Project Control Summit 2026 offers three days of inspiration, learning, and connection at the beautiful Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe. Each day is thoughtfully designed to blend valuable insights, networking opportunities, and a touch of fun — from engaging technical sessions and interactive panels to our vibrant Technology & Tools Expo and special evening events.
Below is the conference program in its current state. We will add the rest of speakers and sessions as their details become available.
10:00 am – 1:00 pm | Social Events
Kick off the Summit with some fun and fresh air. Join either:
Group Boating on Lake Conroe: two hours on luxury pontoons, swim stops, and optional tube rides.
18-Hole Golf Outing: a scenic round at The Golf Club at Margaritaville.
(Each activity runs ~2–3 hours; capacity is limited.)
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Registration & Help Desks (Grand Hall)
Pick up your badge, get your questions answered, and settle in.
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Technical Program (Coastal Ballroom)
Two technical presentations plus one panel discussion to jump-start the learning.
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Technology & Tools Expo Opens (Del Lago Ballroom)
Explore cutting-edge solutions, meet exhibitors, and preview what’s new.
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Welcome Reception (Boathouse Bar & Lounge)
Reconnect with peers and make new contacts over light bites and refreshments.
7:00 am – 5:00 pm | Technology & Tools Expo (Del Lago Ballroom)
Start your day with the latest tools, demos, and conversations with solution providers.
7:30 am – 9:00 am | Opening Remarks & Keynote (Compass Ballroom)
An energizing address to set the tone for the day.
9:00 am – 5:00 pm | Concurrent Sessions (Compass & Coastal Ballrooms)
Two parallel tracks featuring real-world case studies, best practices, expert insights, and practical takeaways.
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Awards of Excellence Dinner Gala (Compass Ballroom)
An elegant lakeside evening celebrating leaders, innovators, and rising stars in project controls.
7:00 am – 1:00 pm | Technology & Tools Expo (Del Lago Ballroom)
Last chance to visit exhibitors, compare solutions, and finalize follow-ups.
7:30 am – 9:00 am | Opening Remarks & Keynote (Compass Ballroom)
Fresh inspiration to power your final day.
9:00 am – 4:00 pm | Concurrent Sessions (Compass & Coastal Ballrooms)
Two focused tracks with hands-on insights you can take back to your teams.
4:00 pm | Adjournment
We’ll wrap the Summit with closing remarks, awards, and a farewell networking with refreshments.
Peacefully set along the shores of Lake Conroe, The Golf Club at Margaritaville Lake Resort offers a stunning backdrop for an unforgettable round of golf.
This redesigned 18-hole course combines natural beauty with challenging play—complete with winding doglegs, risk/reward shots, and true-roll putting greens. As you make your way through fairways lined with tall pines, sandy beaches, and cascading waterfalls, you’ll see why it’s considered one of Montgomery County’s most enjoyable golf experiences.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or simply love the game, this outing offers the perfect mix of challenge and relaxation.
Step aboard a luxury pontoon boat for two hours of fun, relaxation, and adventure on the sparkling waters of Lake Conroe.
Each boat holds up to 12 guests, making it the perfect opportunity to enjoy time with fellow Summit attendees in a more intimate and social setting. Feel the breeze as you cruise across the lake, jump in for a refreshing swim, or take a thrilling tube ride behind the boat.
Whether you’re there for the laughs, the lake views, or the adrenaline, this group boating experience promises to be a highlight of your Summit.
Seats are limited—reserve your spot for the Group Boating experience today!
Registrations for the conference will commence at 12:00 pm on April 26 at the Grand Hall. When you register, you’ll be provided with your conference badge, which is essential for participation in different segments of the conference. This includes the technical sessions and panels, the welcome reception, coffee breaks and lunch, access to the expo hall, etc. Please make sure to install the Summit App on your phone, so our team can complete your registration as quickly as possible.
Most claim conversations stop at delays, change orders, and extended overhead—but the real money often hides in the ripple effects: impact damages. This session makes impact damages clear, practical, and actionable. You’ll learn what truly qualifies as a recoverable impact claim (and what doesn’t), the proof you need to win, and the common “games” that trigger disputes. Walk away with a sharper strategy—whether you’re pursuing compensation or defending an owner—plus the confidence to handle impact damages as a distinct category that can often be recovered even without proving project delay.
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Join this technology presentation. The description will be added soon.
