With just one week remaining until Project Connect Group returns to London, excitement is building for what promises to be one of the most engaging Project Controls events of the summer.

On Thursday 25th June, professionals from across the Project Controls community will gather at Kachette in Old Street, London, for a unique afternoon and evening dedicated to learning, networking and exploring the future of the profession.

Hosted in collaboration with nPlan and supported by a fantastic group of industry partners, the event combines nPlan's Summer AI Day with Project Connect Group's popular "Network Under The Network" format, creating an opportunity for professionals to continue important conversations around artificial intelligence, innovation and the evolving role of Project Controls.

Why This Event Matters

The Project Controls profession is changing rapidly.

Advancements in artificial intelligence, growing demand across major infrastructure sectors and evolving client expectations are creating new opportunities and challenges for planners, cost engineers, risk specialists, PMO professionals and project leaders alike.

Events such as this provide a valuable opportunity to step away from day-to-day delivery and connect with peers facing similar challenges. More importantly, they create space for conversations that help shape the future direction of our profession.



Whether you are actively looking for your next opportunity, hiring talent into critical programmes, or simply interested in understanding where the industry is heading, there will be something valuable for you.

What to Expect on the Day

The event kicks off from 3pm with a series of workshops and networking opportunities.

Attendees will have the chance to:

• Experience live nPlan demonstrations and workshops
• Meet CaSA directors and learn more about the organisation
• Attend the PACE Careers Afternoon
• Connect with fellow Project Controls professionals before the main event begins

At 4pm, nPlan's Summer AI Day officially begins, exploring how artificial intelligence is influencing project delivery, forecasting and decision-making across major programmes.

From 6pm onwards, Project Connect Group takes centre stage with its community networking event. Attendees can enjoy complimentary food and drinks while connecting with professionals from across rail, infrastructure, defence, energy, nuclear and other major sectors.



For football fans, the evening will conclude with World Cup action from 9pm.

The PACE Careers Afternoon

One of the highlights of the day will be the PACE Careers Afternoon, hosted by PACE Global from 3pm onwards.

The aim is simple: provide practical, honest and useful career guidance for Project Controls professionals at all stages of their careers.

Rather than a formal recruitment stand, the session is designed to create a relaxed "come and have a chat" environment where attendees can gain genuine market insight and career advice.

Topics will include:

• CV reviews and practical interview guidance
• Current market rates and hiring demand
• Where opportunities exist across the Project Controls market
• Advice for professionals considering a move
• Hiring challenges facing programme leaders and employers
• Talent availability across key sectors

The team will also be discussing several important trends currently shaping the market.

AI's Impact on Project Controls Careers

Artificial intelligence continues to be one of the most discussed topics within the profession.

While AI is unlikely to replace experienced Project Controls professionals, it is beginning to transform how data is analysed, forecasts are generated and risks are identified.

Professionals who understand how to work alongside these emerging technologies are likely to be well positioned as organisations continue their digital transformation journeys.

Growing Demand Across Key Sectors

Demand for Project Controls talent remains particularly strong across:

• Nuclear
• Defence
• Data Centres
• Infrastructure
• Major Capital Programmes

Many organisations continue to face skills shortages in planning, cost management, risk and PMO functions, creating significant opportunities for experienced professionals.

What Makes a Strong Project Controls CV in 2026?

As hiring processes become increasingly competitive, employers are looking beyond software expertise alone.

Successful candidates are demonstrating:

• Clear delivery achievements
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills
• Commercial awareness
• Programme-level thinking
• The ability to communicate complex information simply

The PACE team will be sharing practical advice on how candidates can position themselves effectively in today's market.

Supporting Greater Inclusion Across the Profession

Another exciting development within the Project Connect Group community is the launch of the Women in Project Controls Community of Practice.

Created in response to member feedback, the initiative aims to bring women across the profession together to connect, collaborate, share experiences and support one another.

The Community of Practice will be led by an exceptional group of industry professionals:

• Steph Illingworth FAPM ChPP, FCaSA
• Kiran Mistry FCaSA
• Lisa Silander FCaSA
• Kajal Rana

The initiative is also supported by male allies across the profession, including PACE's own Chirag Shah, who continues to champion greater diversity and inclusion within Project Controls.

The first online session will take place on 2nd July at 12pm and represents another positive step towards building a more connected and supportive professional community.

The Power of Community

At its core, Project Connect Group exists for one simple reason: connecting people and helping the profession move forward together.

In an industry where knowledge sharing, collaboration and professional relationships are often the foundation of success, community matters.

Whether through networking events, podcasts, technical discussions or communities of practice, these connections help individuals develop their careers while strengthening the profession as a whole.

If you have benefited from Project Connect Group in any way, consider inviting a colleague, sharing an event or introducing someone new to the community.

The stronger the network becomes, the greater the opportunities it can create for everyone involved.

Looking Ahead

The London event is not the only date for the diary.

Upcoming events include:

• PCG Bristol - 24th September at NQ64, from 6pm
• Primavera Conference - 15th October, followed by PCG London

Before then, keep an eye out for the release of the latest PACE Summer Report, launching on Monday. The report will provide valuable insight into the current Project Controls employment market, sector demand, hiring trends and salary intelligence.

If you are attending the London event, we look forward to seeing you there.

If you know someone who would benefit from the conversations, introductions and opportunities available through Project Connect Group, bring them along.



Because when the profession connects, everyone benefits.