Program Agenda
May 19 Forum Day 2
Registration and Networking
Welcome and Day Highlights
Achieve breakthrough PMO success through behavioral and organizational change.
More than ever before, PMOs are in the spotlight for organizations around the world. New frameworks have been released, new associations are promoting certifications, and expectations are at an all-time high. This session will pull from the book, Atomic Habits, and Organizational Project Delivery from The PMO Squad, to explore practical application of behavioral and organizational change to deliver actionable takeaways to drive PMO success. As author James Clear wrote, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
Enhancing Emotional Intelligence and Adaptability in Leadership Roles in the Age of AI (NF)
This presentation explores how emotional intelligence (EQ) and adaptability enable leaders to harness AI as a strategic partner for next-generation project management, aligned with KSA Vision 2030. It highlights how success in the AI age depends on unlocking human potential to align teams, processes, and technology. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to build emotionally resilient cultures, transform disruption into innovation, and lead with confidence, fostering productivity while safeguarding creativity and well-being.
The Future of Project Management: Leadership, Innovation, and Strategic Integration of People, Process, and Technology
This exclusive panel will bring together top global leaders in project management to discuss how the profession is evolving in response to disruptive technologies, shifting workforce dynamics, and the increasing complexity of business environments. The panel will explore how organizations can strategically align people, process, and technology to not only deliver projects successfully but also drive innovation, competitive advantage, and long-term value. Key points of discussion will include the future role of PMOs, governance in the age of AI, and how professional associations are shaping the next generation of project leaders. Attendees will gain insights into global trends, leadership strategies, and industry best practices that will define the future of project management.
Future of Teams: Empowering Gen Z+ with Next Gen Project Management Power Skills
The landscape of work is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by a digitally native generation with unique expectations and values. Gen Z is the future of the workforce and its impact on project management is not just a trend, but a strategic imperative. Join Future of Work expert Luke Goetting on this journey to unlock the transformative power of Gen Z employees on your teams to become a leader in the new era of project management and connect with your organization' s next generation of talent! This dynamic, interactive program arms you with the critical insights and actionable strategies needed to transform your project management approach and help shape the future of your organization: 1. Beyond "Quiet Quitting": We delve into the deeper motivations and aspirations of Gen Z, helping you create a workplace that fosters meaningful engagement and long-term success. From Challenges to Opportunities: Explore the unique characteristics of Gen Z “ their tech fluency, collaborative spirit, and focus on purpose “ and dis 2. cover how to turn them into powerful levers for project effectiveness. 3. Building High-Performance Teams: We equip you with proven strategies from mentorship and gamification to transparent communication and skills development “ to forge diverse, motivated teams that thrive in the future of work.More than just connecting with Gen Z, this program empowers you to: 1. Attract and retain top talent in a competitive market. 2. Boost team innovation and agility in a rapidly changing world. 3. Future-proof your project management practices for sustained success. Remember, adapting to the future isn't optional “ it's essential. Invest in your future, invest in Gen Z. Register today! My session will be a dynamic and engaging experience filled with opportunities for you to actively participate. Throughout the session, you'll have multiple avenues to shape the discussion and dive deeper into the content. Get ready for: 1. Live Polling: Let your voice be heard! Answer real-time questions, gauge group sentiment, and influence the direction of the workshop via interactive polls. 2. Participant-Driven Content: No more passive lectures! Your interests and questions will guide the conversation, ensuring you get the most out of every moment. 2-Way Q&A: Ask questions freely and engage in open dialogue. No question is too small or too big, and I'm here to provide insightful answers and foster learning.
Tailoring IT development for patient-centric healthcare solutions
Being part of the healthcare department of a vendor company, I’ll share insights on IT development for U.S. government-funded grant projects. These projects come with unique challenges, such as balancing business, legal, and technical requirements while working with non-technical leaders like research directors and clinicians. Our solutions help patients manage illnesses and support medical research, but we often face strict budgets, evolving requirements, and small teams wearing multiple hats. Customer processes can be unclear, and available technologies aren’t always the best fit. To tackle these challenges, we rely on clear communication, proactive collaboration, and adaptable development. Each project teaches us something new, helping us refine our approach and create better outcomes for everyone involved.