Smarter Front-End Decisions
Big projects don’t usually fail in the field—they fail quietly in the boardroom, early, when optimism and hidden bias sneak into scope, estimate, and schedule assumptions. In this session, you’ll see how that “looks good on paper” confidence turns into real cost and schedule growth once execution starts, through three eye-opening case studies from mining, power, and petrochemical projects. More importantly, you’ll learn the practical tools that cut through bias and uncertainty—independent estimate reviews, PDRI scope maturity checks, and integrated risk analysis—so you can make stronger investment decisions upfront and drive predictability from day one.
The Technology & Tools Expo, located in the Del Lago Ballrom, will be open for exploration starting at 4:00 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.
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.
Join us as we kick off Project Control Summit 2025 with exciting opening remarks by our Master of Ceremonies, Jamie Marzonie.
The Summit starts with a spark, and this is it. Conference Chairs Shohreh Ghorbani and Kamran Akbarzadeh will officially open Project Control Summit 2026 and set the tone for everything that follows with an energizing keynote on this year’s theme: Going the Extra Mile in Project Controls. This isn’t a “welcome and housekeeping” moment. It’s a rallying call for project professionals who are ready to raise the bar on performance, influence, and real-world impact. Come for the inspiration, leave with clarity—and step into the Summit ready to go all in.
Struggling to get leadership buy-in for risk management? Learn how Arcadis turns skeptics into believers by starting with opportunity identification that delivers quick wins and measurable value. Discover a proven strategy for building comprehensive risk programs through positive risk management—demonstrating results first, then scaling with confidence.
Small projects deserve robust project controls too. Learn how to structure small project offices for efficiency, apply consistent controls processes regardless of project size, and leverage technology solutions that move beyond Excel without creating unnecessary overhead.
Join this powerful panel discussion to discover how modern project controls are transforming large capital programs through integrated governance, enterprise-wide scheduling, and aligned cost and risk strategies—driving performance, transparency, and strategic success at scale.
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Ready to move beyond AI hype? Learn why granular project controls data is the foundation for multiplying delivery capacity—and how smart data strategies combined with AI can scale your impact faster than hiring more people.
Join this technical presentation by Christy Hunt. The description will be added soon.
Ready to transform how you manage risk and assure delivery? Discover how leading organizations are implementing AI-first project controls to identify risks months in advance, assure hundreds of schedules in hours, and make faster, more confident decisions backed by insights from 750,000+ past projects.
Enjoy a delicious themed buffet with your peers, speakers, and sponsors. This is a great time to relax, recharge, and have a few quality conversations before you head back to the Expo Hall or jump into the afternoon sessions. If you’d like some fresh air, this is also the perfect window to step outside and enjoy the beautiful Lake Conroe outdoor area. Please make sure you’re back in the Compass Ballroom at 1:30 PM sharp for a fun activity before the Technical and Technology sessions begin at 2:00 PM.
Join us as we explore how organizations can strategically adopt and leverage the right technologies at the right time to enhance decision-making, improve efficiency, and drive better project outcomes in an increasingly digital world.
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Think Microsoft Project can’t handle complex projects? Think again. Discover five unique advantages that make MS Project a powerful scheduling tool—from Office ecosystem integration to cost savings over P6—and learn how modern add-ins bridge the gap to deliver enterprise-level capabilities at a fraction of the cost.
If you’re wondering how AI will impact your role as a planner or scheduler, this session is essential. Learn how to evolve from task executor to strategic advisor, gaining practical strategies for partnering with AI, demonstrating irreplaceable professional value, and future-proofing your career. Don’t miss this opportunity to understand where human expertise matters most—and how to position yourself as an indispensable advisor in the AI era.
High PPC scores don’t always mean you’re hitting production targets. Learn how advanced Last Planner System® metrics—Commitment Level, Percent Required Complete, and Milestone Variance—provide the deeper insights needed to truly steer production toward goals and bridge traditional project controls with modern production management.
This is where the Summit’s strongest connections get made. The Partners Reception in the Del Lago Ballroom is our dedicated moment to recognize and celebrate the sponsors and partners who power Project Control Summit—and to bring together VIP guests, industry leaders, and solution providers in one relaxed, high-energy space. Enjoy light snacks and drinks while you network with purpose, spark new collaborations, and deepen relationships that can genuinely move your work forward. Come for the appreciation, stay for the conversations—and leave with connections that last long after the Summit ends.
Step aboard a luxury pontoon boat for two hours of fun, relaxation, and adventure on the sparkling waters of Lake Conroe.
Each boat holds up to 12 guests, making it the perfect opportunity to enjoy time with fellow Summit attendees in a more intimate and social setting. Feel the breeze as you cruise across the lake, jump in for a refreshing swim, or take a thrilling tube ride behind the boat.
