project ; Project management, awards, celebration, empowering our world
New Zealand Project Management Conference & Awards
21 - 22 May 2025 | Aotea Centre, Auckland
EMPOWERING OUR WORLD
Empower | Innovate | Succeed
The 2025 New Zealand Project Management Conference, themed “Empowering Our World“, shines a spotlight on how each of us has the potential to make a positive impact on our world. Let’s come together as individuals and communities to motivate and inspire each other to drive positive change and build a better future together.
Join a vibrant community of professionals, share experiences, learn, and celebrate remarkable achievements.
The ‘All Access Ticket’ includes:
*Welcome Function 6.00 – 7.30 pm on 20 May
*Conference 21 – 22 May
*Awards Dinner on 21 May
Earn up to a total of 14 PDUs with the 2 day conference and a separately bookable masterclass.
This year's conference is guided by three key areas
Explore the intersection of skills, business acumen, and culture. Learn how to cultivate high-performing teams, drive sustainable growth, and create a more inclusive workplace that embraces diverse perspectives.
Ngā Pūkenga Mana | Power Skills
- Multi-Disciplinary Teams: Develop the leadership skills to take charge and lead teams effectively.
- Emotional Intelligence: Enhance your emotional intelligence to foster a supportive and understanding team environment.
- Leadership in Challenging Times: Navigate challenges and obstacles with resilience and adaptability.
Mātau Pakihi | Business Acumen
- Underrepresented Groups: Empower and celebrate the contributions of underrepresented groups.
- Diverse Perspectives: Foster greater acceptance, resilience, and success through diverse perspectives.
- Sustainability: Explore how project practices can contribute to sustainable development, achieving the triple bottom line.
Ahurea | Culture
- Communication: Enhance work-life balance and enjoyment through open communication.
- Leveraging AI: Utilise AI to improve efficiency and drive innovation within teams.
- Tailoring Methods: Adapt tools and methodologies to empower teams and enhance performance.
- Principles Methodology: Adopt a principled approach to leverage agility and responsiveness
This conference is your opportunity to
- Develop Essential Skills: Acquire practical tools and strategies to enhance your personal and professional growth.
- Gain Valuable Insights: Learn from industry experts, thought leaders, and peers.
- Network with Like-Minded Individuals: Connect with professionals who share your passion for making a positive impact on the world.
- Be Inspired: Discover innovative approaches to address local and global challenges to foster a more sustainable future.
By attending this event, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and connections to empower your world – yourself, your team, your organisation, and your community.
+ as a member of the Project Management Institute, you can earn PDUs across Masterclasses and the 2-day Conference.
Join us in Empowering Our World!
An event for all project professionals
This conference is designed for a diverse range of professionals, including:
- Project Management Professionals: Project Managers, PMO/EPMO Managers, Program Managers, Portfolio Managers, and Project Coordinators.
- Industry Specialists: Business Analyst Leads, Agile Specialists, and Project Managers from IT, Construction, and Engineering sectors.
- Interacting Professionals: Business and Technical Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
- Decision-Makers: Project Sponsors, C-Level Executives, including CEOs, CIOs, CFOs, CTOs, and other key executives involved in project decision-making and resource allocation.
Agenda
Commence your conference experience by joining us at the official Welcome Function on Tuesday 20th May 6.00 – 7.30 pm. This is an excellent opportunity to network with fellow attendees, speakers, and sponsors in a relaxed setting. Enjoy drinks and canapés as you connect and prepare for two days of valuable learning and engagement.
Please note: The Welcome Function is included within the ‘All Access Ticket’.
Earn up to a total of 14 PDUs with the 2 day conference and a separately bookable masterclass.
