Women in Project Management Conference 2023
Contents |
[edit] Pathways to Progression
Professional and personal advancement were in the spotlight at the APM Women in Project Management Conference 2023. Hundreds turned out for the annual event, held in Central London on Thursday, 21 September, to be part of the discussion on a wide range of issues relevant to women in project-related roles.
This year’s Women in Project Management (WiPM) event focused on the theme of ‘Pathways to Progression’. It featured a programme of renowned project experts, business leaders, authors and academics who led discussions on emotional intelligence, strategies for career progression, managing stress, leadership, and much more.
The sold-out event, sponsored by BAE Systems, was hailed as a huge success by attendees who praised the rich line-up of speakers and engaging subject matter.
[edit] Workplace equality
APM Chief Executive Professor Adam Boddison OBE opened proceedings before introducing opening keynote speaker, Dame Inga Beale, workplace equality advocate and former Chief Executive of insurance giant Lloyd's of London.
During her session, Dame Inga shared the story of her career journey, spanning three decades of global business experience. She also shared advice, based on her own experiences, for career progression in a male-dominated profession.
One piece of guidance Dame Inga shared with the audience was to use of what she referred to as the P.I.E model:
- Performance
- Image
- Exposure
“The ‘P’ in this model is a given. You’re expected to perform in your job,” she explained. “But the ‘I’ is vital. You have to understand how people perceive you. You have to ask for feedback. Don’t underestimate the ‘E’. You have to hone in on networking skills…Go out of your way not just to say hello to your friends but to meet new people. I would urge you to make a plan and do this.”
[edit] Specific Interest Groups
The event concluded with a speech by the new chair of APM’s Women in Project Management Specific Interest Group (WiPM SIG), Irene Maposa, who echoed earlier speakers by challenging attendees to push themselves out of their comfort zones, re-evaluating attitudes and change behaviours to take their professional progression to the next level.
Speaking after the conference, APM’s Head of Events and Volunteer Engagement, Manuela Impellizzeri Kemp, said: “We’ve been delighted by the positive feedback from delegates at this year’s Women in Project Management conference. The theme of Pathways to Progression really resonated with people and contributed to a hugely successful event. We’re looking forward to next year’s conference already.”
[edit] What delegates had to say about the Women in Project Management Conference 2023
Tanya Ablett “I found it really interesting and really engaging. There was a good balance to the sessions.”
Louisa Lai “Inga Beale was the standout for me. This is my first time at this conference, after a colleague recommended it to me. I would certainly recommend it to other colleagues.”
Debra Mulhall “This is my second year coming and I really enjoyed it. I’m very interested in emotional intelligence so it’s been good to hear about that.”
Sharon Vasiliou “I liked the topics that have been discussed. They’re certainly relevant to the target audiences.”
[edit] Get involved
WiPM 2024 – We are excited to confirm that the Women in Project Management Conference 2024 will be returning to London on 26 September 2024. Register your interest and be the first to know when bookings open.
WiPM SIG – APM's WiPM SIG supports the development and promotion of women in the project profession, in order to maximise the availability of expertise. You can follow and contact the WiPM SIG here.
[edit] Useful resources
Women in Projects: Levelling the Playing Field – an APM report on a panel discussion featuring prominent female project experts discussing issues including flexible working, career progression, gender parity, perceptions around discrimination and more.
APM Salary and Market Trends Survey – APM's eighth salary and market trends survey provides a detailed overview of the project profession, including salary by gender, and gender split in selected job roles.
This article appears on the APM news and blog site as "APM conference helps women in project management progress their careers" September 22, 2023.
--Association for Project Management
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Access and inclusion in the built environment: policy and guidance.
- Accelerating gender equality at the Women in Project Management Conference 2023
- APM articles.
- Celebrating women in engineering.
- Diversity in the construction industry.
- Equal opportunities policy.
- Equality Act.
- Gender pay gap in construction.
- Gender stereotypes examined in Unlimited Potential report.
- Housebuilder pledges support to Women in Property group.
- Inclusivity in engineering.
- International Women in Engineering Day 2018.
- International Women in Engineering Day 2020.
- The Retention of Women in the UK Construction Industry.
- Unequal pay barrier for women in project management.
- Why so many women leave engineering.
- Women in the construction industry.
- Women's Engineering Society.
- Women in the construction industry.
- Women in Construction – the critical solution to a skills shortage.
- Women's Engineering Society.
Featured articles and news
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).