
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.
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.
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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