Creating Sponge Cities to Tackle Surface Water Flooding

Date: 25th March 2025

Venue: Bentley Systems,
8 Bishopsgate, London,
EC2N 4BQ

Time: 9.30 – 11.30

INTRODUCTION

Join us for the launch of the groundbreaking whitepaper Creating Sponge Cities to Tackle Surface Water Flooding. This exclusive event brings together leading experts, policymakers, urban planners, and environmental consultants to discuss the urgent challenges posed by pluvial flooding and explore innovative, sustainable solutions.

Pluvial flooding—caused by intense rainfall overwhelming urban drainage systems—has become a growing concern in cities worldwide. With climate change driving more extreme weather patterns, urban environments must adopt resilient strategies to mitigate the risks and protect communities, infrastructure, and economies. This event serves as a platform for thought leadership, collaboration, and action-oriented discussions to shape the future of flood resilience.

Date: 25th March 2025

Venue: Bentley Systems,
8 Bishopsgate, London,
EC2N 4BQ

Time: 9.30 – 11.30

INTRODUCTION​

Join us for the launch of the groundbreaking whitepaper Creating Sponge Cities to Tackle Surface Water Flooding. This exclusive event brings together leading experts, policymakers, urban planners, and environmental consultants to discuss the urgent challenges posed by pluvial flooding and explore innovative, sustainable solutions.

Pluvial flooding—caused by intense rainfall overwhelming urban drainage systems—has become a growing concern in cities worldwide. With climate change driving more extreme weather patterns, urban environments must adopt resilient strategies to mitigate the risks and protect communities, infrastructure, and economies. This event serves as a platform for thought leadership, collaboration, and action-oriented discussions to shape the future of flood resilience.

AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS

1. Keynote address: The urgency of flood resilience

Lee Pitcher, MP delivers a keynote speech outlining the increasing risks of pluvial flooding, its economic and social impacts, and the role of urban planning in addressing climate challenges.

2. Interview: key questions from the whitepaper

Anthony Oliver, from The Infrastructure Podcast, interviews Lee Pitcher MP on the findings from the whitepaper, providing an in-depth analysis of:

  • Causes and consequences of pluvial flooding
  • Global best practices, including sponge city initiatives
  • Policy recommendations for sustainable urban water management

3. Panel discussion: From research to action

Hosted by Antony Oliver, authors of the whitepaper will discuss:

  • Implementing nature-based solutions like Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS)
  • Strengthening infrastructure resilience through innovative technologies
  • The role of legislation and policy in shaping flood management strategies

4. Closing remarks and networking reception

Wrap up the event with reflections on key takeaways, followed by a networking session to foster collaboration and partnerships among attendees.

Lee Pitcher

Member of Parliament for Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme

Antony Oliver

Editorial consultant
and infrastructure
journalist

AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS

1. Keynote address: The urgency of flood resilience

Lee Pitcher, MP delivers a keynote speech outlining the increasing risks of pluvial flooding, its economic and social impacts, and the role of urban planning in addressing climate challenges.

2. Interview: key questions from the whitepaper

Anthony Oliver, from The Infrastructure Podcast, interviews Lee Pitcher MP on the findings from the whitepaper, providing an in-depth analysis of:

  • Causes and consequences of pluvial flooding
  • Global best practices, including sponge city initiatives
  • Policy recommendations for sustainable urban water management

3. Panel discussion: From research to action

Hosted by Antony Oliver, authors of the whitepaper will discuss:

  • Implementing nature-based solutions like Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS)
  • Strengthening infrastructure resilience through innovative technologies
  • The role of legislation and policy in shaping flood management strategies

4. Closing remarks and networking reception

Wrap up the event with reflections on key takeaways, followed by a networking session to foster collaboration and partnerships among attendees.

Lee Pitcher

Member of Parliament for Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme

Antony Oliver

Editorial consultant and infrastructure journalist

Who should attend?

  • Environmental consultants and engineers
  • Urban planners and policymakers
  • Water and infrastructure industry leaders
  • Academics and researchers in climate resilience
  • Sustainability advocates and community leaders

Why attend?

  • Gain exclusive insights from experts on pluvial flooding and climate resilience
  • Discover innovative strategies for sustainable urban development
  • Network with industry leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders
  • Be part of the conversation shaping the future of flood risk management

REGISTER NOW

This event is a pivotal step towards developing flood-resilient cities and ensuring a sustainable future for urban communities. Join us in driving the change needed to protect our cities from the impacts of pluvial flooding.

Register now to secure your place at this crucial event.

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