Whether you’re there for the laughs, the lake views, or the adrenaline, this group boating experience promises to be a highlight of your Summit.
Seats are limited—reserve your spot for the Group Boating experience today!
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.
Awards Dinner Gala is our signature evening of celebration, recognition, and connection, designed to honor excellence in project controls and spotlight the professionals and organizations raising the bar in our industry. This is an exclusive Summit experience, bringing together attendees, speakers, finalists, and sponsors for a memorable night where achievements are recognized and stories are celebrated.
From 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM, enjoy an elegant gala atmosphere with a dinner experience, meaningful moments of recognition, and plenty of time to network and celebrate with your peers. Come dressed to impress, bring your team spirit, and get ready for an inspiring night you’ll be talking about long after the Summit ends.
Important note: The Awards Dinner Gala is by registration only. You must present your ticket at the entrance to enter, so please have it ready when you arrive.
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Driving Agility, Predictability, and Performance through Innovation
Join our Conference Chairs for opening remarks of Day 3 and then learn from our closing keynote speaker. The title and details of the keynote will be announced soon.
Senior Executive Officer, Project Management Oversight at Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority
If you’re looking to take your project delivery to the next level, this session is a must-attend. Learn directly from one of the nation’s most ambitious transit programs, gaining insider insights, proven best practices, and innovative strategies that can help you deliver your projects on time and on budget. Don’t miss the opportunity to gain practical guidance from a true leader in transit mega project delivery —knowledge you can apply immediately to drive real results on your own projects.
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The race to AI is transforming data center delivery at unprecedented speed and scale. Join industry leaders as they discuss why Project Controls has never been more mission-critical—and what this revolution means for your career and organization.
Former Microsoft Global Director, Governance & Technology
Owner & Executive Manager, TBD Ventures
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Vice President, Regional Program Controls Director – East Region and LATAM at AECOM
Don’t let multi-project chaos derail your strategic goals. In this session, you’ll discover how Program Controls can transform complexity into clarity—integrating efforts, optimizing resources, and providing leadership with the insights needed to drive measurable outcomes and build lasting organizational legacy.
Director, Project Controls Consulting Services at Strategic Management Solutions, LLC
Federal scheduling requirements can catch contractors off guard if you’re not prepared. Learn what you need to know about IMS, EVMS, CLIN-based cost-loading, and other critical federal requirements for construction and aerospace projects—ensuring you’re ready to meet government expectations before you sign your next contract!
Enjoy a delicious themed buffet with your peers, speakers, and sponsors. This is a great time to relax, recharge, and have a few quality conversations before you head back to the Expo Hall or jump into the afternoon sessions. If you’d like some fresh air, this is also the perfect window to step outside and enjoy the beautiful Lake Conroe outdoor area. Please make sure you’re back in the Compass Ballroom at 1:30 PM sharp for a fun activity before the Technical and Technology sessions begin at 2:00 PM.
Join us for an honest conversation about adapting to automation, meeting new talent demands, and building careers that thrive in a more digital, data-driven, and strategically focused project controls environment.
If you’re responsible for implementing technology in your projects—or want to ensure digital tools deliver real value—this session is for you. You’ll learn how Project Controls can guide digital transformation projects by aligning scope, schedule, cost, and stakeholders from day one, preventing common pitfalls that derail adoption and drive up costs. Using real-world examples, you’ll gain practical strategies to make your technology projects predictable, efficient, and truly impactful
Want to play smarter and finish stronger? Join us to explore how Project Control Managers serve as your trusted caddy—providing the strategic foresight, real-time data, and adaptive guidance that turn project challenges into successful deliveries.
Don’t leave the conference early as you will miss the fun closing and prize giveaways before we say good byes!
Wrap up Project Control Summit 2026 with our Farewell Reception—an opportunity to unwind, celebrate new connections, and continue meaningful conversations with fellow project professionals in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
How to Bridge the Gap Between Project Controls & Project Management
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.
Real-Time Cost Management Strategies for Seamless Field-Office Collaboration
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.
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.
Standardizing Controls to Drive Organizational Decisions
Discover how the Sharqia Development Authority transformed project oversight by integrating automation, real-time analytics, and strategic governance. Learn how they standardized measurement, optimized resource allocation, and elevated PMO maturity from 1.4 to 4.0 in just two years. Join this session to explore practical strategies for enhancing efficiency, minimizing risks, and driving better project outcomes in your own organization!
Driving Agility, Predictability, and Performance through Innovation
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.
