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Sponsorship- PDD 2025
PDD Sponsorship
PDD 2025
Please contact vppd@pmikc.org
Keynote - Innovate & Harness AI to Outperform The Norm
PDD 2024
This keynote is an AI lens of topic based on Scott’s latest book, “Daily Execution. Extraordinary Results.” Innovating and harnessing AI focusing on the strategy of goal setting, the execution of goal achieving, and the psychology of aspiring to big things. You will learn key strategies used by elite performers and top project managers to be your best and thrive in this fun, high-energy session.
Scott Welle, Outperform the Norm
Outperformers are not born; they’re made. We ALL have the capacity to “raise our game,” and Scott Welle has spent more than 15 years helping people do this, personally and professionally. Scott’s 10 best selling books, articles, videos, podcasts and online programs inspire hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. He has a Master’s degree in Sport Psychology, was named the 2021 Midwest Motivational Speaker of the Year and was voted a Top Performance Coach for 2024. For “fun” (and because he’s a little crazy!), he’s completed 33 marathons, 5 Ironman triathlons, a 100-mile ultra marathon, and serves others by showing them how to tap into the mindset of challenging their self-limiting beliefs and aspiring to Outperform every day.
1 PDU
Power Skills
AI and Complexity: A New Frontier in Project Management
PDD 2024
Artificial Intelligence has been gaining increasing visibility over the past 10 years but the arrival of Chat GPT has brought AI into the main stream and sparked a tech gold rush with NVIDIA becoming a $3 Trillion company and every major enterprise claiming they are doing AI” in much the same way many companies claim they are “doing Agile”. Many organizations are faced with Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) and are jumping on the AI wagon. This presentation will share some practical examples of where AI can support the Project Management Practice but also where using AI presents issues. By seeing practical examples participants will be better equipped to make the critical decisions of when AI should be used and when a human centered approach is more appropriate.
Luke Desmond, PfMP, PgMP, PMP, Cisco Systems
Luke Desmond is a seasoned technology leader and transformation expert with over 30 years of international experience across Australia, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the USA. Currently serving as a Transformation Director at Cisco Systems, Luke specializes in leading teams to deliver innovative technology solutions focused on business transformation. He is a continuous learner dedicated to mastering emerging technologies such as Cyber Security, IoT and Data Science. With extensive exposure to the entire technology lifecycle, Luke has managed everything from concept development and commercial feasibility to deployment & operations. In addition to his role at Cisco, Luke is an Adjunct Professor at SKEMA Business School in France and an Industry Advisory Board Member at the University of Kansas, He is in the final stages of his Doctorate in Business Administration in Programme & Project Management and holds masters degrees in Project Management, Decision Analytics, Cyber Security Operations and System Engineering
1 PDU
Business Acumen
Accelerating AI Adoption (Virtual) by the International Institute of Learning
PDD 2024
Dr. Leon Herszon (PhD, PMP, CSM, CSPO, DASSM), International Institute of Learning
Dr. Leon Herszon is the Head of IIL Consulting at the International Institute for Learning (IIL).
He launched his career at Shell, where he managed the areas of HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment), Information Technology, and strategic projects. Next, he moved on to IIL, establishing the company's South American operations with a base in Brazil. Once that was up
and running, he moved to the USA and led several initiatives in business development, products and services, and corporate agility.
Currently, he leads IIL’s global consulting practice with headquarters in NYC, with a focus on helping clients on their improvement journey. With a master’s degree focused on project management maturity models, he went on to earn his Ph.D. by proposing a model to support complex projects.
Dr. Herszon also lectures on project management at Rutgers Business School and delivers presentations worldwide.
He is a several times Ironman finisher and communicates in English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish.
1 PDU
Business Acumen
Daily Execution and Extraordinary Results with AI
PDD 2024
"Daily Execution. Extraordinary Results." focuses on the strategy of goal setting, the execution of goal achieving, and the psychology of aspiring to big things using AI. You will learn key strategies used by elite performers and top project managers to be your best and thrive in this fun, high-energy session.
Scott Welle, Outperform the Norm
Outperformers are not born; they’re made. We ALL have the capacity to “raise our game,” and Scott Welle has spent more than 15 years helping people do this, personally and professionally. Scott’s 10 best selling books, articles, videos, podcasts and online programs inspire hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. He has a Master’s degree in Sport Psychology, was named the 2021 Midwest Motivational Speaker of the Year and was voted a Top Performance Coach for 2024. For “fun” (and because he’s a little crazy!), he’s completed 33 marathons, 5 Ironman triathlons, a 100-mile ultra marathon, and serves others by showing them how to tap into the mindset of challenging their self-limiting beliefs and aspiring to Outperform every day.
