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Women in CemCo International Congress EMEA 2025

A Movement for Change

The Women in Cement and Construction International Congress 2026 will take place on 30 October 2026 in Brussels, Belgium, continuing its mission to drive meaningful change across the global cement and construction sectors. Building on the momentum of previous editions, this gathering will once again unite professionals, leaders, and advocates committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through inspiring testimonies, high‑impact discussions, and collaborative exchanges, the 2026 edition will further strengthen the movement to empower women, accelerate leadership pathways, and shape a more inclusive future for the industry.

Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to be among the first to find out all about confirmed speakers and topics!

Previous editions:

Earlier this spring, the Americas edition took place in Dallas, Texas, on 11–12 March 2026, bringing together an exceptional group of industry leaders and advocates. The event welcomed women professionals from cement and construction companies across North and South America, alongside executives, engineers, sustainability experts, HR leaders, DEI specialists, and representatives from major associations and academic institutions. Participants shared powerful stories, explored leadership pathways, and collaborated on strategies to accelerate diversity, equity, and inclusion across the region’s built‑environment sectors.

More details can be found here: https://industrylink.eu/women-in-cemco-americas-2026-leadership-purpose-and-the-future-of-women-in-construction/

Americas 2025, Global 2024 – launch edition.

 

Why Attend?

Network with Global Leaders

Connect with top executives, industry leaders, and DEI champions who are shaping the future of the cement and construction sectors. Build meaningful relationships that can drive your career and the industry forward.

Gain Cutting-Edge Insights

Learn from renowned speakers and thought leaders about the latest strategies and trends in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Equip yourself with knowledge that can transform your organization’s approach to DEI.

Develop Actionable Strategies

Participate in workshops designed to provide you with practical tools and strategies for advancing DEI in your organization. Leave with actionable plans to implement change and foster inclusivity.

Drive Industry Change

Contribute to high-level discussions that will shape the future of diversity and inclusion in the cement and construction industries. Your voice and perspective are crucial in driving the industry towards a more equitable future.

Expand Your Influence

Build lasting relationships with like-minded professionals, potential collaborators, and industry influencers. Use this opportunity to expand your influence and advocate for change within your organization and beyond.

CONGRESS TOPICS

Empowering Leadership: Women in Heavy Industries

Explore strategic initiatives and leadership development programs that empower women to ascend to executive roles. Learn how organizations can support and nurture female talent to drive industry-wide change.

Resilience and Success: Stories from Women Leaders.

Be inspired by the remarkable journeys of women who have shattered stereotypes and overcome barriers to lead significant projects and companies. Discover how these leaders have driven organizational transformation.

Driving Innovation: Women Leading in Technology and Sustainability

Discover how women are pioneering advancements in technology and sustainable practices within the cement and construction industries. This session will focus on the intersection of green practices and cutting-edge technologies.

Global Perspectives on Gender Equality in Construction

Examine international strategies, best practices, and cultural considerations in promoting gender equality. Gain insights into how different regions are addressing DEI challenges and what lessons can be applied globally.

Work-Life Integration: Strategies for Professional and Personal Fulfillment
Learn practical strategies for achieving work-life integration from women in demanding roles. This session features real-life examples and a panel discussion on balancing professional challenges with personal aspirations.

Allyship and Collaboration: Building a Supportive Industry

Highlight the crucial role of male allies and the importance of industry-wide collaboration in advancing gender equality. Discover how partnerships between organizations, professional associations, and academia can create a supportive environment for women.

Who Should Attend

Women in Cement and Construction: Industry professionals looking to enhance leadership skills, network with peers, and drive positive change.
Industry Executives and Leaders: Those committed to creating diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplaces.
Human Resources Professionals: Specialists focused on implementing DEI strategies and fostering inclusive organizational cultures.
Engineers, Architects, and Project Managers: Professionals aiming to advance diversity in technical and leadership roles.
Advocacy Groups and Associations: Representatives from organizations dedicated to promoting gender equality and supporting women in the industry.
Academics and Researchers: Scholars interested in the intersection of gender, diversity,
and industry practices.
Policymakers and Government Officials: Leaders working to promote gender equity and diversity at the policy level

WOMEN IN CEMCO provides a platform for women in the cement and construction industry to come together, share experiences, and drive positive change. Join us to expand your network, amplify your voice, and contribute to shaping a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable future for women in the field. Together, let’s inspire, innovate, and forge a path towards a thriving cement and construction industry that embraces inclusion, diversity, and equality.

