About Focus on PM 2026

ELIA’s 11th Focus on Project Management brings project and production managers from across the language industry to Barcelona for three days designed to challenge your thinking, strengthen your skills and expand the value you bring to your organisation.

As the industry evolves, so does the role of the project manager. Today’s PMs are expected to go beyond successful delivery by making informed business decisions, embracing technology responsibly and creating greater value across their organisations.

Through two conference tracks, interactive workshops and expert-led sessions, you’ll build the commercial awareness, strategic thinking and practical confidence to make a greater impact from day one.

To kick things off, join us for Focus on Technology Day on 25 November 2026,
a full day of hands-on tool training and applied learning.

PROGRAMME

Inspired by Barcelona’s architectural legacy, this year’s theme, “The Architecture of Project Management: Creating Foundations that Stand the Test of Change,” explores what it takes to build a project management practice that remains resilient in an industry defined by constant transformation.

Like the city’s most iconic buildings, exceptional project management combines creativity with structure, innovation with purpose, and careful planning with the flexibility to evolve. As AI reshapes workflows and client expectations continue to grow, project managers have an opportunity to become trusted business partners who help shape better outcomes for their teams, clients, and organisations.

Throughout the programme, we’ll explore how to strengthen business understanding, build lasting client relationships, communicate with greater impact, make confident decisions, and use AI responsibly to enhance human expertise. 

Whether you’re looking to increase your strategic contribution, strengthen your commercial awareness, or simply become more effective in your current role, Focus PM 2026 will provide practical ideas, valuable conversations, and a supportive community of peers facing the same opportunities and challenges.

Join us in Barcelona to build the foundations that won’t just support your next project—but your next chapter as a project manager.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll reveal the speakers and sessions that will bring this year’s theme to life and equip you with the ideas, skills and connections to build stronger foundations for the future. Stay tuned!

Who should attend?

This event is for Project and Production Managers who are ready to evolve with their role and lead with purpose in a fast-changing industry. Whether you’re stepping into new responsibilities, navigating complex workflows, or driving innovation within your team, Focus on PM is designed to help you grow strategically and practically.

You’ll join a community of peers who are as committed as you are to learning, sharing, and shaping the future of project management in the language industry—through honest conversation, hands-on practice, and meaningful collaboration.

Benefits of the programme

REGISTER

Pre-conference Focus on Technology

Three workshops will take place on Wednesday, 25 November,, with full details and speakers announced throughout August. Two workshops will cost €50 each, while the third will be free of charge. You will be notified via email once details have been announced.

Event Cancellation Policy

All requests for cancellation and refunds must be received in writing; this also applies to registration substitutions. Please contact us via email. To view the full cancellation policy and for more information about ELIA’s Event Terms & Conditions, please click here.

Committee

Venue

Novotel Barcelona City Hotel welcomes you to the most innovative area of Barcelona, where avant-garde architecture, design and creativity is all around. Around green areas, retail and near the beach, Sagrada Familia and the metro, it is ideal for discovering the city.

To book your room at Novotel Barcelona City, please use the following BOOKING LINK.

Room rates: €159, single use, €189, double use

Rates include breakfast, VAT and touristic tax (rates subject to changes on the current regulations). To ensure availability, we recommend booking your room by 23 October. Bookings can be cancelled up until 1 month prior to arrival without charge, and the hotel needs to be notified. After that period the rate would be non-refundable.

Images: Copyright Novotel Barcelona City

Social Events

Don’t miss our networking events at PM 2026, where you can mix & mingle with fellow attendees, in inimitable ELIA style. Sign up during registration to secure your spot!

Welcome Drinks Reception

Wednesday, 25 November/ 18:00-20:00
Novotel Rooftop Bar (venue)

ELIA will offer unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks during the first hour of the reception. Any drinks ordered after this time will be at attendees’ own expense.
See you there!

Networking Dinner 

Thursday, 26 November / 19:30-23:30
Marina Bay Restaurant

The cost for the dinner is €65 per person and you can sign up during registration. One way bus transfer to the restaurant is included.
Click here for the menu.

SPONSORS

Interested in sponsoring Focus on Project Management 2026?
Click here or contact us!

PARTNERS