The presidential address is one of the highlights of the institution's calendar – you can now register to attend online.
You can now register to attend the ICE Presidential Address 2025 online.
David Porter will be setting out his vision for his presidential year at 10.30am (UK time) on Tuesday 4 November 2025.
His address, titled You, Me and ICE, will feature a Q&A discussion hosted by TV presenter and journalist, Steph McGovern.
During the event, David will share how the ICE has shaped his career and discuss how we can work together to support the next generation.
He will delve into why the profession needs to think long term and communicate effectively to enable infrastructure projects to run on time, to budget, and most importantly, meet the needs of society.
Meet David Porter
David is a trustee of the ICE and, until recently, held the learning society portfolio.
David is currently the director of engineering with the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), which is the roads authority for Northern Ireland. He’s the chief highways engineer.
He is also the head of the civil engineering profession with the Northern Ireland civil service.
He’s responsible for the development of the department’s professional and technical staff, engineering policies and standards, and health and safety. He also leads on procurement and the internal consultancy.
Previously, David was the chief executive of the Rivers Agency, the flood defence and drainage authority for Northern Ireland.
He also held the posts of director of development and director of operations with the agency.
David is a past chair of the Northern Ireland region of the ICE. He’s been on the ICE Council three times: two terms as the Northern Ireland representative, and one as a general member.
He has also served on numerous committees and panels:
- He was a member of the Presidential Commission on the ICE Governance (the Orr Review).
- He chaired the member-led review of NOMCO, the Audit Committee, and the Qualifications Panel.
- He has been on the Committee of Management of the ICE Benevolent Fund.
Among various distinctions, David is a Fellow of the Irish Academy of Engineering. He was awarded the Poskitt Medal by the ICE Northern Ireland Region in 2017, and the Engineers Ireland President’s Award in 2018.
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