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:
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Engage with our Sponsors and Partners at their booths
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Capture memories at the PMI Photobooth
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Network with fellow attendees and speakers during the 3-course lunch, coffee breaks, and networking Apero
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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.
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