Please reach out to us at Contact@industrylink.eu for registration, any inquiries, speaking opportunities, and to secure the most favorable arrangements for individual bookings, group rates, partnerships or sponsorship opportunities. Feel free to explore our website for a comprehensive list of events and detailed information about our activities.

Dive into our calendar of events, featuring Women in Cement and Construction International Congress Americas (Dallas, Texas, April 12-13, 2026), Cementitious Materials TechTrade International Congress MENA (Cairo, Egypt, May 18-19) and Sustainability and ESG International Summit 2025 (TBA), CarbonZero Global Conference and Exhibition 2026 (TBA),  Women in Cement and Construction International Congress EMEA 2026 (TBA).

Sign up to our newsletter on industrylink.eu to receive the latest news and future events info as well as exclusive discounts.

Future events in 2026:

ESG and Sustainability International Summit and Industry 5.0 Conference and  Exhibition – June 10-11, 2026; Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil

A premier regional platform for industry leaders to discuss sustainability, ESG strategies, and regulatory advancements in cement and construction. This event brings together thought leaders and corporate professionals from around the world to explore the latest trends in sustainable finance, legal frameworks, and industry innovations.

We are also including panel discussions on Industry 5.0 to discuss how AI and Automation and other smart solutions are contributing to the decarbonization of the cement & construction industry.

The event is designed to inspire, educate, and empower corporate attendees to drive sustainable progress and create a positive impact on our planet and society, previous editions were held in Madeira, Portugal and Cairo, Egypt in 2024 and 2025 respectively.

 

CarbonZero Alternative Fuels & Raw Materials Global Conference & Exhibition 2026 to include Cementitious Europe – Congress, 27 – 29 October 2026; Location: Brussels, Belgium 

This premier global platform, CarbonZero brings together senior decision-makers to accelerate the transition to Net Zero in cement and construction. The conference will explore green alternatives—ranging from alternative fuels and raw materials to clinker substitutes-alongside emerging technologies, carbon capture, financing and investment strategies, policy developments, and industry standards. This C-level gathering convenes leaders from cement manufacturing, construction, technology, research, academia, and regulatory institutions—united in shaping actionable and sustainable solutions.

Cementiutius Materials

The Cementitious Materials International Technical and Trade Congress will host two major editions in 2026. The European edition will take place on 28–29 October 2026 in Brussels, Belgium, bringing together cement producers, traders, construction leaders, and technical experts to explore the latest innovations in alternative raw materials, clinker substitutes, and circular solutions for Europe’s decarbonisation pathway. Later in the year, the MEA edition will be held on 8–9 December 2026 in Morocco, uniting industry stakeholders from across the Middle East and Africa to advance progress in ashes, slags, pozzolanas, clays, and construction and demolition waste as sustainable alternative raw materials.

 

Sign up to our newsletter on industrylink.eu to receive the latest news and future events info as well as exclusive pricing. Follow our LinkedIn page for news and insights for the next events.

 

 

 

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Women in CemCo 2026 EMEA | Individual Rate Standard
691.00$

Access to all event presentations

Lunches and coffee breaks

PDF format of all presentations delivered to your
email after the event

Visa Travel and Accommodation are NOT included in the rate

Women are steadily transforming the face of heavy industries such as cement, steel, mining, power and large-scale manufacturing. Once considered male-dominated domains, these sectors are now opening up opportunities for women to contribute not only as engineers and technical experts but also as Senior Managers, Plant Heads and Policy Leaders. This shift has been enabled by a combination of factors — progressive recruitment policies, workplace safety improvements, skill-development initiatives and targeted leadership programs designed to build confidence and capability.

By bringing diverse perspectives to strategic decisions, women leaders in heavy industries are influencing innovation, operational efficiency and sustainability practices. They are also role models for younger professionals, showing that gender need not limit career aspirations in challenging environments. As organizations embrace inclusivity and invest in mentorship, the presence of women in leadership roles becomes a catalyst for cultural change and long-term business growth.

