The Project Controls industry thrives on shared knowledge, strong relationships and people willing to support one another. On Thursday 15th October 2026, professionals from across the sector will have the opportunity to come together in London for a full day of learning, networking and meaningful conversations.

With the RPCuk Primavera Project Professionals Conference taking place during the day, followed by Project Connect Group London in the evening, there is something for everyone, whether you're an experienced Planning Engineer, a Cost Manager, a Risk Specialist or someone looking to develop their career in Project Controls.

These events offer more than an opportunity to expand your professional network. They're a chance to learn from others, exchange ideas and contribute to a community that continues to grow.

Why Community Matters in Project Controls

Working in Project Controls often means dealing with complex challenges, demanding programmes and significant delivery pressures.

Across sectors such as rail, infrastructure, defence and energy, professionals are responsible for helping projects stay on track, managing uncertainty and providing the information needed to make informed decisions.

While technical knowledge is essential, some of the most valuable lessons come from speaking with people who have faced similar challenges.

How are other organisations improving their planning processes? What approaches are helping teams manage risk more effectively? How are professionals adapting to new technologies and changing project requirements?

Events like the RPCuk Primavera Conference and Project Connect Group create opportunities to explore these questions openly.



They also remind us that, despite working across different organisations and sectors, we often face many of the same challenges.

RPCuk Primavera Conference: Learning From Industry Experience

Date: Thursday 15th October 2026
Location: IET London, Savoy Place
Cost: Free to attend

The RPCuk Primavera Project Professionals Conference brings together users, industry specialists and Project Controls professionals to share practical knowledge and explore developments in project management technology.

For those working with Oracle Primavera tools, the conference provides an opportunity to better understand the systems supporting project delivery.

Attendees can expect:

• Customer case studies demonstrating how organisations approach real project challenges.
• Updates and developments across Primavera P6, Unifier and Oracle Primavera Cloud.
• Technical demonstrations and advice from industry specialists.
• Opportunities to exchange experiences with other Planning and Project Controls professionals.

One of the most valuable aspects of attending an industry conference is the opportunity to learn how other people solve problems.

A planning challenge that has taken weeks to work through might be something another professional has already encountered and overcome.

Equally, sharing your own experiences could help someone else improve their approach.

Whether you're looking to strengthen your technical knowledge, understand emerging developments or simply meet others working in the profession, the conference offers plenty of opportunities to take something useful away.

Register for the free RPCuk Primavera Conference.

Project Connect Group London: Continuing the Conversation

Date: Thursday 15th October 2026
Time: From 4.30pm
Location: Sway Bar, London
Cost: Free to attend

The learning doesn't have to stop when the conference finishes.

Later that afternoon, Project Connect Group London will bring the community together for an evening focused on connection, collaboration and the people behind successful project delivery.

Organised as the official Project Connect Group × RPCuk conference after-party, the event is open to everyone, including those who haven't attended the daytime conference.

The evening will begin with an interactive session led by Paul Major, exploring an important topic:

"The schedule doesn't deliver itself: people and behaviours do."

It's a message that resonates across Project Controls.

We can develop detailed programmes, build sophisticated cost models and implement effective risk management processes. However, successful delivery still depends on how people communicate, collaborate and make decisions.

Different working styles can influence how teams respond to challenges, share information and work towards common objectives.

Understanding these differences can help professionals build stronger relationships and create more effective project environments.

Paul's session will explore how better communication and rapport can help turn a good plan into meaningful action.

Following the session, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with professionals from across the industry, enjoy complimentary food and drinks provided by event sponsors and stay for music from DJ Risky.

The evening will also support Sands, the baby loss charity, with voluntary donations welcomed.

Whether you're attending to reconnect with familiar faces, meet potential collaborators or simply become more involved in the community, everyone is welcome.

Reserve your free place at Project Connect Group London.

If you're planning to attend both events, remember to register for each separately.

Supporting Women in Project Controls

Building a stronger Project Controls community also means creating an environment where more people feel supported, represented and able to progress.

One initiative helping to make this happen is the Women in Project Controls Community of Practice, supported by the Controls & Skills Authority (CaSA).

Led by five ambassadors - Kiran Mistry, Lisa Silander, Leanne Coleman, Steph Illingworth and Kajal Fermahan - the initiative is focused on helping women build connections, share experiences and develop lasting careers within the profession.

Chirag Shah is also supporting the initiative as a Male Ally, encouraging wider participation and practical support across the industry.

This work is particularly important as organisations across infrastructure, defence, rail and energy continue to look for ways to attract, develop and retain skilled Project Controls professionals.

Increasing representation is an important starting point, but meaningful progress also requires attention to career development, confidence, visibility and opportunities for progression.

Looking Ahead to Project Controls Expo

The conversation will continue at Project Controls Expo on Tuesday 3rd November 2026.

A dedicated Women in Project Controls session, running from 12.05pm to 12.40pm, will explore several important themes, including:

• Attracting more women into the Project Controls profession.
• Building confidence and increasing professional visibility.
• The importance of mentoring and sponsorship.
• Practical ways colleagues and employers can demonstrate allyship.
• Commitments individuals and organisations can make over the next 12 months.

The session will be followed by speed networking at Camden Bar, Wembley Stadium, providing another opportunity to share experiences and develop supportive professional relationships.

The initiative is also welcoming ambassadors, mentors, volunteers and allies who would like to contribute their time or expertise.



You don't need to have all the answers to make a difference. Sometimes, offering guidance, sharing an opportunity or introducing someone to the right person can have a lasting impact on their career.

What Can Employers and Project Controls Professionals Gain?

For employers, industry events provide valuable insight into the challenges, skills and expectations shaping the Project Controls workforce.

They offer opportunities to understand how other organisations are approaching project delivery, identify emerging skills requirements and build relationships with professionals across the sector.

For individuals, the benefits can be equally significant.

A conversation might introduce you to a different way of working, help you identify a skill worth developing or connect you with someone who can offer career guidance.

Not every interaction needs to lead to an immediate opportunity.

Often, the most valuable professional relationships develop over time through genuine conversations, shared experiences and a willingness to help others.



This is particularly relevant in Project Controls, where technical capability and strong working relationships are both essential to successful delivery.

Let's Keep Building the Project Controls Community

At PACE, we believe that supporting the Project Controls industry goes beyond connecting professionals with career opportunities.

It's also about sharing knowledge, encouraging collaboration and helping people build careers they can be proud of.

Events like the RPCuk Primavera Conference, Project Connect Group London and the Women in Project Controls initiative reflect what makes this community valuable.

People are willing to give their time, share their experiences and help others move forward.

If you're available on Thursday 15th October, consider joining the community in London. Whether you attend the conference, come along to the evening event or participate in both, there will be opportunities to learn something new and make meaningful connections.

And if you're interested in supporting Women in Project Controls, consider how your own experience, time or network could help someone else progress.

Because a stronger Project Controls industry starts with people supporting people.

We look forward to seeing you in London.



PACE - Connecting Project Controls Talent, Supporting the Industry.