8:50 | Registration and Coffee | ||
9:00 | Mihi Whakatau | ||
9:10 | PMINZ President's opening remarks | ||
9:20 | Keynote: Opening address Transforming Project Management with Generative AI: Unlocking Productivity and Leadership Explore the transformative impact of Generative AI (GenAI) in project management. Learn how early adopters are achieving significant productivity gains and the strategies needed to unlock even greater benefits. PMI's latest research highlights the role of technical skills, continuous learning, and collaboration in fully leveraging GenAI. Discover how project leaders using GenAI extensively are driving efficiency and innovation - empowering you to take charge of your learning, experiment with AI tools, and position yourself at the forefront of change. Vanina Mangano, Chair of the Governance Committee for the Board of Directors, Project Management Institute PDUs: 1 | ||
10:20 | Morning break | ||
Stream 1 | Stream 2 | Stream 3 | |
10.50 | Navigating the Future: AI, Sustainability, and Compliance in Project Management Gain insights into leveraging AI to promote sustainability and meet compliance requirements. This session explores emerging regulations like ISO/IEC 42001:2023 and the EU AI Act, providing practical guidance for project managers, leaders, and decision-makers. Craig Pattison, Director and Chief Operating Officer, Capability Collective Karen Clarke, Founder & CEO, Capability Collective PDUs: 0.50 | Supporting Women in Project Management: Addressing Challenges and Embracing Opportunities in New Zealand Women in project management face gender-specific challenges, particularly in industries where they are a minority. This interactive workshop offers participants the opportunity to discuss experiences, challenges, needs, and opportunities to support women in thriving within the project management sector. Short presentations on:
Dr Olga Lozova, Project Manager, Ministry of Education NZ PDUs: 1 | Great minds don’t think alike: How to Harness Neurodiversity in Teams Neurodiversity isn’t just about inclusion; it’s a transformative approach to unlocking creativity, innovation, and growth. Jenny Turner, founder of Human Fabric, explores how project managers can harness neurodivergent strengths, drawing from her experiences. She’ll discuss neurodivergence as a natural variation in brain wiring, covering conditions like ADHD, autism, and dyslexia, and how accommodating these differences boosts problem-solving, attention to detail, and innovation, with examples from companies like Deloitte and Microsoft. Jenny Turner, Director, Human Fabric PDUs: 0.50 |
11:25 | Session to be announced PDUs: 0.50 | Project Survival 101: Embrace Change Over Experience in the High-Tech Era Project Survival 101 explores the realities of the new era in tech projects – with disruption, complexity, and opportunities. Agile, once revolutionary, is no longer a universal solution. AI has become a necessity, and early failure can offer more value than success. We’ll evaluate global tech trends and focus on New Zealand’s evolving landscape. Kate will highlight the tasks, skills, and responsibilities that are becoming obsolete, offering strategies for thriving in this new environment. Kate Fursova, Senior Project Manager, Gallagher PDUs: 0.50 | |
12:00 | How Many Hats Do You Wear? From managing teams and projects to handling governance frameworks and client relationships—project professionals juggle multiple roles daily. How do you balance competing priorities while ensuring the best outcomes? Drawing from years of management experience, this session explores the power of emotional intelligence and adaptive leadership in navigating multiple responsibilities. Gain insights into role clarity, leadership agility, and the lessons learned from leading diverse teams and projects. Rebecca Francis, Work Group Manager – Water, WSP PDUs: 0.25 | Empowering Our World Through Augmented Intelligence in Project Management Explore how AI enhances leadership, emotional intelligence, and efficiency in complex, multidisciplinary projects. Learn how AI optimises resource allocation and supports strategic, data-driven decision-making. Discover how AI promotes sustainability, inclusivity, and diverse perspectives in project management. Gain insights on AI’s role in fostering innovation and resilience within New Zealand’s unique project environments. Drew Knowles, Director, Drew Knowles & Co. PDUs: 0.25 | Empowering Sustainable Futures: Women Leaders Reshaping Project Management In an era of sustainability and diversity, women leaders are pivotal in transforming project management. This session explores how women integrate sustainability principles, focusing on emotional intelligence, empathy, and collaboration in fostering inclusive management practices. Through the "Triple Bottom Line+" model, it highlights the importance of education and mentorship to empower women and underrepresented groups. By embedding sustainability into leadership practices, women shape a more equitable and sustainable future in project management. Olga Lozova, Project Delivery Manager Capital & Major Projects, Ministry of Education PDUs: 0.25 |
