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