The Association for Project Management (APM) Conference 2025, which concluded on Friday, served as a potent crucible for examining the evolving mandate of project management. Under the overarching theme, “Projects for a Better Future,” this year’s gathering transcended traditional discussions of methodologies and tools, instead placing a sharp focus on the project profession’s pivotal role in addressing pressing global challenges, particularly sustainability. The message was clear: the future of project management is inextricably linked to its capacity for generating tangible, positive impact.
For too long, the narrative around project management has been confined to the efficient delivery of outputs. While operational excellence remains fundamental, the 2025 conference firmly pivoted the conversation towards outcomes and purpose. Speakers and delegates alike grappled with the complex interplay between project success and broader societal and environmental well-being. This shift reflects a growing recognition that projects, by their very nature, are agents of change, and therefore bear a profound responsibility for the nature of that change.
A key takeaway was the unequivocal call for project professionals to integrate sustainability into every phase of the project lifecycle. Dr. Joel Carboni, Founder and President of Green Project Management (GPM), underscored this imperative, noting that while 73% of project professionals acknowledge the high importance of sustainability, a concerning 79% feel the profession is not doing enough. This chasm highlights a critical need for both upskilling and a fundamental recalibration of project KPIs to include environmental and social impact. Sessions delved into practical approaches, from embedding sustainable practices in procurement and supply chain management to measuring and reporting on project contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Beyond the environmental lens, the conference illuminated the “people” aspect of “Projects for a Better Future.” Discussions on diversity, equality, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) were prominent, with Cyara Buchuck-Wilsenach, a Project Manager at the Ministry of Justice and winner of the Wendy Jones 2024 award for her commitment to DEI, presenting on its vital role in fostering a truly sustainable workforce. The emphasis was not merely on compliance, but on cultivating inclusive environments that unlock innovation and leverage diverse perspectives for more robust project outcomes.
The “innovation” stream, sponsored by Firewood, showcased the transformative potential of emerging technologies and novel approaches. AI-driven project management, predictive analytics, and digital twin technologies were explored not as futuristic novelties, but as essential tools for navigating increasingly complex project landscapes and optimising resource allocation for sustainable objectives. The imperative here was to move beyond simply adopting new tools and to embrace a mindset of continuous experimentation and adaptation.
Perhaps the most salient message emanating from the Coventry Building Society Arena was the need for a holistic, integrated approach to project management. The traditional silos between strategy, finance, and operations must dissolve. As Lynda Rawsthorne, Government Head of the Property Profession at the Cabinet Office, alongside Sandy Gill and Andy Cooke, articulated, fostering cross-functional collaboration and cultivating leadership that champions sustainability at its core are paramount. The days of the isolated project manager are over; the future demands collaborative leaders who can translate strategic intent into tangible, impactful projects.
The APM Conference 2025 did not merely present a vision; it laid down a gauntlet. The project profession is uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change, but this requires a proactive and deliberate shift. It demands a commitment to understanding the broader impact of every project, equipping teams with the skills to deliver sustainably, and fostering an innovative culture that embraces new technologies and collaborative paradigms. As the dust settles on this year’s event, the challenge for project leaders is clear: to move beyond the blueprint and become architects of a truly better future.
Hear more from the CEO of the APM in today’s Project Flux podcast. Where the team interview Adam Boddison, fresh from his appearance at the APM 2025 Conference.