1 PDU
Power Skills
Delta Dawn: AI Use Cases from the Bayou
PDD 2024
Have you ever wanted to increase your critical and creative thinking when it comes to the usage of AI? Join us as Tanya shares her journey of blending AI with creativity. Discover how AI enhanced her photography website, aided in designing the “Tales from the SWAMP” project management presentation, and helped create local Louisiana art. Learn about Tanya beta testing of ChatGPT 4 and PMI Infinity and get practical tips on using AI for professional and personal efficiency.
1) The Origin Story and Timeline of Creative AI Usage
2) 1st Use Case: Using AI to Enhance Photography Website
3) 2nd Use Case: Using AI to Design and Create Tales from the SWAMP: Navigating the Murky Waters of Project Management
4) 3rd Use Case: PMI Infinity Beta Testing - Used ChatGPT 4 and PMI Infinity to Compare Results
5) 4th Use Case: Using AI to Design and Create local Louisiana Art
6) How to Use AI to BAYOU Sum Time: Professional and Personal Applications
7) Live Demonstration of ChatGPT 4o
Tanya Boyd, Inspire Creative Consulting
Tanya Boyd is a project manager with over 20 years of experience, known for her passion for creativity, innovation, and an ability to get things done with a dash of humor.
1 PDU
Power Skills
Elevate your Project Management Skills by – Blocking and Tackling (Basics) with AI Lens
PDD 2024
For excellent project management, MUST elevate your skills by employing the basics of project management. Even very experienced project managers often barely use or completely bypass fundamental project management processes. When bypassed, projects fail! For any project to be successful, MUST get the basics done and done right! Advanced project management methods, computer systems, and AI won’t effectively manage a project that ignores the basics. This presentation will cover much of the project management basics, with examples. Also, discover the real reason why schedules and costs are almost always late and overbudget. Discuss The Exponential Theory of Apparent Construction Completion. Do ALL the basics and do them right!
Walter Almon, Almon Engineering
Walter S. Almon, PE, PMP, is involved in project management in industry and academia. He has been an adjunct professor in project management in the graduate program at University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) and is an active faculty advisor and guest lecturer. He is on the UAA Project Management Advisory Board and is immediate past chair.
Walt has been a member of Project Management Institute since 2007 and is Past President-Alaska Chapter, and past VP of Finance. He has engaged within PMI via attending annual Leadership Institute Meetings, and annual Region 1 meetings. He has also been involved over the years teaching PMP prep courses and lectured at project management Professional Development courses. Walt is Past President-Austin Chapter, and past interim VP of Operations. Walt is currently the PMI Region 6 volunteer.
Walt’s work experience includes small project management, managing multi-million-dollar projects and programs, software design, data management, Process Safety Management, and inspection methodologies. He has worked in chemical plants, refineries, and oil & gas facilities. Management roles include Project Engineering Superintendent (DuPont), Operations Engineering Team Lead (BP), and Data Management Supervisor (Conoco). Walt has worked in Europe and the Middle East.
Education: BS Mechanical Engineering, MBA, MS Project Management from UAA. PMP certification from PMI. Professional engineer: Oklahoma and Texas.
1 PDU
Business Acumen
Enhance Your Career with PMP Certification + AI Prep (Virtual) by the International Institute of Learning
PDD 2024
Max Langosco, Internation Institute of Learning
Max Langosco (economist, PMP) is a trainer, coach, and consultant in project management practices and processes. For the past ten years, he has assumed a wide spectrum of roles and responsibilities in the global project management arena in the Americas, Europe, and the United Arab Emirates.
1 PDU
Power Skills
Future of Teams: Empowering Gen Z+ with Next Gen Project Management
PDD 2024
Join Future of Work expert Luke Goetting for a dynamic talk addressing the critical intersection of human talent and artificial intelligence in shaping the future of work. Luke’s presentation explores how Gen Z, as digital natives, are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between traditional project management practices and AI-driven innovations. He delves into how their tech fluency and collaborative spirit can be leveraged to integrate AI tools effectively into project workflows, enhancing efficiency and decision-making. By focusing on the synergy between Gen Z talent and AI technologies, this talk provides a roadmap for strategic project management that balances human-centric approaches with technological advancements. Luke emphasizes that the future of work is both human and AI, and that successful project management in this new era requires a deep understanding of both elements.