12:15 | How many slaves work for you? Modern slavery affects nearly 50 million people globally, including an estimated 8,000 in New Zealand’s supply chains. This session highlights why project managers must address modern slavery risks in procurement and supply chains. It explores the most vulnerable sectors and how supply chain complexity contributes to exploitation. Learn from the Survive and Thrive Advocacy Centre’s slavery survey to understand and reduce your slavery footprint, empowering you to make ethical decisions in your projects. Gina Barlow, Director, Nonsuch PDUs: 0.25 | Beyond Management: Supporting Empathetic Leadership and a Culture of Collaboration to Achieve Optimal Project Outcomes Traditional management alone is no longer enough - empathetic leadership and collaboration are key to project success. This session explores how emotional intelligence, inclusivity, and open communication foster motivated, high-performing teams. Learn how empathetic leadership breaks down cultural barriers, builds trust, and unlocks collective potential. Gain insights into developing these qualities, creating cohesive teams, and navigating global work environments to drive exceptional results. Discover how shifting from management to leadership transforms project outcomes. Renata Pompermayer Candido Ferreira, Director, Beyond Borders Leadership and Project Management Consultancy PDUs: 0.25 | Nature Abhors a Vacuum (Good Communications Gone Bad) ‘War stories’ (from a long time ago in far-away lands) where deliberate project communications were outflanked by informal communications - and the consequences that followed.
Graham Harris, Project Management Practice Manager, University of Auckland Strategic Programmes PDUs: 0.25 |
12:30 | Lunch | ||
Stream 1 | Stream 2 | Stream 3 Hosted by: Olga | |
13:30 | Navigating the Storm: Strategies for Managing Conflict in Projects Conflict can be uncomfortable, but can it be transformed into creativity and harmony? This session discusses the crucial role of conflict management in project management, emphasizing how well-managed conflict can boost team productivity and morale.
Amany Nuseibeh, Director, Optimal Consulting PDUs: 0.50 | Dyslexia: A Unique Advantage in Project Management Dyslexia is often misunderstood, but those with it bring untapped potential that enhances project outcomes. Their strengths - creative problem-solving, strong visual thinking, and exceptional empathy - are invaluable in team settings. Dyslexic individuals approach challenges from unique angles, foster innovation, excel at visualizing concepts, and improve planning. Their emotional intelligence promotes collaboration and enhances communication. By embracing these strengths, project teams can turn initial biases into opportunities, boosting success and innovation. John Tonkin, Project Manager, Action Manufacturing LP PDUs: 0.50 | Empowering Transformation: The Role of Quality Assurance in Navigating Business Challenges Learn how Quality Assurance (QA) evaluations address risks and improve outcomes in business transformation programmes. QA goes beyond checklists, identifying nuances in governance, culture, and resources. Real-world examples highlight its role in ensuring strategic alignment and programme health. Discover how QA fosters creativity, courage, and leadership to tackle challenges. Gain insights on leveraging QA to deliver benefits faster and avoid critical issues in transformations. Nicola Faithfull, Strategic Programmes Capability Consultant, University of Auckland; Director, Ideas to Outcomes; & Immediate President, PMINZ PDUs: 0.50 |
14:05 | Panel Discussion: AI Optimising Project Meetings: The Role of AI in Enhancing Team Dynamics and Efficiency Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping how project teams collaborate and make decisions. This session explores how AI can streamline agenda preparation, enhance live collaboration through real-time transcription and insights, and improve post-meeting follow-ups to ensure alignment with project goals. Attendees will also gain insights into ethical considerations, including managing bias, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring fairness in AI-supported decision-making. Discover how AI can boost efficiency and help project managers move from discussion to action. Moderated by Sylvia Maclaren, Director, Storm Environmental
