People and behaviours: Delivering successful projects
In today鈥檚 dynamic project environments, success hinges not just on technical excellence but on the human dimensions of change.
Our North West Conference theme of People and Behaviours will explore the critical interpersonal and ethical competences that enable projects and teams to thrive, emphasising;
- effective stakeholder engagement
- clear communication
- empathetic leadership
- collaborative team management
- inclusive practices
- professional integrity
Rooted in the APM Competence Framework鈥檚 focus on building trust, resolving conflict constructively, and fostering diverse and inclusive cultures, this theme invites delegates to deepen their understanding of how behaviours shape outcomes in complex projects and how cultivating the right skills can drive sustainable change and high-performing teams.
The day will also provide many opportunities to expand your professional network and learn from current practitioners across a wide range of projects.
We are busy finalising our conference programme with engaging sessions and a full line up of speakers. More details coming soon.
Thank you to our exhibitors for their valued support.
Join us
Date: Tuesday 22 September 2026
Time: 09:00-17:00
Venue: etc.venues Manchester, 11 Portland St, Manchester M1 3HU
Early-bird Member: 拢105.00
Early-bird Non-member: 拢155.00
Early-bird Corporate Partner/Affiliate employee: 拢114.00
Student member: 拢33.00
All prices exclude VAT
Group booking discount:
15% discount on the full conference price for groups of five or more booking together.
Early-bird available until Sunday 14 June 2026.
Conference programme (subject to change)
馃晲 09:00-09:30
Registration and refreshments
馃晲 09:30-09:45
Welcome from North West Lead, Liz Bohler
馃晲 09:45-10:30
Opening keynote
馃晲 10:30-11:00
Break
馃晲 11:00-11:45
馃晲 11:00-11:45 Stream 1
From grey to green: delivering a 拢300m shift to nature-based infrastructure
馃瀲 Alicja Solarczyk and Jack Brailsford, United Utilities
Alicja and Jack will share how United Utilities is delivering a 拢300m Rainwater Management Programme, representing the first time a UK water company has secured funding at this scale to accelerate green-blue solutions and trial new ways of working.
馃晲 11:00-11:45 Stream 2
The magic mix: when multi-disciplinary teams come together to create innovation
馃瀲 Andra Chiscop and Simon Taylor, The Co-op
Andra and Simon will discuss the Flexi checkout project, which enables self-service from any till point, whilst retaining the ability to serve in a traditional way - the first to market in the UK food retail industry.
馃晲 11:50-12:40
馃晲 11:50-12:40 Stream 1
Defining the critical role of the project sponsor.
馃瀲 Professor Carl Gavin, Director of Executive Education and Professor of Project Management, University of Liverpool Management School
This presentation will briefly explore typical challenges and issues with sponsorship competences and behaviours before presenting a simple but practical model for project sponsorship - that was developed with support from the Major Projects Association 鈥� that will help with defining the critical role of the project sponsor.
馃晲 11:50-12:40 Stream 2
Using gamification in managing relational risk in projects
馃瀲 Professor Dave Bryde, Professor of Project Management, Liverpool John Moores University 馃瀲 Dr Hannah Wilson, Reader in Workplace Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University
This interactive session will introduce delegates to the concept of relational risk, which is the potential for adverse outcomes that arise from people interactions, relationships, or networks.
馃晲 12:40-13:45
Lunch
馃晲 13:45-14:30
馃晲 13:45-14:30 Stream 1
Collaborative Leadership and the art of Relationship Driven Delivery
馃瀲 Simon Moran, Director and People Explorer, Change and Co
This session introduces the idea of putting relationships first, and shows how speeding up the team dynamic can create a more open, honest and delivery-focused partnerships.
馃晲 13:45-14:30 Stream 2
APM People Interest Network
馃晲 14:30-15:00
Break
馃晲 15:00-15:45
TfGM
馃晲 15:45-16:30
Closing session
APM North West Award Winner panel
馃晲 16:30-16:45
Closing remarks
馃瀲 Liz Bohler
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APM North West Network
Discover networking opportunities in the North West and learn about latest developments in project management.
Our network is open to project professionals, business owners, and individuals dedicated to supporting others. We welcome members from all sectors and career stages and take pride in the diversity of our membership.
