13TH PM CONFERENCE PROGRAM

The PM Conference's meticulously curated program is designed to delve into the profound impact of AI on project management and organizational transformation. Our diverse range of event formats and sessions offer valuable insights from leading experts, thought-provoking discussions, and innovative sessions tailored to enhance your understanding and application of AI in your professional endeavors.

Quick Summary:

1 Keynote

1 Research Discussion

2 Workshops

4 Industry Case Talks

4 Experimental Event Formats

7 Talks

Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to:

  • Engage with our Sponsors and Partners at their booths

  • Capture memories at the PMI Photobooth

  • Network with fellow attendees and speakers during the 3-course lunch, coffee breaks, and networking Apero

  • Connect with fellow attendees pre-conference through the PM Conference LinkedIn Networking Group

We are also excited to announce that this year’s keynote session will be delivered by István Görgei from Capture, our Gold Sponsor. The keynote is titled:

AI-Driven Transformation: Can AI Replace Traditional Managerial Roles? Shift to Individual Organization Styles

Join us for an enriching experience that will equip you with the knowledge and tools to harness the power of AI, drive innovation, and transform your projects and organizations. Review the exhaustive program below:

Program

8:30 | Welcome & Registration


9:30 | PM Conference Introduction


10:00 Keynote from Gold Sponsor, Capture

AI-Driven Transformation: Can AI Replace Traditional Managerial Roles? Shift to Individual Organization Styles

Speaker

István Görgei

Sales Executive at Capture Group

Traditional organizations face resource allocation conflicts, leading to inefficiencies. Agile methodologies help but lack a unified approach due to unpredictable changes and poor communication. AI can enhance resource management by consolidating task lists, automating timesheets, prioritizing tasks, and generating activities aligned with individual skills. This boosts engagement and efficiency. 


 AI enables organizations to break down silos, optimize resource allocation, and create a central knowledge base, fostering a more adaptive and innovative corporate structure. This aligns with the conference theme "AI Unveiled: Transforming Projects & Organizations with Smart Innovations." Strategic Portfolio Management solutions will showcase these AI capabilities and preparation strategies.

10:50 | Break



Morning sessions


11:00 Talk (Double Session)

Managing AI-Focused Transformation Programs: Addressing Key Capabilities and Interdependencies

Speaker

Tim Kley

CEO of KDX.Partners

Transforming Business with AI is more than tools. In this talk - attendees will learn to systematically identify action areas and develop proper management plans for AI transformation, reducing risk and increasing benefits. Drawing from examples and best practices, the session will introduce a comprehensive management framework to develop strategic, long-term AI capabilities.

In case you will miss this session, there will be another one in the afternoon.
11:00 Talk (Double Session)

Why the Best Projects Break the Rules

Speakers
Edward Turner
Senior Private Banker at Dreyfus Sons & Co Ltd, Banquiers
Lisa Yerebakan
Founder of Dawn

Today's PM is evolving from organizer to dynamic orchestrators, culminating with transformative innovators. "A Teenager Theory: Why the Best Projects Break the Rules' explores this transformation, emphasizing the need for greater flexibility, creativity, and ultimately tangible results.

Lisa and Edward both examine tiers of project management—from skilled organizers to visionary leaders— and uncover how the most effective PMs create a feedback loop between their projects and company vision. Join them to become a teenager again and drive success in modern project management!

In case you will miss this session, there will be another one in the afternoon.

11:00 Industry Case Session

Leveraging AI and ML for Corporate Innovations

Speaker
Velan Thangavelu

Senior Information Services Project Manager at SICPA

In this Industry Case session, Velan will share SICPA’s experience with two key corporate initiatives involving AI and ML over the past year:

1. Implementation of Copilot 365 for employees.

2. Leveraging a machine learning platform to improve Right First Time (RFT) delivery of manufacturing orders.

The discussion will cover SICPA’s AI journey, implementation roadmaps, concrete outcomes, change management processes, and key success factors. Attendees will gain valuable tips and best practices for managing AI projects.

