Following is the agenda for Project Control Summit Summit 2025 which will be held in Galveston Island, Texas, USA from May 6 to 8, 2025. Expect three days filled with insightful learning and networking opportunities with leading experts in Project Controls and technology.
Pre-Summit: Monday, May 5, 2025
12:00 pm to 8:00 pm US Central Time
Registration Desk Open
- May 5, 2025, 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm US Central Time
- Level 2, Pre-function Area
Registrations for the conference will commence at 12:00 pm on May 5th at the Galveston Island Convention Center, specifically in the pre-function area on the second floor. When you register, you’ll be provided with your conference badge, which is essential for participation in different segments of the conference. This includes social activities, the welcome reception, technical sessions, access to the exhibition hall, etc. We strongly recommend arriving on May 5th and registering early to ensure you’re all set to engage in the upcoming activities.
Technical Workshop: Unleash the Power of CPM Scheduling to Recover Project Delays
- May 5, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm Central time
- Level 1, Galleon Room
Schedule recovery is a critical challenge in project controls, requiring a strategic approach to regain lost time without unnecessary costs or disputes. In this workshop, you’ll learn proven mitigation and acceleration techniques, guided by AACE Recommended Practice No. 54R-07 and real-world case studies. Industry expert Chris Carson will share a step-by-step methodology to optimize schedules, minimize claims, and turn delays into opportunities for project success.
Social Activities
- April 22, 2024, 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm US Central Time
- Pre-function Area, Registration Desk
Get ready to add some excitement and enjoyment to your Project Control Summit 2024 experience by registering for one of our two thrilling social events! Taking place in the afternoon of the first day of the conference, these social events are designed to create a lively and inclusive atmosphere where you can relax, mingle, and build connections with fellow attendees, sponsors, and speakers.
Technology & Tools Expo Open & Networking
- May 5, 2024, 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm US Central Time
- Level 1, Exhibit Hall B
The Technology & Tools Expo, located in the Exhibition Hall, will be open for exploration starting at 4:30 pm on the first day of the conference. This is an excellent opportunity to discover tools, technologies, and solutions that can elevate your projects and organizational success to new heights. Additionally, the Exhibition Hall will serve as a networking hub where you can connect with fellow conference attendees and exhibitors. This networking session will last until 6:00 pm, at which point we will commence the Welcome Reception.
Welcome Reception
- May 5, 2024, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm US Central Time
- Level 2, Foyer
The Welcome Reception is a key highlight and tone-setter for our conference, offering a warm and welcoming environment for all participants. It acts as a prime platform for networking and socializing, enabling you to connect with fellow project professionals, sponsors, speakers, and industry leaders. We invite you to an enjoyable evening filled with live music, complimentary drinks and snacks, and the chance to win exciting prizes. This event is not just an introduction to the conference but a valuable opportunity to forge meaningful connections in a fun and engaging atmosphere.
Day 1: May 6, 2025
7:00 am to 6:00 pm US Central Time
Opening Remarks
- May 6, 7:45 am to 8:00 am Central time
- Conference Hall, General Sessions Track
Join us as we kick off Project Control Summit 2025 with exciting opening remarks by our Master of Ceremonies, Jamie Marzonie.
Conference Opening & Keynote
5 Golden Rules for Setting Sail for Success in Project Controls
- May 6, 8:00 am to 9:00 am Central Time
- Conference Hall, General Sessions Track
On Day One of Project Control Summit 2025, Shohreh Ghorbani and Kamran Akbarzadeh, the Directors of Project Control Academy and the Summit Chairs, will kick things off with an official welcome. Following this, they will take the stage for the opening keynote address. This much-anticipated session is designed to spark inspiration and set the stage for what’s to come, encouraging attendees to fully engage with the event’s rich offerings. The theme of the Summit Chairs’ keynote, guaranteed to captivate and provide profound insights, will be unveiled shortly. Be prepared for an opening that promises to not only set the tone but also significantly enhance your summit experience.
Chris Carson
Director of Program & Project Controls, Vice President at Arcadis
Turning Conflict into Collaboration:
Lessons from Mediation for More Successful Projects
- May 6, 9:00 am to 10:00 am Central time
- Conference Hall, General Sessions Track
In this session, you’ll learn how to use scheduling and cost analysis to align stakeholders, foster collaboration, and mitigate risks before disputes arise. Industry expert Chris Carson will share practical insights on communication, negotiation, and problem-solving to help you strengthen relationships and drive project success.