Doubling your Strategic Portfolio Value Today
In today's competitive landscape, executives are relentlessly seeking strategies to amplify returns on their investments. The C-suite yearns for a Project Management Office (PMO) that not only orchestrates projects but also functions as a strategic powerhouse, driving exceptional value. In this session, we'll discover how the traditional focus on project execution is limiting the portfolio strategic value that the PMO can deliver. We'll then explore four portfolio management techniques that PMO leaders can leverage to dramatically increase the return on investment from their portfolio, while delivering real strategic impact to the business. Our target during the talk, in fact, is to empower you to double the ROI from the whole portfolio of projects. Which is just what your executives are looking for!
Turn Dreams into Progress: How to Manage Your Resources for Real Results
Lofty strategies without the support of available and accessible resources are often destined to fail. Research from Harvard Business Review and Brightline shows that managing too many initiatives without adequate resource management is a primary reason why strategies fail to be implemented successfully. Yet, Resource Management is often entangled in buzzwords and vague concepts. In this interactive session, we will utilize the Resource Management Continuum Framework to help participants identify their most pressing resource management challenges and introduce actionable steps to address these issues. The Resource Management Continuum simplifies the complex question of ""who does what, when"" across different time horizons, using targeted questions to pinpoint the most pressing business issues. This session can be adapted to various formats, from a quick 30-minute overview with self-assessment exercises to a full workshop or unconference session. The framework was first introduced at the PMOGA Unconference in 2023 (refer to video for more details). The attached presentation is the original document presented at the unconference and will be adapted to the chosen interactive format.
Leadership:Empowering Success Through Influence and Collaboration
This session, Leadership: Empowering Success Through Influence and Collaboration, explores the essence of true leadership beyond authority. It covers key misconceptions about leadership versus management, the importance of influence and inspiration, and the essential traits of an effective leader, including vision, active listening, empowerment, adaptability, and integrity. Additionally, it discusses fostering leadership within teams, motivating members, and creating a culture of innovation and collaboration. Through real-world examples and case studies, the session aims to inspire participants to embrace leadership as a tool for positive impact and success.
Leading complex multicultural project teams
This presentation will examine the role of Cultural Intelligence (CQ) in leading and managing a team composed of members of diverse cultural backgrounds, and how it affects team cohesion and project performance, in particular:1. Identify critical factors and strategies that contribute to the formation and success of high-performing multicultural project teams, focusing on leadership, communication and team-building practices 2. Explore leadership approaches and behaviors that foster collaboration, trust and high performance in a multicultural team of experts from different nationalities
TBC
TBC
The power of people in leading innovation in communities
Explore how people-centered innovation is shaping the future of our cities. This session will showcase a proven methodology that empowers communities to drive smart city initiatives and digital transformation. Through real-world success stories like Smart Cities Ambassadors and Women of Future Cities, we will highlight how collaboration, technology, and inclusive leadership can create lasting impact.
How to have data driven decision making in agile transformation. Use digital-driven innovations.
Speech will give an insight into how I have worked with a digital native startup automating end-to-end agile transformation processes. 1. Why Change Management using Agile methodology (external and internal environment analysis) 2. What are megatrends affecting the need to innovate with digital and agile methodology (regulatory, technology, ageing population disrupting knowledge and organisational learning etc) 3. Digital Innovation long tail model: Working with startups for win-win growth. Large organisations learn quicker how to apply emerging digital technology (AI specifically in my presentation's case) 4. Overview of a product Dune Studio is using for agile transformation projects. For agile teams of 10 - 14 people. Assessment feature, predictive analytics, KPIs and OKRs, AI for proactive risk management, reporting and analytics using the AI powered system.