11:00 Research Discussion

Empowering Change: Innovative Assessments Tools for Project Management Evolution

Speakers
Ruth Lechler
Research Associate at the University of Basel
Stefan Isler
Co-Founder and Consultant at Projects 4P

Join Ruth and Stefan for an engaging and dynamic session that explores how to use maturity assessments to trigger and support organizational transformation, in an Innosuisse-backed industry-academia partnership to advance project management. They will share the latest insights from research on the integrative Projects4P approach and engage directly with you to provide a multifaceted perspective around the findings. This collaborative exchange of experience will stimulate transformations that elevate project maturity for everyone.

12:00 | Lunch



Afternoon sessions


13:00 Talk

Next-Gen AI PMO: Real-World AI Innovations in Project & PMO Management

Speaker

Alexandre Rezende

Associate Partner at AdEx Partners

Integrating AI into Project Management Offices (PMOs) is a game-changer today. Together with Alexandre, explore how to enhance efficiency, decision-making, and project success.

To do so, Alexandre and attendees will identify opportunities, go through case studies, and provide insight both in their implementation, and the overall transformation towards AI.

13:00 Talk

Human-Centric Project Excellence: Leveraging System Thinking for Delightful Project Outcomes

Speaker

Lieven Cornelis

CEO of Alert Management Consultants

Discover the transformative power of investing in talent through system thinking with Lieven. Learn the "why, what, and how" of people development, and explore the right tools to leverage individuals' talents and performance across levels. 

Finally, ensure that each level supports each other, and common goals, and achieves optimal outcomes.

13:00 Industry Case Session

Can AI Save The Ocean? A Look at Using AI to Prevent Plastic Pollution and Support Better Plastic Hotspotting Data

Speaker
Lynn Sorrentino

Program Officer of Ocean Team, Plastics Pollution and INC Treaty Process at IUCN

In this Industry Case Session, together with Lynn, you will traverse conservation needs and the can use of AI, specifically for ocean health. Machine learning and computer vision can predict pollution sources, and monitor waste in real-time with drones and satellites, precisely, in real-time, and in zones previously inaccessible.

These insights enable cleanup and inform prevention policies/actions, and enhance waste management (collection, recycling, production).

13:00 Workshop (80-min)

Elevating Data Literacy to Drive AI Effectiveness in Project Management

Speaker
Marcus Glowasz

Independent Data Coach and Transformation Strategist

Are you struggling to harness the full potential of AI in your projects? With the immense possibilities that AI offers and the goal to revolutionize its application in project management, what becomes increasingly important is a functioning data ecosystem, supported by suitable data literacy skills of project management professionals.

Effective data literacy skills are crucial to unlock the full potential and capabilities of data, analytics, and AI, including advanced methods beyond the GenAI models.

This workshop bridges the gap between cutting edge AI capabilities and the vital need for a robust data ecosystem. You’ll learn the critical importance and key concepts of data and AI literacy in project management, and discover practical techniques to enhance your analytical thinking and develop a data mindset. Walk away with actionable strategies to foster data-informed decision-making, enabling the effectiveness of AI in projects towards improved performance.

13:50 | Break


14:00 Talk (Double Session)

Managing AI-Focused Transformation Programs: Addressing Key Capabilities and Interdependencies.

Speaker
Tim Kley

CEO of KDX.Partners

Transforming Business with AI encompasses more than just introducing AI tools and algorithms. Attendees will learn to systematically identify necessary action areas and develop management plans for AI transformation initiatives, ensuring proper setup from the start and minimizing risks. Drawing from practical examples and best practices, the presentation will introduce a comprehensive management framework to guide companies in strategically developing long-term AI capabilities.

14:00 Talk (Double Session)

Why the Best Projects Break the Rules

Speakers
Edward Turner
Senior Private Banker at Dreyfus Sons & Co Ltd, Banquiers
Lisa Yerebakan
Founder of Dawn

Today's PM is evolving from organizer to dynamic orchestrators, culminating with transformative innovators. "A Teenager Theory: Why the Best Projects Break the Rules' explores this transformation, emphasizing the need for greater flexibility, creativity, and ultimately tangible results.

Lisa and Edward both examine tiers of project management—from skilled organizers to visionary leaders— and uncover how the most effective PMs create a feedback loop between their projects and company vision.

Join them to become a teenager again and drive success in modern project management! 