Technology Presentation
- May 6, 9:00 am to 10:00 am Central time
- Galleon Room, Technology Sessions Track
TBD
The Next Frontier: Embracing Digital Transformation in Project Controls
- May 6, 10:30 am to 11:30 am Central Time
- Conference Hall, General Sessions Track
The digital revolution is reshaping project controls with groundbreaking technologies like AI, big data, and automation. Join this panel of industry leaders to get actionable insights on how to harness the power of digital technologies to stay ahead of the curve in project controls.
TBD
TBD
Director of Product, Doxel
Bridging the Gap between Estimating and Scheduling
How to Bridge the Gap Between Project Controls & Project Management
- May 6, 10:30 am to 11:30 am Central
- Galleon Room, Technology Sessions Track
Discover how integrating cost estimating and scheduling can transform project management by reducing budget overruns, improving forecasting, and optimizing resource allocation. This session will explore the common misalignments between cost and time, their impact on project outcomes, and the strategic benefits of synchronizing these elements. Through real-world case studies and expert insights, you’ll gain actionable strategies to overcome integration challenges, leverage advanced technologies, and enhance accountability. Join us to learn how aligning estimates with schedules can drive financial accuracy, minimize risk, and improve overall project success.
Mastering Mega-Lump Sum Project Scheduling:
Proven Planning & Scheduling Strategies for Lump
- May 6, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm Central Time
- Conference Hall, General Sessions Track
Planning and scheduling lump-sum mega-projects is no small feat, especially for $5 billion+ EPC-CSU projects. In this session, you’ll uncover expert strategies to develop integrated, audience-specific schedules, align project plans with cost estimates, and standardize engineering, procurement, and construction logic for flawless execution. With 35+ years of experience guiding the insights, this session will provide you with practical tools to enhance collaboration, meet deadlines, and tackle the complexities of mega-projects with confidence.
From Data Chaos to Clarity:
Best Practices for Managing Large-scale Project Plans
- May 6, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm Central Time
- Galleon Room, Technology Sessions Track
Don’t let data overload slow your projects down. In this session, you’ll discover best practices for streamlining project data, improving visibility, and enhancing team alignment. Through real-world case studies, you’ll see how innovative tools like ScheduleReader and ScheduleCleaner help teams navigate complex project environments with ease—ensuring accurate reporting, secure data sharing, and efficient workflows.
The Future of Project Controls:
Breaking Down Silos and Fostering Collaboration
- May 6, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm Central Time
- Conference Hall, General Sessions Track
In this session, you’ll discover how project teams are enhancing communication across departments, supply chains, and stakeholders to drive better outcomes. Backed by real-world insights and academic research, this session explores the impact of collaborative contract structures, the value of field personnel input, and proven strategies to improve efficiency at every project stage. Walk away with actionable techniques to strengthen teamwork, streamline processes, and elevate project success.
From Reactive to Proactive:
How AI-Driven Scheduling is Revolutionizing Project Controls
- May 6, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm Central Time
- Galleon Room, Technology Sessions Track
Learn how AI empowers teams to shift from reactive firefighting to proactive, data-driven decision-making—ensuring projects stay on time and within budget. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the game-changing impact of AI scheduling and how you can implement it to drive project success.
Networking & Coffee
- May 6, 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm Central Time
- Exhibit Hall
Participate in the networking sessions, expand your professional circle, gain valuable industry contacts, and build relationships that can lead to future partnerships, career opportunities, and knowledge exchange.
Social Events: Dolphon Watch Tour or Galveston Island Tour
- May 6, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Central Time
- Galveston
Add some excitement and enjoyment to your Project Control Summit 2025 experience by registering for one of our two thrilling social events! Taking place in the afternoon of May 6th, these social events are designed to create a lively and inclusive atmosphere where you can relax, mingle, and build connections with fellow attendees, sponsors, and speakers.
VIP & Sponsors Reception
- May 6, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Central Time
- San Luis Hotel
Exclusive Sponsors’ Reception
Day 2: May 7, 2025
7:00 am to 10:00 pm US Central Time
Opening Remarks
- May 7, 7:45 am to 8:00 am Central time
- Conference Hall, General Sessions Track
Join us as we kick off day 2 of Project Control Summit 2025 with exciting opening remarks by our Master of Ceremonies, Jamie Marzonie.