Managing Projects Towards Excellence: AJi Group’s Experience
AJi's successful experience in establishing Project Management Offices (PMO) will be showcased through two major projects: the first with Riyadh Municipality , where AJi has been able to achieve the objecives and aspirations of the Municipality, especially in qualifying human cadres within project management teams, and the second is Tabuk University project, where this project distinguished itself in digital transformation, in which AJi was able to achieve the university’s strategic goals.
Digital Mastery: Tools and Strategies for Project Success
In an era defined by rapid technological evolution, managing digital projects effectively has become a cornerstone of organizational success. This presentation delivers a concise yet powerful guide to mastering digital project management. Attendees will explore the unique challenges of the digital landscape, learn how to navigate the project lifecycle with agility, and uncover the secrets to selecting the right tools and methodologies. Drawing insights from real-world scenarios, the session will cover critical skills for digital project leaders, including building high-performing teams, driving digital transformation, and leveraging AI and analytics to enhance efficiency. Whether you're a seasoned project manager or transitioning into digital domains, this presentation will equip you with actionable strategies to ensure your projects deliver transformative results. Leave with a roadmap to lead your teams confidently, adapt to change seamlessly, and achieve sustained success in a tech-driven world.
Future-Ready Project Leaders: Preparing the Next Generation of Professionals
In this session, insights on the skills, tools, and leadership qualities required to prepare the next generation of project managers will be shared. By focusing on agility, technological fluency, and emotional intelligence, participants will learn how to future-proof their teams and adapt to the evolving demands of the profession.
Stakeholder Diplomacy - The Unseen Force Behind Project Success
Stakeholder Diplomacy - The Unseen Force Behind Project Success Project failure is rarely just a result of poor planning. More often, it stems from unspoken tensions, competing priorities, and silent resistance that derail execution. True success lies in navigating power dynamics, aligning diverse interests, and influencing outcomes without formal authority. Stakeholder Diplomacy is the strategic force that determines whether a project drives impact or stalls under pressure. It requires the ability to read the room, anticipate resistance, manage expectations without overpromising, and transform sceptics into strategic allies. This session explores the subtle yet decisive techniques behind securing stakeholder buy-in, sustaining momentum, and ensuring long-term success. Attendees will gain practical strategies to navigate conflicting agendas, defuse tensions, and drive alignment while keeping the project on course. Mastering Stakeholder Diplomacy is not optional, it is the defining factor between leading with influence and merely managing execution.
Digitization and Innovation for Controlling Mega Projects
The aim of this session is to introduce what RUA have accomplished regarding Digitization that provides faster access to information, increase productivity, improve decision making and for Innovation the use of the latest technology that helps monitor the project progress throughout the project lifecycle and plan future steps
How to unlock the potential of the low altitude economy
In an era defined by rapid technological evolution, managing digital projects effectively has become a cornerstone of organizational success. This presentation delivers a concise yet powerful guide to mastering digital project management. Attendees will explore the unique challenges of the digital landscape, learn how to navigate the project lifecycle with agility, and uncover the secrets to selecting the right tools and methodologies. Drawing insights from real-world scenarios, the session will cover critical skills for digital project leaders, including building high-performing teams, driving digital transformation, and leveraging AI and analytics to enhance efficiency. Whether you're a seasoned project manager or transitioning into digital domains, this presentation will equip you with actionable strategies to ensure your projects deliver transformative results. Leave with a roadmap to lead your teams confidently, adapt to change seamlessly, and achieve sustained success in a tech-driven world.
Disciplined Agile - Choose Your Way of Working
This session focuses on how organizations can effectively utilize Disciplined Agile (DA) and hybrid project management approaches to create pragmatic transformation roadmaps. By combining the flexibility of DA with structured hybrid methodologies, this talk aims to address common organizational challenges and deliver actionable strategies for achieving business agility. Key highlights include: Disciplined Agile Toolkit: Exploring how DA supports adaptive and pragmatic approaches, focusing on tailoring processes to organizational contexts rather than adhering to rigid frameworks.Value Stream Assessments: Understanding how to identify inefficiencies, optimize workflows, and align business objectives with delivery capabilities. Portfolio and Program Management: Discussing strategies for transitioning from project-centric to product-centric planning, emphasizing value-driven prioritization and execution.Hybrid Approaches: Bridging traditional project management with agile practices to address specific needs, including capacity management, vendor collaboration, and team enablement.
