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APM East of England Network - Beyond the Hype: AI, Data and the Future of Project Delivery
AI and data are rapidly reshaping the project delivery profession, but what does this mean in practice? Join Shahida Rajabdeen, Director and Head of Information Management at AtkinsRéalis, and Sahil Rithe, Project Manager at AtkinsRéalis, for an engaging discussion that provides a practitioner's perspective on the real-world impact of AI and emerging technologies on project delivery.
Drawing on industry experience and practical examples, the session will explore how organisations can establish the critical data, information management, and governance foundations required to realise the benefits of AI. Our speakers will discuss the steps needed to improve data quality, information structures, and digital processes, enabling organisations to unlock greater value from AI, support better decision-making, enhance project outcomes, and drive efficiency across the project lifecycle.
The discussion will also examine how AI is transforming project delivery, from improving productivity and enabling more data-driven decisions to creating new opportunities for innovation and collaboration. Alongside the benefits, the session will address the challenges, risks, and ethical considerations associated with AI adoption, highlighting the importance of responsible implementation and robust governance.
Through a practical and experience-led lens, Shahida and Sahil will share insights into the organisational capabilities, skills, and behaviours that project professionals need to thrive in an AI-enabled future.
The session will also explore how teams can responsibly harness technology to deliver greater value for clients, projects, and stakeholders.
Whether you are new to AI or already exploring its potential, this session will provide valuable insights into the opportunities, challenges, and practical realities shaping the future of project delivery, helping you understand not only what AI can achieve, but also the foundations required to turn that potential into lasting value.
Date: 20 October 2026 Time: 17:00 - 19:00 BST
Venue: West Hub JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0US, United Kingdom
Organiser: APM East of England Network
CPD: 2.00
Ticket prices:
Student member: Free
Associate member: Free
Member: Free
Non-member: £20
Corporate Partner/Affiliate employee: £10
Agenda - delete / edit
Programme subject to change
17:00 – Registration, refreshments and networking
17:30 – Presentations
19:00 – Close
Speakers:
Shahida Rajabdeen - Director and Head of Information Management and Data Services, AtkinsRéalis
Shahida is a Chartered surveyor and Information Management expert with over 15 years of experience supporting both private and public sector clients adopt data driven practices, embedding Information Management to enable Information advantage within their respective organisations. She has worked with these organisations to develop, refine and optimise Information Management processes across asset life, educate, train project teams and implement the International Standards around Information Management, which serves as the foundation for effectively leveraging asset data.
An active industry leader, Shahida is a Nima Ambassador and leads the Information Management Initiative (IMI) Management Group, where she provides strategic leadership to drive the adoption and advancement of Information Management practices across the built environment sector. She has made key contributions to industry best practice through her leadership in the development and implementation of the Standard Information Approach (SIA) with the Government and Industry Interoperability Group (GIIG), her contributions to ISO 19650 guidance, and her active participation in industry conferences, working groups, and professional forums. Through these initiatives, Shahida champions consistent, outcome-focused Information Management approaches that enhance information quality, support informed decision-making, and improve organisational and asset performance.

Sahil Rithe - Assistant Project Manager within the Buildings & Places division, Atkinsrealis
Sahil is an Assistant Project Manager within the Buildings & Places division at Atkinsrealis, Associate member APM, holding an MSc in Construction Project Management, BEng in Civil Engineering, and APM PMQ, with experience delivering public sector projects for Ministry of Justice and Department for Education.
Actively pursuing chartership with the Association for Project Management, underlining a commitment to professional development in the construction and infrastructure sector. Equipped with certifications, including the APM Project Management Qualification, to support effective project delivery.

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