We spend our working lives planning.

Programmes, milestones, resources, risks, costs and deadlines all compete for attention. In Project Controls, looking ahead is quite literally part of the job.

But how much time do we plan for our own development?

With several major Project Controls events across the UK in 2026, the months ahead offer plenty of opportunities to step outside the day-to-day demands of a project, learn from others and build stronger connections across the profession.

From Bristol to London and Wembley, there are some excellent dates worth protecting in the diary.

Why industry events are worth making time for

It can be difficult to justify stepping away from a busy project for a conference, networking evening or industry event.

There’s always another meeting to attend, schedule to update or deadline approaching.

But the value of getting out of your normal working environment shouldn't be underestimated.

Project Controls is changing. Technology continues to develop, projects are becoming increasingly complex and organisations across infrastructure, energy, defence and other major project environments are looking carefully at the skills they will need for the future.

Events give professionals the chance to see what is happening outside their own organisation.

You can discover how another project is approaching a familiar problem. You might hear a different perspective on planning, cost, risk or PMO. You can learn how other organisations are using technology such as Primavera P6, Unifier or Oracle Primavera Cloud.

Just as importantly, you can meet the people behind the projects.

Sometimes one useful conversation is enough to make attending worthwhile.

24 September: Powering the Future in Bristol

One of the first dates on the calendar is 24 September, when Project Connect Group and Women in Nuclear UK come together at NQ64 in Bristol for Powering the Future: People, Performance & Nuclear Delivery.

The evening will focus on something that can sometimes be overlooked when discussing major programmes: the people responsible for delivering them.

Speakers Sarah Case, Talia Swift-White, Frankie Mitton and Alexandra Bugnon-Murys will bring perspectives spanning PMO, Project Controls, nuclear business leadership and consultancy.

For professionals working across nuclear, planning, cost, risk and PMO, it’s an opportunity to hear experiences from different parts of the sector.

But don't just turn up and listen.

Bring a question. Take a colleague. Introduce yourself to someone you haven't met before.

The best value from industry events often comes from the conversations happening around the formal agenda.

15 October: Technology, Project Controls and people

If you're planning to spend a day developing your Project Controls knowledge this autumn, 15 October offers two opportunities in London.

The day begins with RPCuk's Primavera Project Professionals Conference at IET London, Savoy Place.

The conference brings Primavera users together to share practical experience and explore developments across P6, Unifier and Oracle Primavera Cloud.

For planners and Project Controls professionals, events like this are valuable because they provide an opportunity to look beyond how your own organisation uses its systems.

How are other teams solving similar problems?

Are they getting more from the same tools?

What lessons could you take back to your project?

The technical side of Project Controls, however, is only part of the picture.

PACE will also be hosting the final talk of the conference, delivered by CM | Changemaker, titled:

“The schedule doesn’t deliver itself: people and behaviours do.”

The interactive session will explore how behavioural styles, rapport and human connection can influence whether a good plan translates into successful delivery.

It's an important point.

We can build sophisticated schedules, improve reporting and introduce better technology. Ultimately, though, major projects are still delivered by people working with other people.

After the conference, those conversations can continue at Sway Bar for the Project Connect Group × RPC official conference after-party.

The after-party is free to attend and will support Sands, with attendees encouraged to make a donation on the day.

It makes 15 October an interesting combination - a day focused on the systems that support Project Controls, followed by an evening centred on the relationships that make projects work.

2-4 November: Project Controls Expo

Then comes one of the biggest dates in the Project Controls calendar.

Project Controls Expo takes place from 2-4 November at Wembley Stadium in London.

For three days, professionals from across the industry will come together to discuss the tools, skills and ideas shaping the profession.

Whether you're an experienced Project Controls leader or still building your career, large industry gatherings can give you a useful view of where the profession is heading.

You can strengthen your technical knowledge, meet people from outside your immediate sector and hear how organisations are responding to common challenges.

You may also come away with a clearer idea of where you want your own career to go next.

Networking isn't only useful when you're looking for a job

There can be a tendency to think about networking when you need something.

Perhaps you're looking for your next role, trying to recruit someone or need an introduction.

The better approach is to build relationships before you need them.

Stay curious about what other people are doing. Share what you've learnt. Help someone when you can. Keep in touch with people whose perspectives you value.

Over time, those conversations build a professional network that can be useful throughout your career.

That doesn't mean attending an event with the goal of collecting as many LinkedIn connections as possible.

A handful of genuine conversations will usually be more valuable.

Thinking about your next career move?

Event season also arrives at an interesting point in the year.

As we move towards the final few months of 2026, some Project Controls professionals will already be thinking about what they want next year to look like.

If a move is on your mind, you don't necessarily need to wait for January to start exploring your options.

You can use the months ahead to understand the market, learn more about the organisations recruiting Project Controls talent and work out what you actually want from your next role.

And you don't have to be actively job hunting to have those conversations.

Sometimes understanding your options is enough.

The PACE team will be attending events throughout the coming months, so if you see us, come and say hello. Whether you want to understand what's happening in the Project Controls recruitment market, discuss your longer-term career plans or simply introduce yourself, we're always happy to have a conversation.

Plan some time for yourself

Project Controls professionals spend an enormous amount of time helping organisations understand what comes next.

It's worth applying some of that thinking to your own career too.

Choose an event that interests you. Protect the time in your diary. Go with a question you want answered and make an effort to meet somebody new.

You never quite know where that conversation might lead.

You can find more upcoming dates in the PACE Project Controls Events Calendar at paceglobal.org.

We'd especially love to see you in Bristol on 24 September and at Sway Bar in London on 15 October.

See you there.