Spotlight Construction & Engineering 2026
While your project margins are increasing, so is complexity in the chain. In Construction & Engineering (C&E), predictability is a necessary building block to any business. But how do you move from simply reporting on the past to actively steering the future?
During last year’s spotlight, we discussed the general role of AI. This year we’re practically applying it directly to the field of Construction & Engineering. We focus on how you can actually apply these tools to make projects more efficient and predictable.
Why you should attend
Predictability doesn't come from producing more reports. It comes from making better choices based on sharper insights. During this event, we bridge the gap between complex data and practical decision-making.
We explore how you can:
- Transform your role: Move from a number cruncher to a strategic partner in the business.
- Leverage AI practically: Discover how AI acts as an accelerator for better forecasting, not just a buzzword.
- Master the metrics: Gain control over cash flow, S-curves, and CO₂ budgeting in the chain.
What to expect
Your peers and the experts from Finext are going to translate strategic challenges into practical solutions. We don’t do lengthy sessions. Instead we’ll provide actionable advice. Expect an event filled with concrete steps to organize your finance function smarter.
For whom?
This event is designed for finance professionals in the Construction & Engineering sector, from Project Controllers to finance managers, who want to organize their business in a smarter way and translate digital ambitions into a roadmap that fits their organization.
Practical details
- Date: April 9, 2026
- Time: 08:00 - 09:30
- Location: Online, on our event platform
This is the full program of the Spotlight Construction & Engineering 2026
Opening
The opening of the Spotlight Construction & Engineering
How Vanderlande keeps control of the pipeline
In a sector where the chain is becoming increasingly complex, control over the pipeline is essential to maintain healthy margins. During the event, Vanderlande will demonstrate how they ensure financial predictability right from the sales phase. Instead of waiting for realization, they create immediate insight into the expected costs, revenue, and contribution margin of projects that are still in the application phase.
At the heart of their approach is the ‘Must Plan’ process, which translates historical data into smart S-curves. These curves work like an accordion: their shape is based on proven projects, but the timeline stretches flexibly with the expected lead time. This allows new opportunities to be weighed immediately on a data-driven basis and distributed proportionally over time.
The result is a forecast that flows seamlessly into financial planning, without the familiar 'black box' of the pipeline. This session offers a down-to-earth look at how you can use data in a practical way to make the transition from reporting after the fact to steering in advance.
Breakout session option 1: AI in Practice
Adopting AI and smart technology doesn't have to be a massive transformation program. In this session, we make the application of AI and digital 'agents' tangible by focusing on solving your daily work puzzles within Construction & Engineering. Through a concrete case study from the industry, you will discover how to start small with ‘low-hanging fruit’ to achieve immediate results in your production and planning processes.
Whether it involves optimizing workforce planning or maximizing capacity at your prefab locations: we demonstrate how technology works for you where fixed rules fall short. This way, you improve lead times and quality while creating the necessary time to truly engage with the business as a financial professional.
Breakout session 2: Predictability over Tooling
True financial predictability isn’t achieved by adding more reports or choosing a specific tool; it’s about sharper insights and financial leadership. Whether your organization uses Tagetik, OneStream, Vena, or even Excel, the focus must remain on the business problem rather than the software. In this session, we show you how to move from software discussions to strategic partnership, translating complex industry challenges into concrete, workable solutions.
We dive into the themes where finance and operations meet, such as liquidity projections, cashflow forecasting, and project margins. Using anonymized best practices from the field, you will discover how to master the dynamics of a project-driven environment. By leveraging smart automation and clear insights, you create the necessary time to truly act as a business partner instead of just processing the numbers.
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