About this Event
The Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering Region 9 proudly presents the 2026 Symposium: “Navigating Uncertainty – The Future of Project Controls,” taking place on April 27, 2026, at the NH Madrid Ventas in Spain. This flagship regional event brings together professionals from across Europe, Africa, and beyond to exchange insights, foster collaboration, and strengthen the global project controls community.
This free event is your gateway to a transformative experience - don’t miss the chance to be part of a vibrant community driving progress across Europe and Africa!
What to Expect
A rich lineup of expert speakers will discuss topics such as:
- Sustainability integration in contracting
- Deterministic vs. probabilistic Estimating in feasibility studies
- Digital transformation in project controls
- The future of earned value management with AI
- Integrating Cost Estimating & BIM with AI
- Data management strategies for capital projects
- Networking Opportunities during breaks and pre- & after-Symposium dinners
Optional Sunday evening (April 26) informal dinner in Madrid (Pay‑Your‑Own‑Dinner)
PLATINUM SPONSORS
NOMITECH
LAMINAR PROJECTS
CLEOPATRA
GOLD SPONSORS
RvA Planning
Proactive Solutions Ltd
SOCIAL SUPPORTERS
European Federation of Chemical Engineering (Sustainability)
IPSEN
Project Controls Expo Meet
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Constructer.ai
"Detect. Act. Quantify." Enjoy an exclusive 15% attendee discount on a minimum 6-month subscription to Constructer.ai for companies with active AACE members who wish to implement Constructer on their projects. Offer valid for 12 months following the 2026 Region 9 Symposium.
(the above list is being updated live)
Agenda
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Registration, coffee and networking
🕑: 09:30 AM - 09:40 AM
Morning Welcome Message
Host: Rens Van Arkel - AACE Netherlands
🕑: 09:40 AM - 10:20 AM
Morning Technical Session #1
Host: TBA - Laminar Projects
Info: TBA
🕑: 10:20 AM - 11:00 AM
Morning Technical Session #2
Host: Tolis Chatzisymeon - Nomitech
Info: Cost Estimating in the Age of AI & BIM
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Coffee break and Networking
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:10 PM
Morning Technical Session #3
Host: Alberto Viejo Garcia - Cleopatra Entreprises
Info: TBA
🕑: 12:10 PM - 12:50 PM
Morning Technical Session #4
Host: Edith Guedella Bustamente - ACCIONA
Info: Contracting with Impact: Approaches to Integrating Sustainability and Environmental Value into Projects
🕑: 12:50 PM - 01:50 PM
Light lunch break and networking
🕑: 01:50 PM - 02:00 PM
Afternoon Welcome message
Host: Athira Surendran - R9 Women in Project Controls
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
AACE International & R9 Overview
Host: Mike Kobylka- AACE CEO
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Afternoon Technical Session #1
Host: Lance Stephenson - AECOM
Info: TBA
🕑: 03:30 PM - 03:50 PM
Coffee Break & Networking
🕑: 03:50 PM - 04:30 PM
Afternoon Technical Session #2
Host: Alexandre Rodriguez - PMO Projects
Info: The future of EVM with AI in Project Controls: Unleashing the power of Integrated Program/Project Management
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:10 PM
Afternoon Technical Session #3
Host: Doina Dobre - Emerald Group
Info: Betting on Certainty: Why Deterministic Thinking Fails Your Feasibility Study
🕑: 05:10 PM - 05:25 PM
Coffee Break & Networking
🕑: 05:25 PM - 06:20 PM
Panel Discussion
Host: Jareth Reeves - AACE UK
Info: Transforming Capital Projects through Effective Data Management
🕑: 06:20 PM - 06:40 PM
Closing Remarks
Host: Alba Villanueva Rossell- AACE Spain
🕑: 06:45 PM - 10:00 PM
Walk to the cafe bar - Networking PYOD
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Hotel NH Madrid Ventas, 2 Calle de Biarritz, Madrid, Spain
USD 0.00