14:00 Industry Case Session

Specificities of Project Management in Developing AI tools: Embrace AI in Academia

Speaker
Miloš Cuculovic
Head of Technology Innovation at MDPI

Miloš will share insights on AI development specific PM, in a comprehensive exploration of how to transform their businesses by embracing AI.

MDPI's Ethical Checker product will serve as a showcase, as it is designed to enhance ethical standards in scholarly publishing with AI. Starting with changes in the industry's value chain and the importance of assessing innovation opportunities, Miloš will dig into AI PM, focusing on the Data, being the core of AI projects, the model evaluation and the post-production model management.

14:30 Workshop (80-min)

Foster Innovation Using AI Tools

Speakers
Serge Schiltz

CEO and Senior Consultant at processCentric

Naïla van Kommer

Visual AI-driven Innovation Consultant at processCentric

Creativity is one of the keys to success both now and in the future. Since AI tools can support brainstorming by generating, formulating, and managing, Serge and Naïla will introduce the current best tools and teach participants new ways of working in innovation. Participants will actively participate in a creativity workshop as team members of an imaginary project, with two innovation and PM experts guiding them through the use of AI to boost their creativity and develop new approaches to project challenges.

14:50 | Break


15:00 Talk

The EU A.I. Act – and How It Is Impacting You

Speaker
Philipp Rosenauer
Partner at PWC Switzerland

The EU AI Act has just been voted and will impact many initiatives, ensuring that it aligns with the core values of safety, transparency, and accountability.

As organizations grapple with the implications, Philipp will provide actionable guidance to demystify the EU AI Act. He will also be sharing with you the tools, insights, and practical implementation strategies to integrate its provisions into your organizational framework.

15:00 Industry Case Session

The Dawn of AI Factories in Financial services: Transformation of GRC

Speaker
Adetoyese Adedokun
Founder of Complia

Exploring the transformative potential of AI factories in financial services with case studies in GRC (Governance, Risk and Compliance). Discover the shift from traditional systems to advanced AI infrastructures, enhancing productivity, operational efficiency, and innovation. Learn from real-world applications and understand the critical role of AI in driving GRC and new revenue streams.

15:50 | Coffee Break


16:20 Experimental Event Format

Brain Date for PM Conference LinkedIn Networking Group

Members from the PM Conference LinkedIn Networking Group can turn their discussions and connections virtually to in-person with assigned tables. Slots for this session will be shared a few weeks before the event.

16:20 Experimental Event Format

Ask Me Anything Session with Speakers

A panel of chosen speakers from different previous talks take questions from attendees - this is your chance to shoot your questions!

16:20 Experimental Event Format

Unconference

Attendees get the opportunity to bring topics they want to talk about in the conference in the form of “Open Space” and go to different groups for discussion. No prior experience is needed to join - just "open minds". Our experienced volunteers in Open Space will be supporting in facilitation for the best experience.

16:20 Experimental Event Format

PechaKucha Session

Deriving from the Japanese term for “chit-chat”, PechaKuchas are presentations consisting of 20 automatically timed slides each displayed for only 20 seconds for a presentation totaling no more than about seven minutes long. Anyone can bring their presentation as long as the topics are in Project management or A.I.

17:10 | Closing Remarks


17:30 | Networking Apéro


20:00 | Doors Closing


What's new this year

This year, we are introducing Experimental Event Formats to elevate your event experience. Learn more below:

  • Ask Me Anything Session
    • A panel of chosen speakers from different previous talks take questions from attendees - this is your chance to shoot your questions!
  • Unconference
    • Attendees get the opportunity to bring topics they want to talk about in the conference in the form of “Open Space” and go to different groups for discussion
  • PechaKucha Session
    • Deriving from the Japanese term for “chit-chat”, PechaKuchas are presentations consisting of 20 automatically timed slides each displayed for only 20 seconds for a presentation totaling no more than about seven minutes long. Anyone can bring their presentation as long as the topics are in Project management or AI.
  • Brain Date for PM Conference LinkedIn Networking Group
    • Members from the PM Conference LinkedIn Networking Group can turn their discussions and connections virtually to in-person with assigned tables. Slots for this session will be shared a few weeks before the event.

Please note that the above program may still be subject to change.

PDUs

3 Leadership

4 Business Acumen

3 Way of Work

Our Gold Sponsor

Capture