Cranfield School of Management
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Your personal invitation to the Windsor Project Summit
You are invited to join us at the prestigious St. George's House within the historic Windsor Castle for an exclusive event for Chief Executives and Senior Leaders in the Project Programme and Portfolio community.
We invite you to be a part of a visionary dialogue that will shape the future of the Project Profession. Embracing the enchanting Castle backdrop, The Windsor Project Summit offers an invaluable platform that grants invited guests the opportunity to engage in thoughtful deliberation, contemplate, and grapple with important project related issues.
Within this unique setting, participants are encouraged to engage in discussions, present well-reasoned arguments, and attentively listen to differing viewpoints. It's a space where civil disagreements are welcomed, where the search for common ground becomes a noble endeavour, and where intellectual positions are rigorously tested, possibly leading to a harmonious consensus.
By participating in these deliberations, we aspire, even in a modest way, to foster wisdom and offer opportunities for personal growth and development. This event transcends the ordinary; it's an opportunity to engage deeply with ideas, learn from one another, and collectively contribute to a greater understanding of the world around us.
View the event overview and the speakers.
Join us
Date: Wednesday 25 November 2026
Time: 09:00-22:00
Venue: St George’s House, Windsor Castle, Windsor
Cost: Free to attend (cancellation fee may apply)
About the event
In a time of rapid technological advancements, shifting business landscapes, and complex global challenges, the role of project professionals has become more crucial than ever.
As we enter this new era, it's essential for industry leaders to come together, share insights, and shape the "Future of the Project Profession."
What to expect
- Thought-provoking keynotes: Renowned experts and thought leaders will share their insights on the future landscape of project management.
- Panel discussions: Engage in lively discussions with industry pioneers and visionaries.
- Networking opportunities: Connect with peers and establish relationships that will drive collaborative success.
- Royal setting: Immerse yourself in the regal ambiance of Windsor Castle, a symbol of history and innovation.
Why attend?This summit is a unique opportunity to connect with fellow CEOs and senior executives across the full breadth of the project community forging powerful networks that will drive your organisation's success in the years to come. Gain a deeper understanding of the trends, innovations, and strategies that will define our profession in the coming decades. |
Our shared missionTogether, we will explore how the Project Profession can harness innovation, adapt to change, and thrive in an increasingly complex world. By participating in this summit, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future landscape of project management and leadership and how APM plays its part. |
Event overview (subject to change)
🕐 09:00-09:30Arrival and Registration |
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🕐 09:30-09:50Welcome and introductionsSpeakers: 🞇 Jackie Martin, APM 🞇 Gary McKeone, St George's House |
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🕐 09:50-11:00From Strategy to Delivery: Why organisations still struggle to prepare for changeSpeakers: 🞇 Professor Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez 🞇 Stephen Carver, Cranfield University Major change programmes often begin with compelling strategies and ambitious business cases, yet many organisations still underestimate the capability, governance and cultural readiness required to deliver them. This session will explore whether organisations genuinely prepare themselves for transformation or whether optimism bias, capability gaps and structural constraints continue to undermine delivery before programmes even begin. |
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🕐 11:00-11:30Break |
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🕐 11:30-12:30Truth to Power: Governance, Risk and the Courage to Challenge Major ChangeSpeakers: 🞇 Becky Wood, NISTA 🞇 Zoe Hawtin-Rew, Bank of England Successful transformation depends on more than strong leadership and technical delivery capability. It requires environments where challenge is welcomed, risk is surfaced early and independent assurance is empowered to influence decision making. This discussion will examine how organisations create cultures where constructive challenge strengthens governance and credibility, even when projects operate under political, commercial or reputational pressure. |
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🕐 12:30-13:30Lunch and group photo |
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🕐 13:30-14:30From Delivery to Value: Why delivering value in a changing environment remains difficultSpeakers: 🞇 Carl Elden-Ford, Hiscox 🞇 Sue Simmonite, BAE Systems Many organisations successfully deliver projects yet struggle to sustain the value those initiatives were intended to create. This session will examine how leaders move beyond delivery milestones to ensure benefits are defined clearly, measured effectively and embedded within operational capability. The discussion will focus on leadership accountability, transition management and the long term stewardship required to convert change into enduring value. |
