Everybody has good conversation in them and a fantastic story to tell. What is yours?
 
The ‘Listening Pod’ is a new project hosted by the drainage specialist ACO which launches this week and sets out to capture some of the conversations going on among professionals working in the infrastructure sector.

The first conversation is led by journalist and commentator Antony Oliver, who speaks with Atkins director and head of the new UK BIM Alliance Anne Kemp. Click here to hear them discuss BIM and the ability of the infrastructure sector to embrace and benefit from the sharing of data.

A second conversation is between Antony Oliver and the Major Projects Association’s executive director Denise Bower, who discuss the sector’s ability to deliver increasing levels of complexity demanded of by clients. Listen to the conversation here.
 
Over the next few months the Listening Pod will be challenging you with ideas and issues to discuss. Our next recordings will be at the Highways UK event on 16 and 17 November at the National Exhibition Centre near Birmingham – and we urge you to drop into the booth to have your say. Join in the conversation on stand C07.
 
Participants are encouraged to share their views on topical issues and discuss the challenges and opportunities that you face every day in the infrastructure sector.
 
“The Listening Pod recognises no hierarchy or seniority but simply sets out to hear the views of real people on real topics,” a spokesman for ACO says. “The conversation you have at the event could be between friends or colleagues, between rivals or partners or simply be with a stranger.

“Your conversation might be in response to a specific question relating to an issue of the moment, or about a general issue which is having an impact on the industry. Or you might choose to simply reflect on a relationship that is underpinned by your work in the industry. As so often happens with conversations they might start out on one topic and end up on another.
 
“Infrastructure is about networks and ultimately the network of people whose conversations help decide the future of infrastructure. If you don’t have a conversation partner we can find you one and if you are not sure what you want to discuss we can help with ideas.
 
“All we really need is you and the fantastic stories that you have to tell. Come and give the Listening Pod a try.”