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