Lunch, Prayer & Networking
Lunch, Prayer & Networking
Driving Sustainability in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030: Project Management Strategies for a Green Future
Overview of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030: Explain how sustainability is a key pillar in the country's long-term vision and the role of project management in achieving its goals. Sustainable Infrastructure Projects: Discuss the development of green cities like NEOM, and how project managers can implement sustainable practices in large-scale infrastructure, urban planning, and construction projects. Energy Transition and Renewable Projects: Focus on the shift towards renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, and the challenges and opportunities project managers face in implementing these initiatives. Circular Economy and Waste Management: Address projects aimed at reducing waste, promoting recycling, and fostering a circular economy in Saudi Arabia. Environmental Regulations and Compliance: Provide insight into the regulatory framework in Saudi Arabia regarding environmental protection and how project managers can ensure compliance with these standards. Sustainable Procurement and Supply Chain: Discuss how project managers can integrate sustainability into procurement processes and supply chains, emphasizing local sourcing and reducing environmental impact. Innovation and Technology: Explore how emerging technologies (AI, IoT, blockchain) can be leveraged to drive sustainability in projects.
The Effectiveness of Third-Party Monitoring Framework in Hard-to-Reach Locations
Implementing projects in hard-to-reach locations whether due to security risks, political instability, geographical barriers, or health emergencies poses significant challenges for organizations striving for accountability, transparency, and optimal performance. Traditional internal monitoring mechanisms are often insufficient in these restricted environments, necessitating Third-Party Monitoring (TPM) Frameworks to provide independent oversight, mitigate risks, and enhance project impact. This session will explore how TPM serves as a critical tool for accountability and Value for Money (VfM), enabling effective project oversight where direct access is limited. We will examine how TPM frameworks go beyond conventional monitoring systems by incorporating local context, diverse stakeholder needs, and innovative data collection methodologies. Through real-world examples, participants will gain insights into how TPM can strengthen risk management, optimize performance, and ensure beneficiary engagement in project implementation.
The Inner and Outer World of Leadership: Resilience, Transformation, and Integrity
Core Idea: Leadership is not just about external achievements; it is deeply rooted in the inner psychological landscape of the leader. In this session, we will explore how personal integrity, emotional resilience, and self-awareness form the foundation of transformational leadership. Additionally, there is no clear boundary between personal and professional lives they are constantly influencing each other. The keynote also explores the interconnectedness of personal and professional identities. This approach equips leaders to navigate stress, inspire change, and lead authentically in an evolving business world.
Governance - The Cornerstone of Accountability and Transparency in Project Management
In today's demanding and complex project environments, effective governance is the foundation for delivering successful and sustainable outcomes. While ethics plays a crucial role in fostering trust and responsible decision-making, it is governance that establishes the frameworks, structures, processes, and practices needed to drive accountability, ensure oversight, align projects with organisational goals, and enable project success. This presentation will explore: The Power of Governance: How strong governance frameworks facilitate clear decision-making, proactive risk management, and contribution to strategic objectives. Ethics in Governance: The role of ethical principles in reinforcing stakeholder trust and guiding responsible decision-making within governance structures. AI and the Future of Governance: How AI is reshaping governance practices, offering new opportunities for enhanced decision-making while introducing ethical considerations that must be addressed. Join me as we explore how a governance-first approach - complemented by ethical decision-making - empowers project leaders to navigate complexity, foster transparency, deliver project success, and realise impactful organisational outcomes.
Soft Skills, Hard Results: Essential Traits for the Future Project Leader
This panel discussion will explore the indispensable soft skills that project leaders must cultivate to thrive in an increasingly complex, fast-paced, and tech-driven world. As project management evolves, the role of emotional intelligence, adaptability, communication, and leadership becomes more critical than ever.