Luke Goetting, Gen Z @ Work
Luke Goetting is a Future of Work expert and global keynote speaker who has electrified audiences at TEDx, DisruptHR, the AI & Agile Summit and hundreds of events around the world. As a sought-after voice at leadership events and management trainings, Luke specializes in helping organizations maximize employee engagement and productivity with an emphasis on unlocking the potential of Gen Z and the emerging workforce.
Luke is founder of the award-winning communications agency Puffingston Presentations in Austin, Texas, and has crafted high-impact presentations for industry giants like Dell, IBM, Lenovo and AMD. His expertise in developing engaging, interactive experiences has made him a go-to resource for organizations looking to future-proof their workforce and foster a culture of innovation.
Prepare for a session that informs and entertains – Luke Goetting is here to revolutionize how you think about the future of work!
1 PDU
Business Acumen
Generative AI for Creative Thinking (Virtual) by the International Institute of Learning
PDD 2024
Dr. Leon Herszon (PhD, PMP, CSM, CSPO, DASSM), International Institute of Learning
Dr. Leon Herszon is the Head of IIL Consulting at the International Institute for Learning (IIL).
He launched his career at Shell, where he managed the areas of HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment), Information Technology, and strategic projects. Next, he moved on to IIL, establishing the company's South American operations with a base in Brazil. Once that was up
and running, he moved to the USA and led several initiatives in business development, products and services, and corporate agility.
Currently, he leads IIL’s global consulting practice with headquarters in NYC, with a focus on helping clients on their improvement journey. With a master’s degree focused on project management maturity models, he went on to earn his Ph.D. by proposing a model to support complex projects.
Dr. Herszon also lectures on project management at Rutgers Business School and delivers presentations worldwide.
He is a several times Ironman finisher and communicates in English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish.
1 PDU
Ways of Working
Life, Growth and AI. Are you Present?
PDD 2024
Every one of us has a purpose and bottled-up potential, but most people choose to stay on the sidelines. Most people never take action to stretch themselves and have a plan for growing each day. They just want to be average. To be “average” is to be forgotten once you pass from this life. The successful are remembered for their contributions; their failures are remembered because they tried; but the “average,” the silent majority, is just forgotten. The best organizations don’t pay for average. We must be aware of the gap that stands between us and our potential and let the tension of that gap motivate us to keep striving to become better by taking a deeper look at the 8 misconceptions of growth. As was written by W. Somerset Maugham, “Only a mediocre person is at their best”. Finally, I was surprised and impressed by the many choices there are already concerning AI and Personal Development on the internet. I will be sharing with you three of the top AI sites out there designed to help you reach your Personal Development Goals.
Craig Danielson, FIS Global
1 PDU
Power Skills
Process Mapping: The Essential Foundation for AI
PDD 2024
Process Mapping: The Essential Foundation for AI Many organizations struggle with inefficiencies, integration challenges, and poor AI performance, often due to a lack of clear process mapping. Without well-defined workflows, operations become disorganized, resources are wasted, and opportunities for growth are missed. This presentation will demonstrate how process mapping provides the essential foundation for overcoming these issues by helping you visualize workflows, identify and resolve obstacles, streamline operations, and ensure smooth technology integration. Attendees will learn how to improve data flow, foster better collaboration, and align AI initiatives with strategic goals, ultimately unlocking the full potential of AI and driving organizational success.
Sam Drasuchak, Truvle
Sam Drauschak is the Co-founder and Chief Process Scientist at Truvle, whose mission is to assist
businesses in reducing wasteful activity by providing them with innovative tools, software and expert
content. With over a decade of experience in management consulting, Sam has worked with companies
in financial services, resources, legal services, media, and digital services to simplify and improve their
operations using business science fundamentals.
He is the author of Becoming A Conscious Business, a book that explores the efficiency of biological
systems and how to apply them to modern businesses.
Leading his team at Truvle, Sam helps organizations achieve maximum efficiency in business processes and
energy flow. Samuel has also developed the Truvle Mapping Language (TML), a universal process mapping
language adopted as the standard for multiple large enterprises globally.
Sam has been a featured speaker at IIBA and Columbia University, sharing his experience in process
consulting. He was proudly featured in the Top 100 Magazine and was recently honored as a listee by
Marqui's Who's Who, recognized for his exceptional contributions to process mapping language. Sam's
expertise spans process improvement, cost reduction, operational redesign, and more, working with
global firms and Silicon Valley clients.
He holds an MBA from the University of Richmond, a B.A. from the University of Virginia, and certifications
in Lean, Six Sigma, Change Management, and Project Management.
