Author: Yolanda Martín Mosquera
On Wednesday, 30th October 2024, the PMI Switzerland Chapter hosted a memorable International Project Management Day (IPMD) event in Basel, in collaboration with STS, the Project Management Training Company.
The event, sponsored by Roche who offered the venue, drew project management professionals eager to sharpen their skills through an intense competition between 18 teams across three regions in Switzerland: Basel, Zurich and Lausanne.
A Realistic and Engaging Simulation
SimulTrain®, a leading multimedia project management simulator developed by STS, provided the platform for a two-hour competition.
Each team, comprising three to five members, were tasked with navigating complex project scenarios that included risk management, resource allocation, cost control, and unexpected project adjustments.
To mimic real-world project dynamics, the simulation integrated phone call interruptions and urgent decision-making moments, pushing participants to respond swiftly and strategically.
Teamwork and Challenge
Participants quickly adapted, forming cohesive teams that approached the challenges with a competitive yet cooperative spirit.
The dynamic environment demanded quick thinking and strong collaboration, essential traits for any project manager.
The emphasis on key performance indicators (KPIs) kept the teams focused on balancing cost, schedule, quality, and team morale as they navigated each challenge.
Enthusiastic Feedback from Attendees
The event was met with enthusiastic praise from participants, who appreciated the intense challenge under high time pressure, the excitement and shared adrenaline among team members and all the learnings this brought them in short time. Very positive feedback was given to the event organizers too, that underscored high energy, dedication and professionalism that they brought into making that day a great success.
One attendee shared, “Thank you once again for all your work organizing the IPM Day. It was a fantastic experience!”
Another participant expressed gratitude, noting, “It was a great event yesterday! Thanks again for the time and effort the Basel Event Team put in to make this happen.”
And another: “Congrats once again for the organization, you rocked it! The challenge and presentation: I loved it!”
Networking and Reflection
Following the competition, an apéro provided the attendees with a well-deserved opportunity to unwind and share insights from the experience.
This informal networking session allowed participants to discuss their strategies, learn from one another, and expand their professional networks.
Conclusion
The IPMD event in Basel was a resounding success, blending skill development with friendly competition and community building.
Participants left not only with enhanced project management skills but also with a sense of camaraderie and the shared excitement of meeting and overcoming a complex, simulated project challenge.
And with a clear willingness to beat their performance and become the winner next year.
Such a great success leads the PMI organization to institutionalize this IPMD challenge every year and the Basel team can’t wait to organize the 2025 competition.