Securing the Future: Strategies to Attract, Develop, and Retain Top Talent in Project Management
This panel discussion will explore the critical elements necessary for building and sustaining human capital in project management. Focusing on talent retention and development, appealing to emerging professionals, and implementing initiatives for sustained growth, the session will provide actionable insights drawn from recent research and industry trends.
Leading Across Cultures: Project Success in a Globalized World
In today's interconnected world, the success of any project hinges not just on technical expertise but on the ability to navigate cultural differences. This talk dives into the critical dimensions of culture that influence teamwork, communication, and decision-making in diverse and remote project teams. Drawing on real-world stories and relatable examples, it highlights the unspoken norms, working styles, and expectations that can either drive collaboration or derail progress. Whether you're a Saudi professional leading international teams or an expatriate navigating the cultural nuances of working in Saudi Arabia, this session provides actionable strategies to foster trust, alignment, and harmony. By understanding and bridging cultural divides, participants will learn how to transform challenges into opportunities and elevate project outcomes in a globalized world.
Team capabilities and project success: The medianting role of the governance framework
How a project team's ability to learn and adapt (absorptive capacity) impacts project success, with the governance framework acting as a mediator variable. Presentation is based on a research study (PhD Thesis) focusing on oil and gas capital projects in Brazil. The study utilizes Agency Theory and the concept of projects as temporary organizations. Data from a survey of 173 project management professionals was analyzed using Partial Least Squares. Results show that both absorptive capacity and effective project governance significantly influence project success. This study contributes by examining how these factors interact within the context of oil and gas capital projects, providing guidances to develop an Effective Capital Project Control System to integrate the governance framework of the permanent sponsor organization.
Disrupt or Be Disrupted: Rethinking Project Management in the Age of Digital Transformation
This provocative panel discussion challenges traditional project management norms, exploring how emerging technologies are forcing organizations to adapt or risk becoming obsolete. The conversation will push boundaries, addressing the disruptive nature of digital transformation and its impact on the future of project management.
From growth to greatness: unlock your potential, lead with impact, and become a future-ready PM
The path from growth to greatness is built on daily improvements, emotional intelligence, and unlocking your potential to lead in complex environments. Through inspiring stories, actionable strategies, and a vision for the future, this speech will empower you to embrace continuous learning, foster collaboration, and develop the essential leadership skills needed to thrive as the PM of tomorrow in an ever-evolving world.
Leading Through Change: The Future of Project Management Beyond 2030
Join this high-energy Firetalk Panel as industry leaders dive into the essential shifts that will define the future of project management. From building inclusive teams that drive innovation, to leveraging ePMOs as the enterprise brain for strategic decision-making, and transforming project managers into influential business leaders—we’ll discuss how tomorrow’s leaders can drive sustainability, inclusivity, and strategic alignment. Discover how embracing diversity, green practices, and advanced portfolio management can empower your organization to thrive in an increasingly complex world. Whether you’re an executive, a PMO leader, or a forward-thinking project manager, this discussion will provide actionable insights to future-proof your approach to project delivery.
Securing the Future: Cybersecurity Strategies in the Age of Digital Transformation
As organizations accelerate their digital transformation, they face an increasingly complex and evolving cybersecurity landscape. Cyber threats are no longer just an IT issue they are strategic business risks that can impact operations, reputation, and compliance. This session is designed to empower project managers and business leaders with the knowledge and tools to seamlessly integrate cybersecurity best practices into digital initiatives. We will explore real-world cyber threats, emerging attack vectors, and the growing regulatory landscape that demands proactive security measures. Through practical insights and case studies, we will uncover strategies for identifying vulnerabilities, mitigating risks, and safeguarding critical data while ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Attendees will learn how to balance innovation and security, enabling business agility without compromising resilience. Whether you're leading a digital transformation project or managing enterprise IT initiatives, this session will provide actionable steps to build a secure, future-ready digital ecosystem.