Day 2 Opening Keynote by the World Champion of Public Speaking
Lead with Clarity:
Communication Strategies for Project Professionals
- May 7, 8:00 am to 9:00 am Central Time
- Conference Hall, General Sessions Track
Unlock the power of effective communication to drive project success and elevate your professional impact. This session introduces the EMOTE framework, a proven model for clear and impactful communication. Learn how to foster collaboration, overcome barriers, and build cohesive teams while enhancing your value to employers. Through practical insights and real-world examples, you’ll gain the tools to lead with clarity in any project setting. Join us to transform your communication skills and achieve outstanding project outcomes.
50 Years of Lessons Learned:
A Candid Retrospective on Delivering Projects Successfully
- May 7, 9:00 am to 10:00 am Central Time
- Conference Hall, General Sessions Track
This session offers a rare, insightful look at project management through the lens of Martin Darley’s five decades of experience. Discover critical lessons learned across industries, from defining clear goals to ensuring stakeholder buy-in, and avoiding common pitfalls that derail projects. Join us to gain proven strategies to boost project success, streamline processes, and make smarter, more effective project management decisions!
Beyond Technology:
How to Lead Your Team Through the Digital Transformation Journey
- May 7, 9:00 am to 10:00 am Central Time
- Galleon Room, Technology Sessions Track
Successful digital transformation in project controls goes beyond adopting new technology—it requires preparing your team for change. In this session, you’ll explore the key factors that determine transformation success, learn best practices for overcoming resistance, and discover how to foster accountability throughout the process. Backed by real-world insights, this session will equip you with actionable steps to lead a seamless transition and ensure your team embraces digital innovation with confidence.
Bringing Order to Chaos: The Role of Project Controls in Effective Project Management
- May 7, 10:30 am to 11:30 am Central Time
- Conference Hall, General Sessions Track
In many organizations, the divide between project controls and project management leads to missed opportunities, miscommunication, and inefficiencies. This dynamic panel will reveal how seamlessly aligning these two critical functions can unlock next-level project success.
Discover actionable strategies to bridge the gap, streamline your processes, and supercharge decision-making with powerful project controls insights. Join us for this can’t-miss session and walk away with the tools to connect project controls and project management in your organization and drive successful outcomes.
TBD
Vice-President of Product Management
Contruent
Technology Presentation
Breaking Down Silos and Fostering Collaboration
- May 7, 10:30 am to 11:30 pm Central Time
- Galleon Room, Technology Sessions Track
TBD
From experience to intelligence:
Utilizing big project data for growth and innovation
- May 7, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm Central Time
- Conference Hall, General Sessions Track
Unlock the full potential of your project data and transform it into a strategic advantage. In this session, you’ll discover how AI and business intelligence (BI) tools can bridge the gap between past experience and future intelligence, turning static data into actionable insights. Learn how to optimize resource allocation, improve forecasting, and drive smarter decision-making through real-time analytics. We’ll explore industry best practices, practical strategies, and real-world applications that help organizations enhance efficiency, increase profitability, and position themselves as leaders in innovation.
De-Risking is a Team Sport:
How AI Empowers Everyone in Project Success
- May 7, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm Central Time
- Galleon Room, Technology Sessions Track
AI is reshaping project controls, helping you stay on budget, on schedule, and ahead of risks. In this session, you’ll learn how to evaluate AI tools for industry fit, security, and reliability. Discover how AI-driven workflows enhance contract compliance, connect office and field teams, and provide real-time insights for better decision-making. Walk away with practical strategies to integrate AI into your processes and drive project success with confidence.
The Great Debate: Old School vs. New School Project Controls
- May 7, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm Central Time
- Conference Hall, General Sessions Track
Join this panel discussion to explore the evolving landscape of project controls, as experts debate Project Controls traditional methods versus tech-driven innovations. You’ll gain valuable insights into emerging trends and how to adapt to the future of project controls.
TBD
Engineering Planning and Strategy Manager
Bechtel
TBD
Vice-President of Product Management
Contruent
Technology Presentation
Breaking Down Silos and Fostering Collaboration
- May 7, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm Central Time
- Galleon Room, Technology Sessions Track
TBD
Achieving Project Controls Functional Excellence:
Your Blueprint for Predictable Project Success
- May 7, 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm Central Time
- Conference Hall, General Sessions Track
Unlock the full potential of project controls as the strategic heartbeat of your projects. You’ll discover how to transform project controls into a powerhouse for efficiency, innovation, and predictable outcomes. Gain actionable strategies to streamline processes, harness cutting-edge technologies, and foster a culture of accountability and leadership. This session provides the tools and insights you need to achieve project controls functional excellence and lead your team to success.
