PDU Details
Each session and keynote is worth 1.0 PDU. Sessions are color-coded as follows:
Annual Conference Schedule
Opening Keynote Address
featuring Americo Pinto
Session One
Andrea Marshall, PMP
Effective Use of AI Will Free Up Time! We All Want More Time; What Are You Going to Do with It?
Track 1: Artificial Intelligence
PDU: 1.0 Power Skills
Today's project manager can't rely solely on technical expertise, tactical skills and traditional competencies to be effective. The world is asking us to change and AI provides us with an unprecedented opportunity. One takeaway from the 2024 PMI Pulse of the Profession is that the right culture, mindset, and work environment will be necessary to increase project performance rates. As we learn to use AI to automate many of the time-consuming tasks of managing a project, we get to elevate our skills in developing team culture to build engaged teams that can deliver.
Learning Objectives
- Components of a Thriving Team Culture
- Leveraging the Project Purpose to Build Belonging and Engagement
- Thinking Traps that Get in the Way of Overcoming Adversity
presented by Andrea Marshall, PMP | Founder, Marshall Consulting
Robert Snyder, PMP
The Elegant Expectation Factory
Track 2: Human Intelligence
PDU: 1.0 Ways of Working
Innovation has had two decades of software-centric methodologies. These methodologies do not solve innovation teams' biggest challenges. Teams' biggest challenges are people—how we communicate, collaborate, and compete with each other. Formulating a people-centric methodology should not be surprising. The building blocks are not mysterious, migrating to a people-centric methodology is overdue, and your code will be just fine. 😊
Learning Objectives
- How and Why to Adopt a People-centric Methodology
- Taking Baby Steps by Converting Your Verb Sprawl & Four Adjectives (RACI) to Five Verbs
- Sanity, Safety, and Self-respect—Regardless of Pursuit or Success
presented by Robert Snyder, PMP | Founder & President, Innovation Elegance
Session Two
David Doan, PhD, MBA, RN
Balancing Human Intelligence and AI: A Project Manager's Guide To Responsible AI Integration
Track 1: Artificial Intelligence
PDU: 1.0 Ways of Working
In an era where AI and tools like ChatGPT are revolutionizing industries, the role of the project manager (PM) is more critical than ever. This session explores the delicate balance between leveraging AI capabilities and the irreplaceable value of human intelligence in project management. We will delve into why human expertise should always guide AI usage and how PMs can responsibly incorporate AI into their workflows. Attendees will learn how to approach AI with a critical eye, ensuring that their decisions are well-informed, ethical, and aligned with the project's goals.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the Value of Human Intelligence in AI Integration: Recognize the importance of human expertise in guiding AI use, ensuring that AI tools complement rather than replace the project manager's judgment.
- Develop a Framework for Responsible AI Use in Projects: Learn strategies for scrutinizing AI tools, including ChatGPT, and conducting thorough due diligence before integrating them into project workflows.
- Foster Ethical AI Practices in Project Management: Explore the ethical considerations and responsibilities PMs must uphold when applying AI, ensuring that AI use is transparent, justifiable, and benefits the entire project team.
- Build Confidence in Managing AI-Driven Projects: Equip PMs who are hesitant about AI adoption with the knowledge and confidence to incorporate AI into their projects without compromising their professional integrity.
presented by David Doan, PhD, MBA, RN, BCMAS, PMC-II, PMP, CSM, CSPO | Senior Manager, EY Nexus for Health
Kristine Hayes Munson, PMP
Making the Hard (and the Easy) Decisions: Leadership Decision-Making in an AI World
Track 2: Human Intelligence
PDU: 1.0 Business Acumen
Should AI or a human make that a pressing leadership decision? This presentation focuses on the importance of human decision-making in an AI world and how AI can be leveraged in decision-making. We will interactively explore how your social location can impact your decision-making mental models and unconscious bias.
Learning Objectives
- Review Mental Models Used for Decision-making
- Discuss the Decision-making Risk of Unconscious Bias
- Explore how social location impacts your decision-making
presented by Kristine Hayes Munson | Managing Director, State Street
Session Three
Kamilla Pinel, PMP, ACC, CPC
The Puzzle of Belonging: How AI and Individuality Complete the Picture
Track 1: Artificial Intelligence
PDU: 1.0 Ways of Working
This presentation explores how AI can be used to enhance human creativity and individuality rather than replace them. In a time when many are concerned about AI taking over jobs, this session offers a fresh perspective: viewing AI as a partner that frees up time for more meaningful work, innovation, and authentic leadership. The audience will gain practical strategies to integrate AI as a tool to amplify their unique strengths, create a more inclusive and collaborative work environment, and achieve greater team success. This talk aims to shift attendees from a mindset of fear to one of empowerment, showing how AI can be leveraged to unlock human potential and drive transformative results in the workplace.
