Registration

Hot breakfast

Kickoff  |  Welcome

Keynote  |  Derek Deprey 

Everyday Leaders: Small Actions, Big Results

For too long, our recognition of leadership has been reserved for a select few—presidents, CEOs, or historical icons. We have been captivated by charismatic figures on the cover of Forbes or viral sensations on social media. But what about the everyday leaders who have shaped us on a personal level, the parents, mentors, teammates, and family members who have left an indelible mark on our lives? Let’s reimagine leadership to celebrate the silent influencers and recognize that each one of us possesses the power to lead. Are you ready to step into your role as an everyday leader?

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Executive Panel: PMOs

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Oliver Yarbrough  |  Build Your Own AI Strategic Advisor for Project Management

Unlock the power of AI to transform your projects. In this session, you’ll learn how to create your very own personalized AI-powered advisor that can help improve your decision-making and drive project success.

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Lunch & Learn

Kim Mauthe & Andrew Pierson  |  A Backstage Look at the Mile of Music

An inside view of what it takes to plan and execute a major Midwest music festival. This presentation will explore the key elements of festival management, including sponsorship acquisition, volunteer coordination, logistical challenges, and talent booking. This session will highlight the behind-the-scenes work that brings Mile of Music to life each year, sharing lessons learned and practical insights for professionals in dynamic environments.

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Breakouts

Jay Nakagawa  |  The Journey From Brainstorm to Breakthrough: Turning Big Ideas Into Winning Strategies!

Ever had a great idea but weren’t sure how to make it a reality? The journey from brainstorm to breakthrough is an exciting one – filled with twists, turns, and strategic choices. In this session, we’ll explore how to sift through ideas, evaluate market dynamics, outsmart competitors, and land on a winning strategy.Expect practical takeaways, expert insights, and a battle-tested framework from a highly successful product manager and competitive intelligence specialist. Whether you’re launching a new product or refining an existing one, this approach will equip you with the tools to make smarter decisions and drive real results.

Mary Iqbal  |   Less Busy, More Value: The Power of Limiting Work in Progress

Is your team always busy but not always delivering value? It might be time to rethink how much work is in progress. In this interactive session, we’ll explore why limiting work leads to faster delivery, higher quality, and happier teams. Through hands-on exercises, we’ll experience the impact of too much work in progress and see how small changes can lead to big improvements.

We’ll break down the science behind limiting work in progress, from reducing context switching to improving flow efficiency. You’ll leave with practical steps to help your team focus, finish work faster, and deliver value more predictably. If you’re ready to stop being busy and start being effective, this session is for you! 

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Breakouts

Cameron Vetter  |  Morality & AI: How Do I Use This Power Responsibly?

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance it becomes increasingly important to address the ethical applications and moral considerations surrounding its use. In this talk we will expIore the intersection of moraligy and AI, focusing on how individuals and organizations can wield this power responsibly.

Through real-worId case studies and examples, we will highlight the potential consequences of irresponsible Al use and the importance of proactive ethical considerations.

Amber Vanderburg  |  PM Accountability – The Foundation of Delivering Results

In project management, accountability is the foundation of delivering results, yet many teams struggle with ownership, follow-through, and responsibility. This engaging and practical session, led by Amber Vanderburg of The Pathwayz Group, will provide PMI professionals with actionable strategies to embed accountability into their project culture. Attendees will explore frameworks to set clear expectations, foster team commitment, and navigate accountability challenges in complex, cross-functional environments. Through real-world case studies and interactive discussion, project leaders will leave with tools to enhance team performance and ensure project success. 

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Endnote  |  Andrew Tarvin

Emotions are Just Data: How to Build, Maintain, and Leverage Relationships 

Let’s face it, humans are the hardest resource there is to manage: they can’t be programmed, don’t come with error messages, and are rife with “emotions” and “feelings.” And yet, mastering human connection is one of the most powerful skills you can develop—especially as a project manager. Whether you’re leading cross-functional teams, collaborating with stakeholders, or explaining the consequences of scope creep for the thousandth time, your ability to foster strong relationships increases effectiveness and drives project success.
Join Andrew Tarvin, the world’s first humor engineer, in this engaging program that will demystify emotional intelligence and teach you how to work smarter without having to work serious-er. You’ll gain powerful, actionable tools to build genuine relationships and leverage them to improve team dynamics, foster collaboration, and deliver projects more effectively—all while proving that project managers aren’t just meeting-having, email-sending paper pushers who are hounding people all of the time.

Wrap-Up and Door Prizes