Interviewer: Lisa Gryzagoridis, PMP, DASM
Interviewee: Pia Henzelmann, Events Experience Director 
On the eve of June 20th , I was fortunate to meet with the PMI CH PM Conference 2024 Lead, Pia Henzelmann. Pia has been an invaluable, and extremely active, volunteer since 2020 in the PMI Switzerland Chapter. After having joined the chapter, she rose rapidly through the ranks, from Senior Events Member to Events Director (2021), to VP of Events (2022). Currently she fulfills the role of Events Experience Director, wherein she mentors and gives professional advice to the events teams across Switzerland.
As September 23rd is rapidly approaching, many are inquisitive about what this year's PM Conference has in store for participants. Without diminishing the element of surprise, the below interview offers a sneak peek into the event proceedings.
Lisa: Pia, we're all really looking forward to the PM Conference, and who better to inform us on what's to come, than the Lead herself. To begin with, could you elaborate on the theme AI Unveiled: Transforming Projects and Organisations with Smart Innovation, and how it is particularly relevant in today's context?
Pia: Originally the theme was Innovation in Project Management, another pervasive theme in the domain of Project Management, however, the steering committee realised that there is a big demand for AI, along with many opportunities for advancing AI in project management. For example, how the utilisation of AI tools and applications can benefit individuals and organisations in driving efficiencies. We wanted to leverage those ideas and make sure that we can offer that value to our attendees.
Lisa: So, with the demand being so high for AI, what sets the PMI Switzerland PM Conference apart from other conferences?
Pia: What makes this conference so unique, is that it is organised by project managers who know the field, and who are in the best position to select the best speakers on the topic. Within PMI, there is a wide range of events, covering a broad scope of topics, so we are able to harness that expertise to benefit the conference attendees.
Lisa: That's fantastic! PMI project managers certainly are well-positioned in terms of access to pioneering and leading-edge knowledge and skills. Could you tell me more about the content and speaker selection process?
Pia: We had a very robust, and exhaustive application process. A stringent set of guidelines was developed to evaluate each applicant, and those guidelines also supported the identification of the top speakers and optimal mix of content. Shortlisted applicants were then interviewed, reviewed and selected by the committee.
Lisa: If I heard correctly, there has also been a significant number of applicants this year. Has the interest really been that high for the opportunity to present at this year's conference?
Pia: Yes! We had 40 applications. It was unbelievable. We had to close applications early, so that we could manage the volume. Some people were still reaching out after the application closure, to ask whether they could still submit.
Lisa: With so many applicants, I could imagine that it would be challenging to fit so much into a single-day program. Has the format of the conference already been planned?
Pia: At this stage, I can only give you a small sneak peek... We will definitely have one or two keynote sessions, along with a few workshops in separate rooms, and a panel discussion. We are aiming to make it a fresh experience for people, so the events team is also looking into integrating a special section for novel event formats, but I'll have to keep you in suspense a while longer on that.
Lisa: Leaving me on a cliffhanger, are you? Well, I eagerly anticipate the new format introductions. Beyond the fresh experience, what would you like attendees to take away, or gain, from this experience?
Pia: The best measure of success would be the overall satisfaction of the attendees. If they are able to take something from any of the various sessions, and apply it within their daily work, we would consider that the greatest achievement of the event. Another measure of success is future conference attendance. Conference attendee retention and growth is key.
Lisa: In relation to attendee satisfaction, I recall that there were immediately available surveys during the course of the day at last year's conference. How will you be eliciting feedback from attendees this year? And will there be any further opportunities for attendee engagement post-Conference?
Pia: We intend to continue with the survey form to gather instant feedback. Additionally, following the conference this year, we are planning to offer an AI Masterclass. Individuals who wish to do a deep-dive into a certain topic on AI, will have the opportunity to do so in that Masterclass.
Lisa: I'll be sure to register for that as soon as it has been published! Okay, so we have already established that this is a Project Management Conference, but could this benefit individuals outside of project management roles?
Pia: Definitely! Beyond project managers, of any experience level, the content of this conference would also benefit any individual who is enthusiastic about learning and applying AI in their work, or even diversify into the project management field.
Lisa: Is there anything else that attendees can expect?
Pia: Participants can expect networking opportunities, both before and after the event. Ahead of the PM Conference, an exclusive LinkedIn networking group will be published, where people can connect and discuss various topics, through numerous threads. The team is also considering a working session at the end of the event, for people who would like to increase their professional footprint.
Lisa: And I'm willing to bet that the post-event Apero will be just as impressive as last year.
Pia: You can count on that! Before I go, I would like to let everyone know that the full Program will be available in July, and that those who are interested should take advantage of the early bird ticket pricing.. available now! Looking forward to seeing you all at the PM Conference 2024!