PDUs: 1 | Panel Discussion: Culture Navigating Cultural Dynamics in Projects: Challenges and Strategies Cultural dynamics can significantly influence project success. This panel will explore effective strategies for managing cultural conflicts, fostering inclusivity, and promoting respect for diversity within project teams. Walk away with practical approaches to navigate cultural challenges, strengthen team collaboration, minimise misunderstandings, and create a more cohesive project environment. Moderated by Gina Barlow, Director, Nonsuch
PDUs: 1 | Panel Discussion: Women Leaders Empowering Sustainable Futures in Project Management In this panel discussion, panellists will explore sustainable futures from the lenses of both the project management profession and the impact of projects on enduring outcomes. They’ll cover measures of success, share real-life examples, and discuss the unique challenges women leaders face, along with their insights on overcoming them. Looking ahead, we’ll explore the strategies, initiatives, skills, and competencies needed to navigate the evolving landscape of sustainable project management. Moderated by Nicola Faithfull, Strategic Programmes Capability Consultant / Director / Immediate President, University of Auckland / Ideas to Outcomes / PMINZ PDUs: 1 |
15:00 | Afternoon break | ||
Stream 1 | Stream 2 | Stream 3 | |
15:30 | Using Project Management Knowledge, Processes and Tools to Boost Success of Research Initiatives Research projects often begin with unclear scopes, specific timelines, and limited budgets. Their unpredictable nature makes planning, management, and regular progress monitoring essential. This session will explore how project management knowledge, processes, and tools can boost the success of research initiatives. By examining research projects through a project management lens, participants will learn how to keep projects on track in academia, government, industry, or not-for-profit sectors. Sandra Mandic, Founder and Director, AGILE Research PDUs: 0.50 | A Global Collaboration in Project Management Education Discover how a global volunteer network created PMI’s most-downloaded educational resource in 10+ languages. Learn how project management skills are taught to ages 9-12+ through engaging stories and innovative resources. Explore the power of collaboration and volunteering in making a global impact across six continents. Hear the inspiring story behind a series of six books and manga adaptations promoting project management life skills. Gary Nelson, Project Manager, Author, Gazza's Guides PDUs: 0.50 | Humans@Centre Have you ever wondered why some transformations are successful and others fail? Join EY as we explore the industry-leading theory "humans@centre," developed in collaboration with Oxford University. This approach shows how putting ‘humans at the centre’ and proactively managing the emotional journey during organisational change increases the chances of successful transformation. Bridget Jolly, Partner, Ernst & Young PDUs: 0.50 |
16:00 | Keynote: The Key to Influence Storytelling is the key to influence, but many of us don’t know how to tell our own stories or are afraid to open up, leaving our most important messages unheard. To build deeper relationships and drive change, we need to harness the power of storytelling. Award-winning journalist Jehan Casinader will share practical tools to elevate your communication skills, helping you lead change, build your personal brand, and show why your work truly matters. Jehan Casinader, Journalist, keynote speaker & mental health advocate PDUs: 1 | ||
17:00 | Summary remarks from the MC | ||
17:10 | Networking drinks | ||
18:30 | Dinner and PMINZ Awards | ||
9:00 | Welcome back from the Host | ||
9:05 | Project Everest: Reaching New Heights in Project Management Climbing Mount Everest is one of humanity’s greatest tests of physical, mental, and emotional endurance-an expedition marked by extreme challenges, volatility, and unpredictable conditions. In this session, Alan shares insights from his world-record-setting ascent with his family, drawing parallels between this incredible two-month journey and the world of project management. Blending traditional waterfall planning with agile execution strategies, Alan highlights key project management principles, including strategic planning, risk management, communication, and the power of teamwork and trust. Through captivating mountaineering stories and his expertise in leadership, psychology, and engineering, Alan challenges project managers to reach new heights in their thinking and practices, pushing boundaries for personal, team, and industry growth. Alan Mallory, Speaker, Author and Performance Coach, New Heights Consulting PDUs: 1 | ||
Stream 1 | Stream 2 | Stream 3 | |
