Author: Mubarak Muritala PMP

Dear PMI Members and Friends,

On September 23rd, 2024, Lausanne’s Hotel Aquatis hosted the 13th Project Management Conference, themed "AI Unveiled: Transforming Projects and Organizations with Smart Innovation." With 131 attendees and a remarkable 95% turnout, the event included 16 expert speakers, 29 onsite volunteers, and representatives from 8 sponsors and partners, marking one of the most impactful PM conferences to date.

A significant 30% of the attendees were experiencing their first PMI event, underscoring the growing interest in AI’s influence on project management. Behind the scenes, 33 dedicated volunteers ensured the event's seamless execution.

The conference highlighted AI’s growing role in modern business strategies and how intelligent solutions are reshaping project management, decision-making, and organizational growth.

Key Topics and Takeaways:

- AI Applications Across Industries: Real-world case studies showcased AI’s transformative impact in sectors like finance, healthcare, logistics, and marketing.

- AI in Decision-Making: Experts demonstrated how AI-driven data analytics empower project managers to make faster, more informed decisions, reducing risks and boosting efficiency.

- Human Leadership in the Age of AI: Despite AI’s capabilities, speakers emphasized the irreplaceable value of human leadership, creativity, and emotional intelligence in ensuring project success.

- Legal and Sustainability Challenges: The need for ethical regulatory frameworks was stressed to ensure AI’s responsible and sustainable use.

- Future Trends and Skills: Sessions explored evolving skill sets, highlighting the importance of continuous learning, data literacy, and AI fluency in an AI-driven future.

Networking and Collaboration:

The event fostered a dynamic networking space, where professionals exchanged ideas, explored partnerships, and committed to leveraging AI for business and societal advancements.

Notable Quotes:

- Adetoyese Adedokun: “AI won’t replace project managers, but project managers who use AI will outperform those who don’t.”

- Alexandre Rezende: “Vision sets the compass, but you need a GenAI roadmap to turn aspirations into actions.”

- Philipp Rosenauer: “Aligning interests across legal, procurement, and finance is complex but crucial for identifying the right AI use cases.”

- Tim Kley: “Many underestimate the complexities of AI implementation. Our role is to guide them through the right strategies.”

Conclusion:

The 13th Project Management Conference was a resounding success, equipping attendees with practical strategies for integrating AI into project management. As AI continues to revolutionize industries, participants left prepared to lead their organizations into a future driven by smart innovation.

Special thanks to sponsors Capture and PostFinance, partners SMP Société Suisse de Management de Projet, LA Click, and Projektmagazin, and the organizing team, particularly Conference Lead Pia Henzelmann, whose leadership ensured the event's success.

Warm regards,

Mubarak Muritala PMP

PM Conference Photographer and Journalist

Author: Pia Henzelmann, Events Experience Director (PMI CH)

Dear PMI Members and Friends,

By now, I can imagine that you must have seen a LinkedIn post or two of the expert speakers at the 13^th Project Management Conference, or some of your peers have asked you whether you are attending on September 23^rd in Lausanne. Excitement is indeed building up around the PM Conference, so I am taking this opportunity to share with you the reason!

Let me start by sharing some insights on our All-day Program, which our team has worked tirelessly on. Our top focus during the initiation of this event was to provide exclusive and quality content on major topics revolving around AI n Project Manager. Making every effort to ensure this, our Speaker Team interviewed around fifty speaker applications, covering topics such as:

• AI & People
• Human Excellence
• Industry Use Cases
• Legal & Sustainability
• Transformation

After countless hours conducting virtual interviews and rigorous assessments, the Conference Speaker Team narrowed their proposal to fifteen sessions, which comprised several talks, three industry use case sessions, and two workshops. On top of this, we are fortunate to have secured a Keynote presentation from Capture, our Gold Sponsor's, on AI-Driven Transformation. I will not delve further into the details of each session, or how much you will benefit from the event - Let's be honest... that's what every event claims! I take pride in the program that we have created, so I will let our program page do the talking.

A further reason that we are so excited for the PM Conference is that apart from having sessions from seasoned experts, this year's program is designed to deliver novel formats, with the aim that attendees will gain at least one new experience, in one form or another. Experimental formats available for participants include:

• Ask Me Anything Session
• Unconference
• PechaKucha Session
• Brain Date for PM Conference LinkedIn Networking Group

Beyond the program, it is our hope that attendees delight in simple, yet thoughtful moments, whether it be in mindful short breaks between sessions, or having personal freedom to choose between sessions according to their own personal preferences. And as attendees will no doubt have difficult choices to make, we have scheduled the top two in-demand sessions to occur twice so that you do not miss out.