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🕐 14:30-14:50Leadership Exchange: Turning Insight into ActionFacilitator: 🞇 Professor Eddie Obeng Following the first three sessions, this short facilitated exchange will give delegates the opportunity to identify the most important leadership, governance and capability challenges emerging from the day. Rather than revisiting each discussion in detail, the focus will be on surfacing the practical shifts senior leaders believe are now required to improve the delivery of change and transformation. |
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🕐 14:50-15:15Break |
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🕐 15:15-16:00Strategic Reflection Session: What Must Change Now?Speakers: 🞇 Carl Gavin, University of Liverpool Drawing on insights from the day’s discussions, this session will provide space for deeper reflection on what the profession must do differently to prepare for the next decade of transformation. Academic insights and structured dialogue will challenge prevailing assumptions and identify practical actions that leaders, institutions and the wider profession must consider to strengthen future project delivery capability. |
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🕐 15:15-16:50Fireside Interview – Leading Transformation Through Uncertainty🞇 Mark Thurston, Anglian Water In this candid conversation, a senior leader will reflect on their experience of leading large scale change in a complex environment. The discussion will explore the realities behind major transformation initiatives including difficult decisions, leadership pressures and lessons learned when navigating uncertainty, stakeholder expectations and organisational resistance. |
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🕐 16:35-16:50Actions and next steps and daytime close |
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🕐 17:00-17:50Drinks reception |
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🕐 19:00-21:30Evening dinnerWelcome and reflections on the day’s Windsor Project Summit 🞇 Jackie Martin, APM |
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🕐 21:30-22:00Private Guided tour of St. George's Chapel |
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🕐 22:00Event close |
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🕐 22:00-00:00Informal social drinks |
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Event facilitatorProfessor Eddie Obeng PhD MBADescribed by the Financial Times as a 'leading revolutionary' and 'agent provocateur', Eddie is a professor at the School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Henley Business School, founder and Learning Director of Pentacle The Virtual Business School, and a leading business theorist, innovator and educator. View Eddie's profile. |
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After-dinner speakerDavid LiddingtonDavid Liddington is a Distinguished Fellow and former Chair (2020-2025) of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), the UK’s foremost Defence and Security Policy think tank. He is Honorary President of the Great Britain China Centre and UK Chair of the Königswinter Conference (UK/Germany) and the Aurora Forum (UK/Nordics and Baltics). He also chairs the Buckinghamshire Historic Churches Trust. View David's profile. |
Group Director of Transformation, BBC
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Professor of Project Management and Director of Executive Education, University of Liverpool Management School.
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Programme Management Senior Director, AECOM | Board Chair, APM
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CEO & Founder, Projects & Co | Author of Powered by Projects (HBR Press)
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Global Project Management & Control Director, BAE Systems
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Chief Executive, Anglian Water Group
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Chief Executive Officer, Head of the Government Project Delivery Function, National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
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Security
- Please note that delegates will be required to complete a security registration form prior to the event.
- Delegates will also need to present two forms of photographic ID upon entry to the grounds.
Accommodation
There will be limited single occupancy accommodation available to delegates on the night of 23 October at St George’s House. Please indicate on the registration form if you wish to be considered for accommodation. If we are unable to offer accommodation at St George’s House, you will be offered accommodation in close proximity to the venue at a reduced rate.
Dress code
- Daytime: Business Formal
- Evening: Black Tie Optional / Business Formal
Cost
This event is free to attend. However, if you are unable to attend you must nominate someone within your business who can attend on your behalf. If the nominated person is unable to attend you will be charged £399. This charge will also be applied to any no-shows.