Interview with Helen Elsby, Chief Solutions Officer, Heathrow
Followed by a panel discussion with Helen’s supply chain partners, Mott MacDonald (Harriet Wheeldon) and Mace (Nigel Coles)
OVERVIEW
This discussion will explore the future of Heathrow, the UK’s hub airport and a vital engine for national economic growth.
With passenger volumes continuing to reach record highs, Heathrow continues to progress plans for expansion to combat capacity constraints and keep passengers and cargo moving in, out and across the country smoothly.
The scale of ambition is staggering: a £1.3 billion commitment in 2026 to conclude the current H7 investment cycle, more than £5 billion planned for the forthcoming H8 period (2027–2031), and the greenlighting of planning work for a potential further £30 billion.
Funding these ambitions entirely through private capital requires relentless operational and supply chain efficiency. From Modern Methods of Construction and AI-driven stand management to collaboration across a nationwide supply chain, Heathrow must stretch every asset to unlock a 12% capacity boost, transform passenger experience, and drive net-zero goals.
Helen Elsby is Chief Development Officer at Heathrow and responsible for turning these complex multi-billion-pound ambitions into physical and commercial realities. We will hear firsthand how Heathrow plans to build faster, smarter, and more efficiently to deliver maximum value for passengers, airlines, and the UK economy.
EVENT DETAILS
- Date: Wednesday, 16 September 2026
- Time: 8:30 – 10:30 (Networking breakfast with light refreshments served)
- Location: Bentley Systems, 8 Bishopsgate, London
REGISTRATION
Space is limited, so register now at the bottom of the page to secure your spot.
WHY ATTEND
By the end of the session, participants will:
- Understand practical, cross‑sector examples of how improved asset data and digital approaches can support financing, refinancing, underwriting and portfolio allocation decisions.
- Understand how infrastructure financing, delivery, operations and maintenance are becoming increasingly connected and how digital technology is helping to enable this whole-of-lifecycle approach
- Gain a clearer view of how resilience evidence can reduce uncertainty, support insurability and improve confidence in long‑term returns.
- Identify collaboration opportunities between asset owners and operators, investors, banks, insurers, advisers and policymakers to strengthen project preparation and scale investable pipelines for sustainable infrastructure.
SPEAKERS
Opening remarks:
- Jerry Lynch, Dean, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University
Keynote Remarks:
- Valerie Foushee, U.S. Congresswoman for North Carolina’s Fourth Congressional District
- Jess Anderson, Mayor, Town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Panelists:
- Elizabeth Losos, Executive in Residence, Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability
- Nick Novelli, PhD, ENV SP, Associate – High Performance Buildings, AECOM.
- Stuart Brown, Flood Resiliency Blueprint Program Manager, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Moderator:
- Rory Linehan, Director of Infrastructure Policy Advancement, Bentley Systems
SPEAKERS
Helen Elsby
Chief Solutions Officer, Heathrow
Harriet Wheeldon
Director, Mott MacDonald
Nigel Cole
Director, Mace
Antony Oliver
Moderator / Infrastructure Journalist
BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
REGISTER NOW
Join a select group of infrastructure leaders, policymakers, and innovators for a meaningful exchange of ideas. These invite-only gatherings offer a chance to explore forward-thinking approaches, share your perspective, and help shape the future of infrastructure. Space is limited, so register now to secure your spot.
We respect your privacy. By submitting this form, you consent to us collecting, storing, and processing your personal data in accordance with GDPR. Your information will be used solely for event registration and for sharing post-event content and marketing materials, as outlined in our Privacy Policy. We will not share your information without your explicit consent. You can withdraw your consent at any time by contacting our team.
REGISTER NOW
Join a select group of infrastructure leaders, policymakers, and innovators for a meaningful exchange of ideas. These invite-only gatherings offer a chance to explore forward-thinking approaches, share your perspective, and help shape the future of infrastructure. Space is limited, so register now to secure your spot.
We respect your privacy. By submitting this form, you consent to us collecting, storing, and processing your personal data in accordance with GDPR. Your information will be used solely for event registration and for sharing post-event content and marketing materials, as outlined in our Privacy Policy. We will not share your information without your explicit consent. You can withdraw your consent at any time by contacting our team.
REGISTRATION CLOSED
Thank you for your interest in this event. Registration is now closed as we have reached full capacity.
If you would like to join the waitlist in case any registered delegates are unable to attend, please fill out the form below.
Thank you for your interest in this event. Registration is now closed as we have reached full capacity.
We respect your privacy. By submitting this form, you consent to us collecting, storing, and processing your personal data in accordance with GDPR. Your information will be used solely for event registration and for sharing post-event content and marketing materials, as outlined in our Privacy Policy. We will not share your information without your explicit consent. You can withdraw your consent at any time by contacting our team.