Schedule of Events

Registration & Breakfast

Opening Ceremony & Keynote

Vince Mirabelli | Unspoken Truths: Addressing the Organizational Pains that are costing Time, Energy, Money & People!

Unspoken Truths are everywhere in your organization, and they are taking you down from the inside, causing you unknown (and unneeded) pain. Despite likely hiding in plain sight, these truths may be negatively impacting your ability to deliver on important projects, improve organizational processes, and stand out from the crowd which leads to a disengaging of your staff and team, and worst of all, costing you time, money and people.

How can you identify the Unspoken Truths within your organization and address them head-on?

Breakout Sessions

Note: these sessions are two-hours in length to allow for deeper learning and engagement

Trent Leopold | Utilizing Strategic Business Analysis for Project Excellence

This educational and fun presentation showcases via a real-world case study proven ways for Business Analysis to strategically impart excellence to projects. The presentation is suited for anyone seeking ways to impart excellence (or more excellence) to their operation or organization. " The presenter, currently a brain research participant in an international longitudinal study led by a major US university, showcases recent research findings particularly related to human strategic thought processes and their direct correlation to excellence. This includes demonstration and discussion concerning the human mind. The fun presentation includes attendee participation, and at least one valuable giveaway in addition to the invaluable takeaways for every attendee!

Hans Eckman | Improving from the Inside: Creating positive change without authority

Take a second and think of three things you’d change in your org if you could make them magically happen. You found multiple things that could be better in less than five seconds. Ideas aren’t the problem; implementing them is. Although it may seem that changes can only be made top-down, we can influence and improve our teams, processes, and organization from the ground up. We need to shift our approach and tactics.

Jacy Imilkowski | AI in Action: A Workshop with Real-Time AI Tool Practice

Today's professionals hear constantly about AI transforming work, yet many struggle with the fundamental question: "How do I actually use this in my day-to-day responsibilities?" This beginner-friendly session is designed specifically for AI newcomers who want practical guidance without technical jargon. You'll learn the basics of AI tools and how they might help with everyday tasks. (Please note: This is not for advanced users seeking information on code development, system integrations, or complex workflow automation – it's for professionals taking their very first steps into using AI effectively.)

IMPORTANT: Participants MUST bring a smartphone or laptop with a pre-established account on an AI platform (Claude, ChatGPT, PMI Infinity, etc., a free account is fine). No time will be allocated for account setup during the workshop.

Break

Sessions will resume at 11:00 AM

Lunch

Breakout Sessions

Note: these sessions are two-hours in length to allow for deeper learning and engagement

Robert Snyder | Are you giving into VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity), or do you solve the Chaos

The acronym VUCA – volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity – we hear it more because it describes many of our work environments. Surrendering to VUCA is the safe point-of-view and the safe thing to do.

This session shares a pointy point-of-view and formulates the opposite call-to-action, i.e., that you combat and solve VUCA. Solving VUCA requires that you discontinue certain legacy mindsets and practices that you might hold sacred. Solving VUCA requires that you adopt mindsets and practices inspired outside the conventional spaces of I.T. These inspirations convert cultures of low discipline and empathy into cultures of high discipline and empathy – in a word, Elegance.

Lori Klinka | Influence with Impact: Human-Centered Communication for Project Managers

Project Managers spend up to 90% of their time on communication-related activities—yet technical knowledge alone isn’t enough. Technology may drive projects—but people drive outcomes. Success lies in how effectively you communicate ideas, influence others without formal authority, and adapt your message to connect with diverse audiences. Whether you’re presenting to stakeholders, leading a virtual meeting, or delivering complex data, it’s essential to engage the human side of your message.

In this highly interactive session, you'll explore how to earn trust, gain buy-in quickly, and communicate with clarity and confidence. You’ll learn storytelling techniques to make data memorable, structure messages for influence, and practice delivery strategies that bring your content—and credibility—to life. Lori will coach select participants live, giving everyone a front-row seat to practical improvement.

Rachel Yarger & Leslie Halvorson | Reimagining the PMO model 

Project Management Offices (PMOs) play a critical role in driving project execution and strategic alignment. Over time, PMOs have evolved into several structural models: Centralized, Decentralized, and Federated, each with unique strengths and challenges.

In this session, we will explore these three models and then take a deep dive into a real-world case study of a federated PMO implementation at a large biotechnology company. This structure links a central PMO with functional and business unit PMOs to create alignment while supporting the distinct needs of diverse parts of the organization. We’ll walk through how the federated model was designed, the challenges faced, and the strategies used to foster collaboration and consistency without sacrificing flexibility.

Break

Sessions will resume at 2:00 PM

Closing Panel

Hans Ekman, Vince Mirabelli, & Lisa Talbot | The PM/BA/PO Conundrum 

Most projects require at least 2 project professionals – the Business Analyst and the Project Manager.  When working together they can be a great force for delivering a great outcome.  When there is disagreement on leadership, direction, priorities and/or approach, the project suffers.  This session will discuss the occasional situations where conflict arises between a Business Analyst and the Project Manager and how to navigate them successfully for that great project outcome.

Closing Remarks

Networking Happy Hour