Program Agenda
May 17 Workshops & Masterclasses

9:00 am - 12:00 pm Room 1 - Al Taif Meeting Room

Learn and Apply- WORKSHOP: The dual mindset organization How to grow beyond innovation theatre and failed transformations.

Dual Mindset organizations: ones where the whole operation has two modes. One mode is about inventing the future, we call this “explore”. The other mode is about managing the present, we call this “exploit”. The best organizations seamlessly toggle between these two modes and have operating models that support this duality when it comes to how innovation and the development of products happen.

Alex Osterwalder

Alex Osterwalder

Alex Adamopoulos

Alex Adamopoulos

9:00 am - 12:00 pm Room 2 - Mecca Meeting Room

Presentation- MASTERCLASS: Beyond Delivery: Integrating Culture, Compliance & Control in Project Environments

Project success isn’t just built on timelines and tasks, it’s shaped by culture, compliance, and context. This masterclass explores how fire safety, civil engineering leadership, and experience-driven culture combine to redefine process excellence. Learn how to integrate safety, sustainability, and stakeholder experience into your project practices for resilient, responsible delivery.

Alaa Zeitoun

Alaa Zeitoun

Dana Nassif

Dana Nassif

9:00 am - 12:00 pm Room 3 - Dammam Meeting Room

UnConference Style- WORKSHOP: Managing Competing Priorities – Balancing Stakeholder Expectations Amid Conflict

Main Challenge:
Project professionals face conflicting demands from stakeholders with differing priorities, causing delays and misalignment in project

Use the model: Share the pain, find the solution, define actions

  • Challenge 1: Provide real life case study, difficult stakeholders, conflicts and misalignaments
  • Challenge 2: Discuss in a team diving deeper in Challenge 1 and provide solution with focus on people
  • Challenge 3: Present the solution in Story telling format and line up actions. Define assumptions and required competencies

Latifa Baba

Latifa Baba

Charles Igwe

Charles Igwe

Nofal Abdul Hadi

Nofal Abdul Hadi

9:00 am - 12:00 pm Room 5 - Riyadh Meeting Room

Learn & Apply- MASTERCLASS: Build Your Storytelling Superpower!: Craft Your Character, Master Your Message & Command the room!

We are all heroes on a journey — navigating complexity, solving problems, and inspiring teams. But our ability to rise, lead, and create impact hinges on one thing: how well we communicate. In project management, communication isn’t just a skill — it’s the superpower that fuels clarity, connection, and change. From the moment we are born, communication shapes how we influence, inspire, and collaborate. So how do we make our messages truly land? Through storytelling. In this high-energy, hands-on masterclass, you'll discover how to master the art of compelling communication and powerful storytelling. Whether you're leading a project meeting, presenting to stakeholders, or managing difficult conversations, this session will give you tools to connect and communicate with confidence. What You’ll Learn: Craft Your Alter Ego – Develop a confident persona that helps you perform at your best, even under pressure. Supercharge Your Delivery – Harness vocal variety, strategic body language, and first-impression techniques to make every interaction memorable. Tell Magnetic Stories – Learn simple, repeatable story structures you can apply instantly to influence and engage any audience. You’ll walk away with practical techniques, a burst of creative energy, and a fresh toolkit to become the Superhero Storyteller your project world needs.

Paul Telling

Paul Telling

9:00 am - 12:00 pm Room 4 - Jeddah Meeting Room

UnConference Style- WORKSHOP: Reprogramming Value Delivery: Combining Predictive and Adaptive Approaches

In a world of constant disruption, delivery models must evolve faster than the change they support. This interactive workshop explores how to design adaptive, principle-driven project, program, and portfolio processes using the LEAP framework and digital mastery techniques. Walk away with a custom-fit delivery blueprint built for agility, innovation, and long-term impact.

Halio Rodrigues Costa

Halio Rodrigues Costa

Tony Prensa

Tony Prensa

12:15 pm - 2:15 pm Room 1 - Al Taif Meeting Room

Presentation- MASTERCLASS: Empowering the Next-Gen PM – Mentorship and Lifelong Learning in Project Management

Overview:
This masterclass provides the essentials and fundamentals of mentorship, coaching, and continuous professional development for the next generation of project managers.

Key Topics:
The role of a mentorship in delivering successful projects Becoming a mentor and mentee in project environments Building professional development plans Leveraging industry certifications and knowledge-sharing platforms Fostering a growth mindset in project teams

Moetaz Soubjaki

Moetaz Soubjaki

Luke Goetting

Luke Goetting

12:20 pm - 3:20 pm Room 4 - Jeddah Meeting Room

Presentation- MASTERCLASS: Emotional Intelligence in Project Management Navigating Team Dynamics with Empathy

Overview:
This masterclass delves into the significance of emotional intelligence (EI) in project management in new era, highlighting how self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal skills can enhance team collaboration and project outcomes.