Speakers:

In high-pressure industries like cement and construction, leadership often demands strength, speed, and precision—but rarely invites stillness or reflection. This presentation explores how integrating mindfulness into leadership empowers women to navigate complexity with clarity, balance authority with empathy, and lead high-performing teams without losing their sense of self. Drawing on 18+ years of experience in industrial engineering, safety management, and life and mindfulness coaching, Diana Halawi Ghosn shares practical tools and real-world strategies to help women leaders remain centered, resilient, and impactful—even in the most demanding environments. Attendees will gain insights into building mental agility, fostering psychological safety, and leading with presence in a male-dominated field. It's time to lead not just with power—but with purpose.

Speakers:

The Ladies in Construction Network in Brussels is an informal and steadily growing community of women working in EU affairs, policy, and communication for the construction sector. It was created to connect professionals based in Brussels, fostering dialogue, mutual support, and greater visibility for women shaping the future of Europe’s built environment.

Through interactive workshops and informal meetings, the network identifies key themes for discussion — from inclusion, communication, and leadership to safety, sustainability, and digitalisation. These exchanges help bridge the gap between technical expertise and European decision-making, while building stronger professional links across organisations and sectors.

In this session, Magdalena Herbik, Public Affairs & Communications Manager at BIBM – the Federation of the European Precast Concrete Industry – and Co-Chair of the Advocacy Committee of Concrete Europe, will present the network’s origins, objectives, and next steps, illustrating how shared engagement among women in Brussels can inspire a more inclusive, innovative, and forward-looking construction industry.

Speakers:

The contribution of women can play a crucial role in promoting the sustainability of concrete, thanks to their skills and innovative perspectives in the fields of research, management, and education. In the scientific arena, many female researchers are engaged in the development of alternative materials and low-impact technologies, ranging from studies on the use of recycled aggregates to bio-based concrete.

In leadership roles, women tend to promote more inclusive decisions focused on collective well-being, favouring construction solutions aligned with environmental and social criteria. Their involvement in education and awareness-raising is essential to spreading a culture of sustainability that engages both communities and professionals in the sector.

In this presentation, Engineer Bertagnoli aims to highlight the sustainability of the most widely used construction material in the world, shifting from a technical to a policy-making perspective. Her experience spans from laboratory research to construction sites, and now to the European level through the management of concrete and concrete admixture organizations. The goal is to demonstrate how decisions made at the European level translate into concrete actions for the sector, and how the contribution of women can positively influence these processes.

Speakers:

In an ever-evolving world with climate change and the wider environmental crisis becoming increasingly pressing, awareness on sustainability is rising.

But neither fast enough nor always with clarity on what the right steps are at the different layers of our economy and activities towards a sustainable transition.

How do we 'sell' sustainability when it's neither mandatory nor saves money directly? 

Do policy, targets and associated actions to comply with them add up for overall carbon reduction or do they have significant unintended consequences?

Where is the healthy line between celebrating even small wins to encourage further progress and avoiding greenwashing that settles for far less than needed?

The session will explore real-world examples from the UK construction industry on challenges such as they above with a view to discuss what are the most suitable ways to overcome them.

Speakers:

1. Opening – "Why We Are Here"

"Heavy industry may look like a fortress of concrete and steel, yet the true revolution begins with courageous people who break the mold—women who bring vision and humanity where once only brute force mattered.

As an architect and the founder of Pro Arhitectura, I live every day at the intersection of dream and execution—I know what it means to earn your seat at the decision-making table."

2. Personal Story

A brief timeline: how I built Pro Arhitectura and gained credibility in a field traditionally dominated by men.

Challenges: prejudice, tough negotiations with large construction companies, moments of self-doubt.

Key lessons: perseverance, adaptability, and authentic leadership.

3. Initiatives and Strategies That Work

Internal programs: training for young architects, mentorship initiatives (Inside Rockstars, training hub, etc.).

How I create a "ladder" for other women: recruitment policies, mixed teams, clear KPIs for equality.

Examples from my large-scale projects—green hospitals, sustainable industrial parks—showing how we integrated innovation and sustainability with diverse teams.

