Our Sessions

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KEYNOTE:  Gold Medal Mindset
Chandra Crawford

Chandra’s keynote hits audiences in their motivational core as they laugh, cry and experience an Olympic champion being real and raw about winning, identity and life. Her talk takes us on a journey to the top of the Olympic podium and through the lows of her mental health struggles. Chandra’s warmth and energy are uplifting and you will take away an increased feeling that you have the inner resources to face uncertainty and challenges… And win!

PMI Triangle Area: Business Acumen

KEYNOTE:  The Artificial & Intelligent Future
Tyler Waye

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, innovation is the key to success for businesses striving to stay ahead of the curve. Join Tyler Waye, a renowned work strategist and technology enthusiast, as he explores the transformative power of technology innovation, with a specific focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).

In this captivating presentation, Tyler delves into the profound impact of AI and ML on businesses across industries. Discover how these cutting-edge technologies are reshaping the way we work, make decisions, and interact with customers. Gain insights into practical applications of AI and ML, ranging from process automation and predictive analytics to personalized customer experiences and intelligent decision-making.

Explore the opportunities and challenges that arise with the integration of AI and ML in business strategies. Tyler provides valuable insights on how organizations can harness the power of these technologies to drive innovation, increase market gains, and prepare for the future. Uncover strategies for leveraging AI and ML to optimize operations, enhance productivity, and gain a competitive edge in an ever-changing business landscape.

Through engaging anecdotes and real-world examples, Tyler highlights the importance of understanding the ethical implications and societal impact of AI and ML. Learn about the responsible implementation of these technologies, ensuring they align with values, privacy standards, and the overall well-being of employees and customers.

Tyler Waye unravels the mysteries of technology innovation, AI, and ML. Gain a deeper understanding of their potential to revolutionize industries, shape the future of work, and drive unprecedented business success. Prepare to be inspired, informed, and equipped with actionable insights to embark on your organization’s journey toward technological transformation.

PMI Triangle Area: Business Acumen, Power Skills

SESSION:  Gracefully Address Workplace Conflict and Bullying
Tammy Dunnett

Bullying disrupts projects, drives talent away, and costs organizations up to 250% of an employee’s salary in turnover. Gracefully Addressing Workplace Bullying equips project managers with practical tools to foster psychological safety, navigate tough conversations, and lead with confidence. Create a culture where teams thrive, collaboration strengthens, and projects succeed.

PMI Triangle Area: Ways of Working

SESSION:  The Diversity Advantage: Building Inclusive Teams that Thrive
Catherine Cote

In today’s dynamic work environment, leveraging diversity is not just a moral imperative—it’s a strategic advantage. Inclusive teams foster innovation, engagement, and high performance, yet many organizations struggle to create cultures where all voices are heard and valued. This session introduces the BRAVE Connections Approach to leadership.

PMI Triangle Area: Ways of Working

SESSION: The Innovator’s Mindset: Rewiring Your Brain for Creativity & Resilience
John Heather

Creativity isn’t just a talent—it’s a skill you can train. Neuroscience shows that innovation comes from breaking habits, challenging assumptions, and embracing discomfort. This session reveals brain-based techniques to boost creativity, build resilience, and bounce back from failure—so you can generate fresh ideas, adapt to change, and sustain innovation.

PMI Triangle Area: Ways of Working, Power Skills

SESSION: From Tension to Trust: Mastering Hard Conversations

Kim Hyshka

Working with stakeholders, clients, teams, and partners should be simple, right? After all, we share common goals: delivering high-quality work, staying on budget, a desire to meet or exceed industry standards and creating a positive team experience. Yet, too often our interactions become plagued with opposition, disagreements, and defensiveness.

So, what can we do? Should we just accept that difficult conversations are part of the job and struggle through them? Too often, individuals and organizations take this approach—sometimes without realizing it—only to see trust erode, relationships strain, and projects suffer from higher costs, slower productivity, and frustrating delays.

There’s a better way and it will take some DARING.

Daring Dialogue is the ability to navigate tough conversations but it isn’t something we’re born with—it’s a set of skills that can be learned, practiced, and mastered.

Join us to gain practical, easy-to-use tools that will help you handle the toughest conversations with confidence, keep conversations productive, and strengthen professional relationships.

PMI Triangle Area: Power Skills

SESSION: NAKED Networking®

Kari Mirabel

Are you ready to elevate your networking game in today’s fiercely competitive business market? Kari Mirabal’s dynamic presentation, NAKED Networking®, is a high-energy experience that explores how to build and sustain powerful connections, unlocking secrets to NETWORKING SMARTER. Participants will discover the easy-to-remember NAKED acronym (Neglect, Afraid, Knowledge, Engage, and Dedicate), which unpacks five common networking mistakes while also providing actionable solutions. Audiences can expect to hear real-world examples and captivating storytelling, empowering them to push past fear and connect with others confidently.

TOP AUDIENCE TAKEAWAYS

  • Discover 5 networking mistakes (and solutions)
  • Learn a proven 3-step networking strategy
  • Explore traditional & LinkedIn networking strategies
PMI Triangle Area: Ways of Working, Business Acumen

SESSION: The Playful Project Manager: Using the Eight Play Personalities to Build Stronger Teams

Paul Lopushinsky

Most team-building activities are cringe. While well-intentioned, they can fall into the realm of "forced fun" where attendees would rather be anywhere else.

There's a better approach to creating high performance, inclusive teams. Join Paul Lopushinsky, for a session on the Eight Play Personalities and their role in project management teams.

Through understanding the Eight Play Personalities, project managers can find ways to increase collaboration, and creativity amongst their teams. You'll learn how to embrace these different Play Personalities for better communication and engagement.

Teamwork and teambuilding doesn't need to feel forced. Learn how to harness the power of play to build teams that thrive.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the Eight Play Personalities and how they apply to your own life.
  • Learn why most team-building activities only engage a fraction of your team—and how to use the Eight Play Personalities to change that.
  • Learn how to recognize the Eight Play Personalities in others and how it leads to better communication, and teamwork.
  • Learn how to use the Eight Play Personalities in meetings, and team interactions to create a more cohesive team.

PMI Triangle Area: Power Skills

SESSION: Resilient Leadership: Thriving Through Uncertainty and Setbacks to prevent Burnout

Nicola McCrabbe

In this session, discover science-backed and innovative strategies to help project managers build resilience and thrive through uncertainty and setbacks. You’ll learn how to reframe challenges, prevent burnout, and sustain peak performance—while leading with greater clarity, adaptability, and impact in a rapidly changing environment.

PMI Triangle Area: Power Skills

SESSION: Impact of Essential Diversity and Equity on Project Success

Dr. Elizabeth Coker-Farrell & Dr. Ashish Thomas

In today's world of rapid technological advancements and globalization, projects increasingly require global collaboration. Project managers bear the collective responsibility of leading geographically dispersed teams, aligning them towards shared goals and outcomes within tight deadlines. This evolving landscape underscores the growing need to integrate diversity and equity into project management to ensure success and strengthen teams. By promoting inclusivity, project managers foster innovation, mitigate risks, and cultivate dynamic project environments that benefit all stakeholders.

PMI Triangle Area: Ways of Working, Power Skills, Business Acumen

PANEL: Moving Forward: Embracing Diversity to Drive Innovation and Growth

Panelists: Dr. Elizabeth Coker-Farrell, Catherine Cote and Tammy Dunnett

Moderator: TBD

Description forthcoming...