Key Topics:
Understanding Emotional Intelligence: Defining EI and its relevance in the project management context. Self-Awareness and Self-Regulation: Recognizing and managing one’s emotions to maintain professionalism and composure. Empathy and Social Skills: Understanding team members’ perspectives and fostering a supportive work environment. Conflict Resolution: Applying EI to navigate and resolve interpersonal conflicts within the team.

Alexandra Klimenko

Alexandra Klimenko

Bruno Morgante

Bruno Morgante

Nadja Fertasi

Nadja Fertasi

12:20 pm - 3:20 pm Room 2 - Mecca Meeting Room

Presentation- MASTERCLASS: AI in Project Management – From Insights to Actions

(Laptop required when attending the session) Discover how Artificial Intelligence can revolutionize project management by automating tasks, providing insights, and improving decision-making.
Key Topics:

1. Introducing and defining AI in Project Management.
2. Future trends of AI in Project Management.
3.Identifying and Prioritizing AI in PM Use cases.
4. Practical exercise in applying AI and building an AI Agent.

Lloyd Skinner

Lloyd Skinner

Mei Yin Lin

Mei Yin Lin

12:20 pm - 3:20 pm Room 3 - Dammam Meeting Room

SharkTank- WORKSHOP: Harmonizing Expertise – Managing Multi-Discipline Projects and Teams

Challenge:
Managing projects involving multi-disciplinary teams often leads to communication breakdowns, conflicting priorities, and siloed efforts. Participants must create strategies to foster collaboration, alignment, and efficiency in diverse teams.

Format: Introduction (20 minutes):
Discuss the complexities of managing projects that span multiple disciplines, such as engineering, IT, finance, and operations. Share real-world examples of successful and challenging multi-disciplinary projects.

Group Activity (120 minutes):
1. Scenario Simulation:

  • Teams are presented with a project case study involving a cross-functional team (e.g., IT, construction, and environmental specialists).
  • The scenario includes challenges such as conflicting deliverables, differing technical languages, and a lack of shared understanding.
2. Problem-Solving Exercise:
  • Teams brainstorm solutions to improve communication, set common objectives, and integrate diverse technical inputs.
  • Participants identify tools and frameworks to manage cross-functional collaboration, such as RACI matrices, integrated project schedules, and stakeholder alignment meetings.
3. Solution Presentation (40 minutes):
  • Each team presents its proposed approach for aligning multi-disciplinary teams, addressing communication, role clarity, and conflict resolution.

Joe Pusz

Joe Pusz

Lan Phan

Lan Phan

Americo Pinto

Americo Pinto

Frederic Casagrande

Frederic Casagrande

Amireh Amirmazehri

Amireh Amirmazehri

12:20 pm - 3:20 pm Room 5 - Riyadh Meeting Room

Learn & apply- WORKSHOP: Decision-Making Under Pressure – Balancing Speed and Accuracy in Project Processes

(Laptop required when attending the session) Challenge: In high-stakes or time-sensitive project, project managers often face pressure to make quick decisions, which can lead to errors or ineffective decisions. Format: Introduction and Discussion Facilitators provide information that participants require to conduct Workshop Activities: 1. Decision-making models 2. Human decision-making augmented with machines 3. Framework for reducing AI operational risk 4. The AI Canvas example 5. Agile Project Management case study Workshop Activities: 1. Innovation Lab: participants will invent their own decision system using th AI Canvas and present their augmented decision-making invention. 2. Participants will use GenAI to automate and enhance agile project management processes. 3. Case Study discussion: evaluating long term value creation, decision-making framework and ethical considerations.

Hilal Mengi

Hilal Mengi

Iris Meinl

Iris Meinl

2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Room 1 - Al Taif Meeting Room

Presentation- WORKSHOP: Advancing Construction Excellence: Innovations in Technology Integration will explore the transformative impact of emerging technologies on the construction industry

This session will delve into the integration of advanced technologies that are reshaping construction practices.

Innovative Construction Platforms: The development of integrated suites that combine industry-trusted applications with common data environments, enabling effective collaboration among owners and delivery teams. These platforms facilitate resource orchestration and transform data into actionable intelligence, promoting continuous improvement across project planning, delivery, and operations.

Industry Innovation Labs: Simulated worksites demonstrating the transformative power of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), drones, autonomous equipment, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. These labs serve as testing grounds for innovative solutions that drive digital transformation in construction and engineering.

