Project Controls Conferences in 2020! Which one(s) would you attend?
What Project Controls conferences have you attended in the past? Which one was the best?
Was it the best because it created a positive impact on you?
I still clearly remember the first couple of conferences, which had a tremendous impact on my professional and even personal life. One of the first and most effective conferences I have ever attended was a PMI Northern Alberta Chapter annual conference. I cannot recall when I participated in that conference, but I can vividly remember the fantastic keynote speeches I listened to and several technical presentations I attended. That conference had a positive influence on my career in Project Controls.
Since that event, I have done my best to attend as many Project Controls conferences as I could to not only network with like-minded professionals but also boost my professional knowledge and skills and learn from the best subject matter experts in the industry.
I encourage you to do the same.
To help you find the best conferences and events in Project Controls, I put together this blog post for you so you can benefit from attending these events just like I did.
I have categorized the project controls conferences according to various professions within project controls (e.g., cost control, and planning/scheduling) so you can target the ones specific to your profession.
Most of the conferences listed in this post are held by international associations, which might have monthly local meetings in your area in addition to annual global conferences. Make sure you check the local chapters close to you and attend their monthly educational meetings as well.
Now, let’s eview some of the best project controls conferences in 2020:
PROJECT CONTROLS
Project Control Summit
Project Control Summit is an implementation-style event that features the BEST line of speakers who are handpicked from industry thought leaders and subject matter experts. They will share their experience and cutting-edge innovations in various areas including planning/scheduling, cost management, cost estimating, forensic analysis, and project risk management, as well as effective communication & leadership in projects.
The combination of best-in-class sessions for all in one room, and online deep dive technical sessions prior to the start of the conference makes this conference unique. The big variety of project controls subject areas that will be discussed both throughout the conference and online equip attendees with essential knowledge they need for boosting their competency in managing and controlling their projects with confidence.
This transformational summit is for project controls professionals, project managers, project leaders, and decision makers who deal with projects and projects teams on a regular basis.
So, if you work in projects, and want to help your projects and organization thrive, then, YES, this is for you.
Check more details about the upcoming Project Control Summit here.
AACE’s Meetings & Conferences
The Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE) is an international authority for Total Cost Management and provides internationally recognized certifications in Cost Control, Cost Estimating, Earned Value Management, Planning/Scheduling, Forensic Claims, and Risk Management.
AACE International holds several types of conferences and events throughout the year:
AACE International Conference & Expo
Each June/July, the AACE International annual conference provides almost 100 sessions featuring technical papers on all aspects of total cost management. The event attracts practitioners from around the world to four days packed with presentations, keynote speeches, and networking sessions. It also provides the opportunity to celebrate the Association’s successes and recognize outstanding contributions to the practice of total cost management and the association itself.
I attended the AACE International Conference in Florida and San Diego and quite enjoyed each one. You can check my article on “3 Things You Missed By Not Attending 2017 AACE International Conference.“
If you are a Project Control professional who is not a member of AACE International or have not yet attended an AACE annual conference, I believe you are missing a lot. AACE’s annual conference is an excellent place for networking and learning more about Project Controls recent topics. This is what I addressed in “I am AACE Video contest.”
I encourage you to check out the upcoming AACE International conference and expo and plan to attend.
AACE Regional Conferences
In addition to the AACE annual international conference, AACE has recently introduced regional conferences. There are 10 global regions, covering different geographical locations. You can contact the regional directors and check the upcoming conferences in your region.
Chapter Local Meetings
If you are not willing to travel and still interested in getting the benefits of AACE meetings and networking, you may consider local chapters of AACE in your area. This is the place where you can attend their regular educational presentations and meetings (typically held monthly) and get connected to members and other professionals in your area.
To find a local AACE chapter, all you need to do is Google search “AACE in …[city]…”
PMI Global Congresses & Seminar Worlds
Project Management Institute (PMI) holds several global and local events throughout the year. PMI events are valuable for your career advancement in Project Management.
PMI® Global Congresses
There are two PMI® Global Congresses, one for North America region and another for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. Check out the upcoming PMI global congress here.
PMI SeminarsWorld®
PMI Seminar World is face-to-face small group seminars, held in various cities throughout the year, vary from one to four days in length. They are designed to deepen your knowledge on specific project management topics. Check out a PMI Seminars World near you here.
PMI Chapter Meetings
There are usually local chapters of PMI in your area, where you can attend their regular educational presentations and meetings (typically held monthly and one annually). To find a local PMI chapter, all you need to do is Google search “PMI Chapter in …[city]…”
Project Controls Expo
This is one of a kind specific Project Control conference that is held annually in the UK and now in Australia and Malaysia. It is claimed to be one of the largest Project Controls conferences.
You can benefit from international subject matter experts and speakers who present technical Project Controls presentations, case studies, and master classes. Furthermore, you can take advantage of the Project Controls job fair and expo.
Check out the upcoming expo here.
Advancing Project Controls
Advancing Project Controls conference is a relatively new conference, which is held in Houston/ Texas.
You can benefit from the latest in systems, technologies and culture change to enhance the impact of Project Controls across engineering, procurement, and construction. You’ll also learn how as a project controls professional you can effect change and more positively influence project outcomes.
If you are in Texas, you may consider attending this conference. Here is the link for more details.
PLANNING/SCHEDULING
Construction CPM Conference
This conference is dedicated to Critical Path Method (CPM) of planning & scheduling analysis. By attending this conference, you will not only enhance your skillset on CPM scheduling and analysis but also you will explore a variety of scheduling software products presented by competing vendors and consultants.