Learning Objectives
- Shift Mindsets: Transition From a Fear-based Approach to One that Empowers Creativity and Strategic Thinking, Unlocking New Opportunities for Innovation
- Lead Authentically with AI: Unlock Essential Tools to Cultivate Genuine, Impactful Leadership While Integrating AI to Enhance Decision-making and Team Effectiveness
- Elevate Team Energy: Harness Your Team's Unique Talents and Boost Collaboration with Proven Techniques, Using AI to Foster a Positive and Inclusive Culture
presented by Kamilla Pinel, PMP, ACC, CPC | Leadership Coach & Speaker, You Dream You Do Coaching
Seyi Oshinowo, MBA, PMP
When Saying My Bad...Is Good: Taking Accountability
Track 2: Human Intelligence
PDU: 1.0 Ways of Working
In this presentation, attendees will learn more about the importance of accountability and how it relates to project / program management. Through accountability, participants will grow their relationships with others and understand key strategies to rectify any mistakes for a stronger rapport. Tune in to learn how sometimes it's okay to say "my bad!"
Learning Objectives
- Tactics and Methods on How to Take Accountability
- How to Mitigate Conflict and Exude Leadership When Dealing with Different Stakeholders
- Importance of Taking Accountability and How It Can Deepen Relationships with Others
presented by Seyi Oshinowo, MBA, PMP | Global Operations Project Manager, Meta
Session Four
Alona Fraser, PMP, LSSBB
Crafting a Winning Value Proposition in a Tough Market: Niche Down, Leverage Your Brand, and Harness AI
Track 1: Artificial Intelligence
PDU: 1.0 Power Skills
In today's competitive job market, a strong value proposition is essential for project managers to stand out. Learn how to differentiate yourself by identifying your unique niche, leveraging your personal brand, and harnessing the power of AI to craft a compelling story that resonates with hiring managers. Discover practical strategies to position yourself as the ideal candidate for your target roles.
Learning Objectives
- Define and Refine Your Unique Value Proposition as a Project Manager by Identifying a Specific Niche to Reduce Competition and Increase Your Market Appeal
- Create a Compelling and Competitive LinkedIn Profile that Attracts Recruiters and Positions You as an Ideal Candidate, Rather than Relying Solely on Job Applications
- Leverage AI Tools and Technologies to Enhance Your Job Search Strategy and Craft a Persuasive Value Proposition that Stands Out
presented by Alona Fraser, PMP, LSSBB | Program/Portfolio Management Consultant, Concuir Consulting
Jen Fitzgerald
Beyond Contacts: Network to Make Real Connections
Track 2: Human Intelligence
PDU: 1.0 Power Skills
Instead of thinking about networking as making a business connection, think about it with the joy you would feel in creating a new friendship. The FACE Framework (Familiarity, Authenticity, Curiosity, and Elasticity) helps you build relationships in any setting and establish trust along the way. If you can prioritize relationships the same way you do in a friendship, you should be able to ignite organic business initiatives and collaborations, without feeling disingenuous. Make true connections instead of simply making contacts.
Learning Objectives
- Make Your Networking More Successful by Treating Everyone as Individual People First Before Attempting to Conduct Business with Anyone
- How to Apply Basic Concepts of Friendship Authentically to Business and Career Networking
- Identify Demonstrated Interest and Use It in Networking
presented by Jen Fitzgerald | Professional Speaker
Session Five
Jen Skrabak, PfMP, PMP
Beyond Gen AI: Mastering the 7 Patterns of Applied AI
Track 1: Artificial Intelligence
PDU: 1.0 Ways of Working
While Generative AI has captured headlines in recent years, the true transformative potential for organizations and project leaders lies in the implementation of Applied AI across various industries. Applied AI currently accounts for 95% of AI investments, compared to just 5% for Generative AI. This session will delve into the 7 essential patterns that underpin successful Applied AI projects, providing insights into how to harness AI's power to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and enhance decision making.
Learning Objectives
- Key Differences between Generative AI and Applied AI, Including the 7 Essential Patterns that Guide Successful Applied AI Projects
- How to Leverage Applied AI to Solve Specific Business Problems and Drive Tangible Results
- Develop a Strategic Approach to Implementing Applied AI Solutions
presented by Jen Skrabak, PfMP, PMP | Chief Transformation Officer, Strategy + PM
Belinda Aleman
Courageous Conversations: Stop Avoiding, Start Engaging!
Track 2: Human Intelligence
PDU: 1.0 Business Acumen
"Messy, uncomfortable, difficult"—may be some of the words you've used to describe a conversation you're avoiding. Courageous conversations are essential for effective project management, yet we all know they can be challenging. Together, we'll discuss how to approach sensitive topics like employee performance, stakeholder expectations, and ethical issues, with confidence and empathy, enabling you to build stronger relationships and influence. You will gain tools and strategies for improving your self awareness and emotional intelligence, which are key to making a positive impact on your team and project's success.
Learning Objectives
- Value and Importance of Strengthening Self-awareness
- Practical Tools, Language, and Strategies for Engaging in Difficult Conversations
- Practice Difficult Conversations, via Role-playing, to Develop Confidence
Belinda Aleman | Associate Director, Educational Opportunity, CSU Long Beach