10:00 | Your Backlog is Broken – Here’s How to Fix It (The Rock Crusher) Agile software development introduced the backlog as a simple tool for managing uncertainty, but it can also hinder flow and break the value stream, causing economic loss. Shane Hastie, International Delivery Lead at Skills Development Group, introduces a flow-based model for backlog management from his book The Rock Crusher. Learn how some organizations excel while others struggle, explore the necessary turbulence for innovation, and discover how a rock crusher maximizes value for customers and stakeholders. Shane Hastie, International Delivery Lead, Skills Development Group PDUs: 0.50 | Unlocking Success: The Blueprint for Project Sponsors In today's dynamic business environment, Project Sponsors play a key role in ensuring project success. This session reveals "The Blueprint for Project Sponsors" – a structured framework that empowers Project Sponsors and PMOs to excel in sponsorship and deliver successful projects. Adrian Morey, Director at OUTCOME Advisory, will cover selecting the right Sponsors, setting up projects for success, and establishing efficient governance. Attendees will gain insights into the core responsibilities and capabilities of Project Sponsors, unlocking the potential of their projects. Adrian Morey, Director, OUTCOME Advisory PDUs: 0.50 | Applying Leadership and Teaming Lessons from Global Mega-Projects to Complex NZ Capital Programmes Large capital programmes often underestimate the importance of proactively ensuring an effective organisational culture. Peter Johnson, Director at PJ Consulting, will share lessons from Heathrow’s Terminal 5 programme, where teamwork was baked into the contract and a behavioural change programme was implemented across 7,500 workers and 320 suppliers. He’ll also discuss the cultural and leadership issues behind BP’s Deepwater Horizon incident and conclude with recommendations for large NZ capital programmes. Peter Johnson, Director, PJ Consulting PDUs: 0.50 |
10:35 | Morning break | ||
Stream 1 | Stream 2 | Stream 3 | |
11:00 | Construction Programmes and First-Principles Thinking Explore Brosnan’s innovative approach to construction programmes using First-Principles Thinking, SMART goals, and Flow-state mental performance models. Learn how a unified programme for all stakeholders fosters trust, transparency, and collaboration. The session also highlights the role of emotional intelligence and accountability in empowering multidisciplinary teams to achieve project success, with leadership tools and continuous improvement driving better outcomes. Karsten Thomsen, National Operation Analyst, Brosnan PDUs: 0.50 | Navigating Cultural Dynamics in International Projects: Challenges and Strategies Explore how New Zealand’s multicultural landscape reshapes project environments and necessitates effective cross-cultural communication. Learn from real-world case studies highlighting cultural challenges, such as German-Indian labour issues and German-French organisational differences. Understand the cognitive aspects of multilingual teams and how cultural sensitivity impacts project success. Gain practical strategies for fostering effective collaboration in globalized project environments. Discover insights into adapting communication styles to balance cultural nuances and improve project outcomes. Silke Deul, Principal Project Manager, Konzept Limited PDUs: 0.50 | Empowering Impact Through Stakeholder Partnership Organisations can achieve remarkable results by engaging and aligning diverse stakeholders effectively. This session, aligned with the PMINZ conference theme of "Empowering Our World," delves into the critical role of stakeholder interaction in driving positive change. Drawing on engaged scholarship, it blends academic insights and practical strategies to foster effective partnerships. Learn how to establish a shared vision, address challenging expectations, and empower stakeholders to contribute their unique strengths. Gain tools to build strong relationships, address power imbalances, and create an inclusive environment for positive social change. Dr Hafsa Ahmed MNZM, Senior Lecturer, Lincoln University; & Co-founder, Lady Khadija Trust PDUs: 0.50 |