There is also an abundance of networking opportunities, the first of which already available to registrants - The PM Conference LinkedIn Networking Group. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage with our Sponsor and Partners at their dedicated stands, and of course, the chance to create new connections during the 3-course lunch and post-event Apéro.

Be on the lookout for the onsite AI experience - an exciting addition to the event!

Lastly, and tying back to my first point, it is clear that AI is generating a lot of buzz, with umpteen new trends emerging almost daily. The novelty of AI is exciting, yet navigating through all of this, while still trying to apply it to projects, can be overwhelming. The 13^th PM Conference offers you the chance to learn from experts who have already traversed this landscape and can distinguish between passing fads and real innovations. By connecting with professionals who have this practical experience, you will gain a clearer understanding of which technologies are truly impactful.

Should you not yet have secured your spot for the PM Conference 2024, I hope that what I have shared has spurred you to seize the opportunity to attend this exciting experiential event - Reserve your spot now!

I look forward to meeting you on September 23rd in Lausanne!

Best regards,

Pia Henzelmann

PM Conference Lead

Author: Oxana Herzog, PMP 

PMI Switzerland recently hosted another Project Management Training and Mentoring Program, in collaboration with one of the chapter's most valued partners, Bevel ON. The training was led by Mafalda Amaro (PMI Switzerland Board Member, VP of Sponsors & Partners) and Oxana Herzog (Project Manager and Partnerships Consultant, PMP^®).

Real Impact, Real Stories

The overwhelming success of these training programs is a testament to the impactful initiatives spearheaded by PMI Switzerland. Our goal is clear - To demonstrate how project management techniques can optimise efforts to address both organisational and humanitarian challenges.

The sessions, jointly organised with the Bevel ON Association, were designed specifically for displaced professionals from Ukraine. Bevel ON, a committed partner, strives to enhance the integration and employment opportunities for these individuals, aiding them in rebuilding their professional lives in their new environment.

A Partnership That Matters

Our long-standing partnership with Bevel ON is a shining example of how collective efforts can address global challenges, such as geopolitical turmoil, socio-economic concerns, and environmental issues. The recent training sessions empowered participants through essential project management skill transfer, significantly enhancing their employability, and furthering their professional development.

Voices of Change

Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many having shared how PMI Switzerland's support was instrumental in opening new doors, and provided the indispensable motivation, knowledge, and professional framework necessary in advancing both personally and professionally.

Looking Ahead - Strengthening our Commitment

As we move into the final months of 2024, PMI Switzerland is reinforcing its partnership network, committed to fostering a more inclusive and supportive community. The success of the Social Impact Team's initiatives highlights the profound impact of our volunteering activities, and we are excited about future opportunities.

Join Us in Making a Difference

We welcome all NGOs, non-profits, and humanitarian organisations across Switzerland to partner with us in delivering many more personally and professionally rewarding Social Impact Initiatives.

Join us in building a brighter, more inclusive future for all!

Discover the opportunities and partnership benefits by contacting us directly - Social Impact

Together, we can create lasting change and empower professionals around the world.

Author: Kathrin Lutz, PMP, ACP

Dear PMI Switzerland Chapter Members,

As we approach the 2025 - 2026 election term, we want to remind you that candidate nominations for the PMI CH Board are open. Volunteering on the PMI CH Board is an excellent opportunity to shape the future of our chapter. Our community thrives because of members like you - dedicated professionals, who are not only committed to the principles of PMI, but also eager to grow, lead, and make a difference.

Key Roles Open for Election:

• Board of Directors - Lead our chapter by guiding strategy, overseeing operations, and ensuring we meet our goals.
• Election Committee Member - Play a crucial role in the election process by ensuring transparency and fairness.
• Financial Auditor - Help maintain the financial integrity of our chapter by reviewing and auditing our finances.

Why Stand for Election? 

Joining the PMI Switzerland Chapter Board is more than just a volunteer position... it is an opportunity to:

• Influence the direction of PMI Switzerland.
• Collaborate with passionate peers.
• Gain invaluable leadership experience.
• Contribute to the growth and success of our chapter.

Application Timeline:

The official application process has already begun, and nomination submissions are welcome up until October 15^th.

Should a leadership role be of interest to you, details on the application process, along with the elibility criteria, are available on our Elections Page. Alternatively you can contact us directly - Elections Team

Together, let's continue empowering professionals to transform ideas into reality.

We look forward to receiving your applications, and working together to advance the project management profession!

Your Election Committee,

Katrin Lutz, PMP
Marina Satapathy, PMP