Green PMO for Decision Makers
Overview: The session will focus on demonstrating the value of having a PMO and its role in driving better sustainability ESG outcomes. Attendees will learn how the PMO can embrace sustainability/ESG as one of the key pillars, in order to empower the board of directors with clear insights on strategic alignment, resource optimization, risk management, benefits and value delivered. We'll also explore how the PMO can become a vehicle to deliver value, drive and ensure informed decision making for a successful organization.Key Takeaways: Discover how to transform your PMO to a driver of positive sustainability outcomes by integrating ESG considerations into its core processes. Learn how the PMO can drive informed decision making by providing clear data and insights related to sustainability initiatives. Gain strategies for utilizing the PMO as a vehicle to deliver value on sustainability projects.
The Essence of Trust in Leadership: Building Bridges, Creating Impact
Trust is the cornerstone of effective leadership, yet it often operates in the background. Trust isn’t just a nice to have in leadership it’s the invisible force that binds people, teams, and organizations. Without it, leadership crumbles.
Unlocking your PMO Potential using the PMO Competency Framework
In this interactive and hands-on session, we delve into the power of the PMO Competency Framework to support both individual career growth and organizational development. Whether you're just starting out in PMO or are a seasoned professional, this session will equip you with the tools to reflect on your skills, identify areas for growth, and create meaningful role profiles for your team. We'll guide you through: 1. Preparing for and conducting a PMO self-assessment, using practical tips to ensure meaningful reflection. 2. Scoring your experience against the competencies, knowledge, skills, and behaviours outlined in the PMO Competency Framework.3. A live demonstration of the online self-assessment tool, available to full members of the House of PMO, showcasing its ease of use and actionable insights.4.How to use the PMO Competency Framework to build a tailored role profile for a PMO position in your organization, ensuring alignment with business needs and individual development goals. Interactive Elements: 1. Attendees will have the opportunity to complete a quick self-assessment exercise during the session, helping them gain immediate insights into their strengths and areas for development.2. A practical activity to create a role profile for a PMO job in their organization, based on the Framework and guided by a step-by-step explanation of the process. Key Takeaways: 1. Gain a deep understanding of the PMO Competency Framework and its application to self-assessment and role design. 2. Walk away with personalized insights from a hands-on self-assessment exercise. 3. Learn how to build effective role profiles using the Framework, supporting team development and organizational success. 4. Discover how the online self-assessment tool can enhance you and your teams personal and professional growth.
AI Ethics in Project Management: Towards Responsible Governance
My presentation high lightens the following: AI ethics in project management is becoming increasingly crucial as organizations integrate artificial intelligence into their workflows. The potential for AI to streamline processes, enhance decision-making, and improve outcomes is immense; however, the ethical implications of its use cannot be overlooked. Project managers must navigate a complex landscape that involves ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in AI applications. This involves not only adhering to ethical standards but also fostering a culture of responsibility where team members are encouraged to address and discuss ethical dilemmas that may arise in AI implementation.
Towards A Value-Centric Approach: Revolutionizing Project Procurement for Strategic Success
In this session, Dr. Liudmila Prozorova, CEO of Quantum Leap Consultancy, presents the Value-Centric Project Management Framework, an innovative methodology designed to unlock strategic value in complex projects. The presentation explores how aligning procurement practices with project objectives transforms procurement from a cost-focused function into a driver of strategic success. Attendees will learn how the 6Cs Framework, Clarity, Consistency, Continuity, Collaboration, Control, and Completion creates a roadmap for managing project lifecycles while maximizing value across all stakeholders. By addressing challenges such as procurement silos, extended cycles, and misaligned KPIs, this approach delivers sustainable project outcomes, mitigates risks, and fosters collaborative, win-win supplier relationships. Drawing on a case study from the oil and gas sector, the session demonstrates how organizations can achieve measurable improvements in profitability, efficiency, and stakeholder satisfaction. This presentation is a must for project leaders aiming to drive strategic project value and achieve breakthrough results in complex environments.