4. Global and Local Perspective

Comparison: Romania vs. Europe (for example, Building Health conferences, CarbonZero, international partnerships).

Transferable best practices: collaboration with universities, alliances with major construction firms, creation of women-leader networks.

5. Closing – "A Call to Action"

"In a world built of concrete and numbers, our true strength lies in building invisible bridges—from women toward the future."

Speakers:

The construction sector faces a paradox: it is an engine of economic growth, yet it is often perceived as slow to innovate. This talk, "Innovation in Construction: A Woman's Gaze on Paradoxes," delves into the human and cultural barriers that perpetuate this challenge. Drawing on academic research and practical insights, we will unpack three key paradoxes: the conflict between management and creativity, the disconnect between universal tools and local realities, and the self-fulfilling prophecy of a "laggard" identity. The solution lies not in technology alone, but in a new, pragmatic framework for innovation management. This framework, anchored in high-trust, meso-level networks and a culture that embraces both control and chaos, can transform challenges into opportunities. Women play a unique role as catalysts for change in the industry, which is shown also by statistical data on female leadership and expertise in Romania as a powerful case study for a new, holistic approach to innovation. Acts of recognition are also very important, in particular in developing economies as a compensation for temporary lower performance indicators. 

Speakers:

This session will highlight the power of women leaders in transforming male-dominated industries by embracing authenticity, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership. Through personal reflections and concrete examples from the cement and construction sectors, we will examine how inclusive leadership can accelerate cultural shifts and organizational results. The session features the journey of a female executive whose leadership catalyzed a significant increase in the presence of women across industrial operations—demonstrating how representation and intentional action can spark systemic change. Participants will leave inspired to lead transformation from wherever they stand.

Speakers:
Magdalena Herbik
Public Affairs & Communications Manager
BIBM - Federation of the European Precast Concrete Industry
Malini Chatterjee
Vice President – Human Resources
Vicat in India Group
Ella Falcă
Founder & Lead Architect
PRO ARHITECTURA
Grazia Bertagnoli
Secretary General
European Ready Mixed Concrete Organization
Rodica Lupu
Innovation Strategist | CEO
Loop Operations
Beatrice Ene
Managing Director and Head of Events
Industry Link
Andreea Ioniță
Digital Director CEE Region
CRH
Diana Halawi Ghosn
Group Health and Safety Manager
Secil
Athina Papakosta
Sustainability & Carbon Lead
Skanska Costain STRABAG JV – HS2 London Tunnels
Fatima Tekin
Corporate Risk and Business Continuity Manager
CIMPOR & OYAK Cement
Luciane da Silva Mello
Human and Organizational Development, Communication, and Sustainability Executive Manager
Cimento Apodi
Marta Diez
Country Manager Spain and Portugal
Cfp Energy

Please send us an email stating your name, title, company, email and phone number as well as company details for invoicing. One of our representatives will then contact you and send the invoice for payment via bank transfer.
After the payment is confirmed, you receive the confirmation and you are added to the delegate list.

Should you prefer paying by card, please follow the link to our vendor :https://www.entertix.ro/bilete/10204/carbonzero-alternative-fuels-and-raw-materials-global-conference-and-exhibition-10-11-noiembrie-2022-lisbon.html. Please also email us at carbonzero@industrylink.eu for assistance.

After the payment is confirmed, you receive a confirmation email and you are added to the delegates' list. You automatically become a part of the Industry Link Community of worldwide professionals by being added to our attendee emailing list. We send updates on the event and details for other upcoming events we organize.

The event registration fee includes access to all event presentations, list of participants (companies and titles). If the event is held in person, you also receive the pdf of the presentations, names of the attendees and contact opportunity, coffee breaks and lunch. Other features such as Plant Visits or Cocktail Sessions can be available per demand and for an additional fee if not communicated otherwise.

For selected events, you may receive accommodation included in the ticket price.

Industry Link Team members will always facilitate meeting other event participants. We dedicate full support to organizing one on one meetings on site or on line.
We can also assist in organizing business meetings as separate event facilities.
For more details please email us at contact@industrylink.eu

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You can designate another colleague to attend instead should you not be able to attend anymore. We do not offer refunds as once you register we commit to covering all expenses and we have no refunds available from the event venue.

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