1 PDU
Ways of Working
Productivity Power Up with AI - Effective Prompt Writing and Tips on Variety of AI Platforms
PDD 2024
Productivity Power-Up: Unleash Your Potential with AI (shows how to write effective prompts, tips on using various AI platforms) Centriq's AI specialists teach you about using AI-powered tools like Midjourney, Dall-E, ChatGPT-4, and more! Get a quick-hitting glimpse on how to use AI to achieve specific business goals. You'll be introduced to productivity and efficiency tools, learn prompting to create high-quality, quick, and compelling content, and use AI tools to extract and analyze your insights.
Evan Whittaker, Centriq
Evan brings a wealth of experience in marketing, sales, operations, education, and IT. He excels in leveraging AI tools, especially LLMs like ChatGPT, to innovate in the education sector. His career showcases his versatility and leadership across diverse fields. Holding an MBA from the University of Central Missouri and a CompTIA CTT+ and IBM certification, Evan’s expertise blends technical proficiency with strategic business insights. His Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from the same institution further underlines his strong communication skills. A committed educator and tech enthusiast, Evan continuously explores new ways to integrate AI into learning and professional development.
1 PDU
Power Skills
Responsible Use of AI – Why is it important?
PDD 2024
Responsible AI is less known but growing in importance due to legal actions, ethical responsibility and global regulations. This is an overview with key takeaways to increase knowledge and awareness of why we all need to understand the importance of Responsible Use of AI.
Romona Wooldridge, Accenture
Romona Wooldridge is a distinguished Technology Strategist & Consultant with over 35 years of top corporate and consulting experience across diverse industries. Specializing in data transformation projects for global clients, Romona brings a wealth of knowledge to the critical discussions surrounding automation and data ethics. As a certified expert in Responsible Artificial Intelligence (RAI), Romona emphasizes the importance of integrating responsible practices within technology and automation frameworks.
In addition to a BS in Industrial Management from Purdue University, an MBA, and certifications in Project Management Professional (PMP) and AWS and Azure cloud technology, Romona also brings a rich academic background as a credentialed instructor for MBA classes. Her consulting experience extends to C-Suite executives, providing strategic insights that not only adhere to best practices but also consider their broader impact on individuals and organizations.
With a career dedicated to advancing technology while maintaining ethical standards, Romona is a compelling advocate for thoughtful and responsible innovation in the digital age.
1 PDU
Business Acumen
The Future of Work: A Deep Dive into Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT
PDD 2024
There are a lot of mixed feelings about artificial intelligence and ChatGPT. Project managers might be excited, nervous, confused, or worried about it. What we fail to realize is technological disruption has happened throughout history. Tools like ChatGPT provide a huge opportunity to increase our efficiency and save time. Artificial intelligence tools are here to stay and will continue to advance in the future. This session will 1) provide an overview of artificial intelligence and ChatGPT 2) examine how artificial intelligence tools can be applied at work 3) share thoughts on the implications of artificial intelligence on the future of work.
Zac Jarrard, Jarrard Consulting, LLC
Zac Jarrard is the President of Jarrard Consulting, LLC. The company is dedicated to bringing out the best in people through team building activities, project management training, and workshops to improve intergenerational communication at work. Zac holds three master’s degrees from Park University and several certifications. His research interests include gamification, project management, and working across different generations. Outside of his company, Zac is heavily involved in the community. He is a proud ASQ senior member who serves as the Past Chair of the Kansas City Section. Zac is an Eagle Scout who aspires to make the world a better place for everyone.
1 PDU
Ways of Working
Understanding AI and Automation in Project Management
PDD 2024
In this session, we will explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are revolutionizing project management. We’ll discover how AI algorithms can help analyze project requirements and team capabilities to allocate resources more efficiently, ensuring optimal use of time and skills. We will also learn how AI-driven analytics provide real-time performance insights, help project managers make informed decisions, identify potential issues early, and improve overall project outcomes. In addition, we’ll cover some ways automation tools can handle routine tasks such as scheduling, reporting, and data entry, freeing project managers to focus on strategic planning and problem-solving. Join us to see how these technologies are transforming the landscape of project management, making it more efficient, data-driven, and innovative.
Dr. Gary Broils, The University of Kansas
Dr. Gary Broils , is a Professor of the Practice for Project Management at the University of Kansas-Edwards Campus. With over 30 years of experience in management consulting, IT, and military service in the USMC, Dr. Broils brings a wealth of knowledge. He’s worked with leading companies and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Agile leader.
1 PDU
Ways of Working
