Soft Skills and Personal Branding for Future Construction Leaders

Please note: this event is for over 18’s only.

Join us for an engaging and interactive evening focusing on the soft skills and personal branding tools that can help you stand out and succeed in the built environment industry. This collaborative event — hosted by CIOB Tomorrow's Leaders and RTPI South Coast Young Planners Network (SCYPN)— is designed for students, graduates, and early-career professionals. Kindly sponsored by Carrington West; there will be an opportunity to network and speak to the team from Carrington West at this event.

We’re excited to welcome Mark Manning, Partner at Ashfords LLP, who will kick off the session with insights into the importance of soft skills in business and networking. Mark will explore how strong interpersonal and communication skills can enhance your professional relationships, support career progression, and help you navigate the business side of the industry with confidence.

Following this, Alice Fewings, a specialist LinkedIn Trainer and Coach, will guide us through a dynamic session on building your personal brand on LinkedIn – even if you're just getting started. The session will be inspiring, practical, and interactive, helping you see LinkedIn not just as a job-hunting platform, but as a powerful tool for building your professional reputation and making meaningful industry connections early on.

Alice will cover:

• What a “personal brand” actually means, and how to begin building yours today
• How to create a compelling, confidence-boosting LinkedIn profile — even with little or no experience
• Common mistakes to avoid and quick wins to make your profile stand out
• Real-life examples of strong student and early-career LinkedIn profiles
• A live mini-edit session, where you'll get the chance to update your LinkedIn headline using the tips shared

After the presentations, there will be free flow networking with refreshments, offering you the chance to connect with fellow attendees and professionals from CIOB, RTPI and RICS — a perfect opportunity to put your new networking skills into practice. Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your professional edge, this event will equip you with practical skills and valuable connections to help you move forward with confidence. A business photographer will also be taking complimentary headshots at the networking reception.

Food will be served at this event; please advise [email protected] of any dietary requirements.

Who Should Attend:Students, graduates, apprentices, and early-career professionals in construction, planning, surveying, and the wider built environment.

With thanks to Carrington West, our Exclusive Sponsor for this collaborative event.

Members: gain 3 CIOB CPD points when you reflect on the ethical aspects of your learning from this activity.

This event will take place in the Cruise Terminal at Portsmouth International Port. Following the presentations, attendees will be invited to the Departures Lounge for free flow networking. A map of the building with directions will be sent via email closer to the event date. Please park in the multi-story car park at the Port.

Georgie Hawkes

CIOB Member Services and Events Coordinator

[email protected]

Susan Millington

RTPI Regional Manager South East

[email protected]

Exclusively sponsored by

In collaboration with

Info: Arrival between 17:30 and 18:00. Please check in at the registration desk.

Info: Representatives from the CIOB and RTPI will welcome attendees to the event and introduce the speakers and our Sponsor, Carrington West.

Info: Free flow networking with the opportunity to speak to Carrington West at their stand, and a chance to get a complimentary headshot taken by a business photographer. Please note headshots are first come first served with a queuing system in place.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Portsmouth International Port, George Byng Way, Portsmouth, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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