If you use the control panel in the Core Cogitator with the Grey team, then it's possible to activate the control panel - reducing a particular location to a maximum of 1 genestealer next turn - and clear a blip pile (with Grey's special movement ability) in the same perform actions phase, and so travel before the start of the event card phase.

If so, does the control panel activation persist in the event card phase if you used it on a location card that's in the new area? (it doesn't seem to make much sense, but on the other hand it says it applies to the location card, and it's the same card in the new area)

(This almost came up in a recent game, but the event card drawn placed none on the vents, so it didn't make any difference)

Okay, I think you meant to say Terrain card, went "huh" when you said it's the same location when you travel . I mean, you're travelling from one location to another, they can't be the same. Anyhoo, I'd say if the Terrain chosen is in the new location (and it probably will be), it still has the max 1GS for the rest of the turn. Sure, Ventilation Duck in one location isn't necessarily the same duct as in the next one, but then again, could be part of the same system and thus fall under the activation's ability to control.

i disagree its almost the same as the door question i posted if u change location the terrain is all new and so therefore anything affecting the old terrain is now mute and is a new set imagine it not being a vent but a hallway or dark corner how would you justify them