TBD
Vice-President of Product Management
Contruent
Technology Presentation
Breaking Down Silos and Fostering Collaboration
- May 7, 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm Central Time
- Galleon Room, Technology Sessions Track
TBD
Networking & Exhibition Hall Visit
- May 7, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Central Time
- Exhibit Hall
Participate in the networking sessions, expand your professional circle, gain valuable industry contacts, and build relationships that can lead to future partnerships, career opportunities, and knowledge exchange.
Social Events: Sand Castle Building Lessons or Galveston Island Tour
- May 7, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Central Time
- Galveston
Add some excitement and enjoyment to your Project Control Summit 2025 experience by registering for one of our two awesome social events! Taking place in the afternoon of May 7th, these social events are designed to create a lively and inclusive atmosphere where you can relax, mingle, and build connections with fellow attendees, sponsors, and speakers.
Special Awards Dinner Gala
- May 7, 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm Central Time
- Conference Hall
The Special Awards Dinner Gala promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with fine dining, entertainment, and the company of esteemed professionals and industry leaders. This is a rare opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, forge new relationships, and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our community. The Awards Dinner Gala is exclusive to the Conference attendees.
Day 3: May 8, 2025
7:30 am to 5:00 pm US Central Time
Opening Remarks
- May 8, 7:45 am to 8:00 am Central time
- Conference Hall, General Sessions Track
Join us as we kick off day 3 of Project Control Summit 2025 with exciting opening remarks by our Master of Ceremonies, Jamie Marzonie.
Closing Keynote: The Future of Project Controls
Driving Agility, Predictability, and Performance through Innovation
- May 8, 8:00 am to 9:00 am Central Time
- Conference Hall, General Sessions Track
This session is your opportunity to explore how Suffolk Construction successfully evaluates, pilots, and scales new technologies in project controls. Discover how aligning technology adoption with risk reduction, real-time decision-making, and efficiency drives stronger project outcomes.
Mastering Cost Accuracy:
The Best Estimating Options for Owner Success
- May 8, 9:00 am to 10:00 am Central Time
- Conference Hall, General Sessions Track
Discover how outsourced cost-estimating is transforming project planning for heavy industrial owner/operators by providing reliable, unbiased estimates when internal resources are limited. This session will cover the benefits of independent estimating support, from industry benchmarks to advanced risk analysis tools, ensuring greater accuracy across project phases. Learn key strategies for effectively implementing outsourced estimating, avoiding common pitfalls, and enhancing your project control processes for precise, confident decision-making. Join us to see how outsourced cost-estimating can boost project success and provide the accuracy your organization demands.
TBD
Vice-President of Product Management
Contruent
Technology Presentation
Breaking Down Silos and Fostering Collaboration
- May 8, 9:00 am to 10:00 am Central Time
- Galleon Room, Technology Sessions Track
TBD
Skills for Tomorrow: Developing Future Ready Project Professionals
- May 8, 10:30 am to 11:30 am Central Time
- Conference Hall, General Sessions Track
As the world of project controls rapidly evolves, staying ahead requires more than just technical know-how. This engaging panel will dive into the must-have skills for future-ready professionals. Hear directly from industry experts about how to prepare for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow’s complex project environments. Don’t miss this chance to future-proof your career and gain insights into the competencies that will set you apart in a fast-changing industry!
The Art and Science of Cost Forecasting in Project Controls
The Best Estimating Options for Owner Success
- May 8, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm Central Time
- Conference Hall, General Sessions Track
Cost forecasting is a critical function in Project Controls, ensuring projects stay financially viable and predictable. In this session, you will learn how to refine your cost forecasting process, improve accuracy, and strengthen financial control in this essential session. We’ll break down the forecasting lifecycle—from budget setup to tracking expenditures and refining the Estimate to Complete (ETC)—while tackling common challenges and industry best practices. Gain expert insights on minimizing cost variances, leveraging historical data, and making proactive, data-driven decisions to keep your projects financially on track and aligned with business objectives.
Prize Giveaways & Closing
- May 8, 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm Central Time
- Conference Hall
Don’t leave the conference early as you will miss the fun closing and prize giveaways before we say good byes!