According to Chris Carson, “This is the conference to attend if you deal with scheduling and project controls software; you have a chance to sit down with all the major software suppliers to answer your toughest technical questions. It’s also a chance to interact with interesting and fun experts from around the world.”
Check out more details here.
Project Management College of Scheduling Annual Conference
The Project Management College of Scheduling annual conference promotes the advancement of the practice and profession of project planning and scheduling through networking, sharing project experiences, and providing training.
Check out more details here.
PMI Scheduling Conference
Project Management Institute (PMI) used to hold an all-day virtual scheduling conference where you could participate in live from your home or office or watch the recorded training sessions later at your own pace. However, to my knowledge this vitual conference is no longer available.
COST MANAGEMENT & COST ESTIMATING
The College of Performance Management (CPM) Conferences
The College of Performance Management (CPM) holds two conferences per year, one is the EVM World conference, and another is the Integrated Project Performance Management Workshop (IPMW).
Earned Value Management (EVM) World
EVM World Workshop provides an opportunity to learn about integrated project performance methodologies, including Earned Value Management (EVM).
I spoke as a keynote speaker at the 2019 EVM World conference and was impressed with the wealth and variety of topics discussed in delpth on Earned Value Management.
If you are looking to gain insights into EVM data analysis techniques, project performance management, and the latest in related software and consulting, this EVM focused seminar is a great one to attend. I highly recommend.
The EVM World conference is held annually in May/June.
Integrated Project Performance Management Workshop (IPMW)
The IPM Workshop, hosted by the College of Performance Management (CPM) provides access to the world’s experts on Earned Value Management, Agile and EVM, and a range of Project Performance Management Techniques. There will be a wide range of deep dive training and exploration of hot topics with practitioners and world leaders in performance management.
This workshop style annual event is usually held in December.
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Events
In 2018, RICS celebrated its 150th anniversary! RICS accredits professionals within the land, property, construction, and infrastructure sectors worldwide. With over 125,000 members, RICS host a range of training, conferences, seminars and networking events.
RICS covers a variety of topics in quantity surveying, cost estimating, contract administration, and construction management.
Check out the upcoming RICS conferences and seminars in North Amercia here.
ICEAA’s Annual Professional Development & Training Workshops
The International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association (ICEAA) is an international organization dedicated to advancing the profession of cost estimating and analysis, through the use of parametric and other data-driven techniques.
If you are a cost estimator or quantity surveyor, don’t miss out ICEAA’s events and webinars.
ICEAA holds intensive 4-day annual Cost Estimating and analysis workshops that bring together professionals from government, industry and academic cost communities. Check the ICEAA’s upcoming workshops here.
In addition to annual seminars, every four years, ICEAA presents a conference in an international (non-US) venue to accommodate international membership and to provide a unique experience meeting with professionals from around the world. In this conference, there will be key government and industry keynote speakers, subject matter experts who provide technical workshops on the latest best practices, lessons learned, and emerging analytical trends, as well as training programs for Cost Estimator/Analyst certification exam preparations.
In addition to face-to-face workshops and international events, CEAA has initiated new free Technology Showcase Webinar Series, designed to bring the latest in cost estimating and cost analysis technology straight to your office. These webinars will allow you to interact directly with the companies innovating the products, methods, and theories at the forefront of the profession.
International Cost Engineering Council (ICEC) World Congresses & Meetings
The International Cost Engineering Council (ICEC) is an organization which was founded in 1976 with the object of promoting cooperation between national and multinational cost engineering, quantity surveying and project management organizations worldwide for their mutual wellbeing and that of their members.
Regular ICEC meetings are being held in more than 40 countries.
In addition to regular local meetings, ICEC also holds annual regional meetings in each of the 4 regions; North/South America, Europe/Near East, Africa, & Asia Pacific. The first International Cost Engineering Council Congress (ICEC) was held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada in 1971. Since 1972 there has been an ICEC Congress every second year.
Check out the upcoming ICEC’s congresses and meetings here.
CLAIMS & DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Construction Super Conference
The Construction Super Conference is a well-established conference for mid- to senior-level professionals who work in any of the legal and commercial construction markets. There are plenty of panel discussions, educational sessions, and keynote speeches that cover a variety of topics including dispute resolution, contract management, innovative litigation strategies, ethics and compliance, and economic forecasts.
This conference provides a good opportunity to meet and network with representatives from the leading construction firms and the industry’s top construction attorneys.
Check out more details here.
Advancing Construction Claims
Advancing Construction Claims conference focus on claims from a contractor perspective, where you will learn to mitigate and manage a wide variety of disputes.
At this conference, you’ll hear how contractors and their partners are dealing with challenges that the industry is facing from reducing risks and dealing early with disputes, all the way through to the management of mediation and arbitration.
For further details, check out this conference by clicking here.
AACE International Conference & Expo:
AACE has an entire track on Claims and Dispute Resolution in its annual conference. Check out the abstracts for the upcoming conference.
I hope you can attend some of these great Project Controls conferences and events this year and advance your Project Controls career to the next level.
Please leave your comments below and share what Project Controls conferences or events you have attended and what your experience was.
About the Author, Shohreh Ghorbani
Shohreh is a licensed project management professional (PMP) recognized by Project Management Institute (PMI) and holds a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering.
Connect with Shohreh via Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
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