Case Studies and Real-World Applications: Insights into how leading construction firms have leveraged these technologies to enhance project outcomes, improve efficiency, and drive innovation in their operations.

Sherief Elabd

Sherief Elabd

Eren Ozdemir

Eren Ozdemir

Cem Cesur

Cem Cesur

3:30 pm - 6:40 pm Room 2 - Mecca Meeting room

Presentation- MASTERCLASS: Putting Leaders Back in Control: Integrating Agile and Traditional Approaches at the Portfolio Level.

Hybrid project delivery is a reality. Different teams use different methodologies and tools for their individual initiatives within hybrid portfolios, programs, or even single projects. Project reporting across these various working modes and tools can be somewhat managed through Business Intelligence (BI) platforms. But the greater challenge remains: How do you actively manage your portfolio, set priorities, allocate resources, and keep track of cross-portfolio dependencies and financials?

Christoph Hirnle

Christoph Hirnle

Joe Pusz

Joe Pusz

3:40 pm - 6:40 pm Room 3 - Dammam Meeting Room

Learn & Apply- WORKSHOP: From Execution to IMPACT: Elevating PMOs, Project Managers, and Transformation Leaders to Drive Business Value

Most PMOs and project leaders are stuck in execution mode—delivering projects on time and on budget but struggling to prove their true value to the organization. The reality is that project success isn’t about deliverables; it’s about business outcomes. To secure your seat at the leadership table, you must evolve from managing tasks to driving strategic IMPACT.

Laura Barnard

Laura Barnard

Michael Hannan

Michael Hannan

Alexander David

Alexander David

3:40 pm - 6:40 pm Room 4 - Jeddah Meeting Room

Learn & Apply- WORKSHOP: The Organizational Compass: Navigating Complexity and Unlocking PMO Potential with the PMO Competency Framework

This impactful Learn & Apply Workshop brings together industry-leading facilitators to help you master the art of navigating complexity in large-scale projects using The Organizational Compass approach. This session offers practical techniques to enhance collaboration, optimize processes, and align PMO capabilities with enterprise objectives through the PMO Competency Framework. Participants will engage in hands-on exercises to break down silos, bridge strategic gaps, and apply tailored solutions to real-world challenges. Gain the tools and insights you need to elevate your PMO’s performance and lead your organization to success.

Dr. Saadi Adra

Dr. Saadi Adra

Eileen J. Roden

Eileen J. Roden

3:40 pm - 6:40 pm Room 5 - Riyadh Meeting Room

Lego- WORKSHOP: Using Lego Serious Play in Bridging Minds and Generations: Redefining Project Collaboration in a Smart Era

Challenge: Technology alone cannot guarantee success in today’s rapidly evolving project landscape. The real challenge lies in bridging the gap between the mindset of seasoned leaders and the digital-first thinking of the new generation. Participants will develop strategies to harmonize these perspectives and foster a collaborative, future-ready project environment. Format: Introduction (20 minutes): Learn about Lego Serious Play, practice with the Legos, and use imagination and creativity to build metaphors. Discuss the mindset and generational gaps hindering effective collaboration in technology-driven projects. Group Activity (120 minutes): 1. Scenario Simulation: - Teams are assigned a case study illustrating a project with seasoned executives and younger, tech-savvy professionals. - Scenario highlights include misaligned communication styles, resistance to new tools, and conflicting expectations about project workflows. 2.LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Exercise: - Individual Build: Each participant builds a model representing their view of ideal project collaboration in a smart, technology-driven era. - Team Co-Build: Teams merge individual models into one shared model, representing a unified vision of secure, streamlined, and smart collaboration across generations. - Problem-Solving Reflection: - Teams discuss insights from their LEGO® models:  What assumptions surfaced?  What mindset shifts are needed?  What practical actions can bridge the human gap? Solution Presentation (40 minutes): - Each team presents their shared LEGO® model and explains: - The key barriers identified - The strategies they propose for bridging mindsets and generations

Mona Akram Zgheib

Mona Akram Zgheib

Frederic Casagrande

Frederic Casagrande

Amireh Amirmazehri

Amireh Amirmazehri

4:40 pm - 6:40 pm Room 1 - Al Taif Meeting Room

Presentation- MASTERCLASS: Your Seat At the Table: Should Project Managers and PMOs Collaborate With Executives In Strategy Design?

This masterclass is designed for project professionals, business leaders, and executives who seek to move beyond project execution and governance to become strategic enablers of business success. It will provide a structured, interdisciplinary approach, integrating neuroeconomics, strategic leadership, and the VALUE IN model, to address key challenges

Fola Alabi

Fola Alabi

David Alabi

David Alabi