Project Controls Conferences in 2021! Would you consider attending one?
Either your goal is learning new strategies, getting motivation, discovering new cutting-edge tools and technologies, or meeting like-minded professionals, attending conferences is a surefire way to achieve your professional goals.
I always come away from conferences feeling energized and empowered to take my skills to the next level.
Although years have passed since I attended my first conference in Project Management, 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.
Especially now that attending conferences is much easier and more cost-effective than before.
With the global pandemic, all of the live events and conferences have looked very different over the past year and into this year. Some have gone completely virtual, opening up attendance to people that may not have the ability to travel.
To help you find the best Project Controls conferences in 2021, I’ve compiled this extensive list of Project Controls conferences for you so you can benefit from attending these events.
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 review some of the best project controls conferences in 2021 (in no particular order):
PROJECT CONTROLS
Project Control Summit
Project Control Summit, hosted by Project Control Academy, is the best-in-class global conference in project controls that brings together project professionals from around the world and wows them with an uplifting, inspiring, and unique learning and networking experience.
The aim of the Summit is to engage the attendees throughout the conference and make them feel energized and empowered, so they take action toward their own success and the success of their organizations.
Following their highly successful first virtual summit in 2020 that was marked as the first-ever Global Virtual Conference in Project Controls, they are now holding their 2nd global virtual Project Control Summit.
This year, this conference is offered free of charge to those who attend the live sessions. If you want to get access to the recordings of the Summit and various benefits and bonuses as either an Executive Level or VIP Level Registrant, you may choose the upgrade packages.
To get more information and join this highly impactful virtual conference from May 11 to May 14, 2021, please visit: https://projectcontrolsummit.com/
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 the “I am AACE Video contest.”
I encourage you to check out the upcoming AACE International conference and expo and mark your calendars for June 20 – 23, 2021 when AACE will be at the Westin Boston Waterfront in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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 the North America region and another for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. This year, it seems that all PMI conferences and events will be virtual. 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 masterclasses. Furthermore, you can take advantage of the Project Controls job fair and expo.
Project Control Expo is now also offering virtual conference as well.
The expo is usually being held in November. Check out the upcoming expo here.
Western Winter Workshop
The Western Winter Workshop conference has been conducting annual conferences in Project Controls for 60 years! Yes, 60! The annual conference is usually held in February or March each year in beautiful California, United States.
This year, they were planning on celebrating their 60th anniversary. However, due to the pandemic lockdown in California, this conference has been impacted. This year they will only have a Golf Tournament in Pebble Beach Resort, California.
Please check more details about this great conference at http://www.westernwinterworkshop.com/
Advancing Project Controls
Advancing Project Controls conference is held annually in Houston/ Texas, and now available virtually.
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.
This year’s conference will be virtual and will be held from February 22-25 2021. Here is the link for more details.
PLANNING/ SCHEDULING
Construction CPM Conference
This conference is dedicated to the 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 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.”
This conference is usually held in January. This year they conducted this conference virtually. The next conference will be held from January 16-19, 2022. 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.
This year they will be conducting their 5th Annual Conference from March 21st to 24th in New Orleans, USA. 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 live from your home or office or watch the recorded training sessions later at your own pace. However, to my knowledge, this virtual conference is no longer available.
4D Construction Conference
4D Construction Group hosted its first annual 4D Construction Conference in November 2020. The event ran virtually for several weeks in November. The focus of this conference is on sharing real-world 4D examples and practical knowledge sharing reports from the 4D Construction Group on 4D model maturity, 4D solutions reviews and requirements for 4D models, presentations from 4D software providers, and discussions on the next steps for 4D and smart new technology related to 4D modeling and planning.
The new dates for the 2021 event have not yet been announced. Please check the website for updated information.
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-depth 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 it.
The EVM World conference is held annually in May/ June. To get more information about the upcoming EVM World workshop, click here.
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. This year it is going to be virtual from January 19 – 21 & 25 – 27, 2021. Here is the link to get more information about the upcoming workshop.
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 America 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.
This year, ICEAA is holding its first online Workshop, from May 17-20, 2021. Click here to get more information.
International Cost Engineering Council (ICEC) World Congresses & Meetings
The International Cost Engineering Council (ICEC) is an organization that 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.
Due to the uncertainty of the Covid-19 situation in 2021 and the fact that the next ICEC World Congress will be held in 2022 in The Netherlands, a decision has been made to explore the possibility of holding the congress in 2024. Check out more updates about 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.
This conference is planned to be held in Florida from December 6 to 8th, 2021. Check out more details 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.
PROJECT RISK MANAGEMENT
Risk Management Awareness Conference
Risk Management Awareness conference is an online platform to learn about risk management and decision making. This conference features practical case studies on integrating risk management into decision making, planning, project management, performance management, and core business processes. This event will be of value to decision-makers and risk professionals alike.
This event is usually held in October. To get more information about the upcoming conference, please click here.
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. If you have attended a great Project Controls conference that is not listed above, please comment below.
About the Author, Shohreh Ghorbani
Shohreh is the founder and director of Project Control Academy, the leading provider of comprehensive online training programs in Project Controls. Shohreh has served tens of thousands of professionals and several international corporations to build their technical Project Controls knowledge and shave off years of trial and error in learning the vital skills in controlling their projects.
Shohreh is a licensed project management professional (PMP) recognized by Project Management Institute (PMI) and holds a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering.
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