11:35 | How Did You Digitalise Your Project Control Processes and What Benefits Can You Gain? Explore the differences in project control processes and how digitalisation can bridge gaps for improvement. Learn how streamlined digital processes enhance project controls for professionals across various project scales. Discover the benefits of customisable database modules, including Risk Management, Scope Change, and Quality Control Systems. Gain insights into creating seamless workflows that optimise project control efficiency and outcomes. Hisham Osman, Senior Associate - Project Management, Beca PDUs: 0.25 | Where Integrity Meets Recruitment The recruitment landscape has been in flux since COVID, swinging between talent shortages and oversupply. This volatility has led to rapid promotions, salary disparities, and unexpected layoffs. As 2025 approaches, the market is stabilising, but success will hinge on how organisations refine their recruitment strategies to foster sustainable workplace cultures. This session explores key trends, challenges, and strategies to attract, retain, and develop talent in a shifting employment landscape. Ingrid Osborne, Founder and CEO, Integrity Recruitment PDUs: 0.25 | Stories of Success and Challenge in Australasia's Professional Environment: Insights from Practice, Emotions, and Youth This session explores real-world successes and challenges in Australasia’s professional landscape, focusing on emotional intelligence and cross-cultural empathy in leadership, communication, and collaboration. It examines how emotional awareness benefits both university graduates and professional project managers. The session also highlights the role of university infrastructure, including Project Management Offices (PMOs), in shaping a strong culture of collaboration and innovation. By supporting diverse, cross-disciplinary initiatives, universities and PMOs help foster the development of technical skills, emotional intelligence, and leadership qualities crucial for success in today’s professional environments. Matthew Percival, Conference Speaker Lead and Board Member, Project Management Institute NZ PDUs: 0.50 |
11:50 | The Project Management Day of Service (PMDoS) PMDoS is a transformative one-day event connecting project management professionals with the non-profit sector. This unique initiative provides hands-on opportunities to apply project management expertise to real-world non-profit challenges while gaining insights into the resource and capacity issues they face. Attendees will expand their networks, develop problem-solving skills, and contribute directly to meaningful community outcomes. PMDoS is an opportunity to make a lasting impact while growing both personally and professionally. Gina Barlow, Director, Nonsuch PDUs: 0.25 | Treat Your PM Career Like a Project Most Project Managers struggle with planning their most important project—their own career. They often say, “I’m too busy delivering projects” or “It’s up to my manager.” Even those who do plan tend to focus only on "Job Laddering," aiming solely to climb to the next rung. Building a successful career in Project Management requires professionals to treat their career like a project, focusing on four key areas: acquiring knowledge, converting knowledge into skills, building a network (operational, personal, and strategic), and developing their reputation. Guy Thorpe, Director, ValueKey PDUs: 0.25 | |
12:05 | Lunch | ||
Stream 1 | Stream 2 | Stream 3 | |
13:00 | Enabling Sustainable Project Management Learn how to embed sustainability into portfolio management, project governance, and end-to-end project management processes. Gain insights into tools like GPM and PMINZ’s CCSD Toolkit for sustainability assessment and impact evaluation. Participate in interactive discussions to assess project impacts on waste, carbon, and biodiversity, and identify improvement actions. Explore practical steps to implement sustainable project management practices effectively. Leave with raised awareness, actionable tools, and strategies to reduce environmental impacts in projects. Greg Rozen, Director, Leva Advisory Vicki Taylor, Director, Leva Advisory PDUs: 0.50 | Gen AI and Information in Project Management: A Professional Development Perspective Explore how generative AI (genAI) can enhance project management, with a focus on its role in improving efficiency and innovation. Learn about different genAI systems, including alternative small language models like Ollama, and their implications for data privacy and computing power. Understand the challenges and opportunities these tools present, especially regarding training data and user experience. This session will equip project managers to deploy genAI tools effectively within their projects. Dr Frank Boukamp, Senior Lecturer, RMIT University PDUs: 0.50 | Team Spirit: The Power of Purposeful Gatherings One of the biggest challenges for project managers today is bringing others along on a project’s journey. With busy workplaces, competing priorities, and distracted stakeholders, how do you ensure everyone is engaged and aligned? This session explores how to:
Based on her book Team Spirit: The Power of Purposeful Gatherings, Antonia Milkop shares practical advice, strategies, and ready-to-use activities to transform how managers lead and bring their teams together. Antonia Milkop, Director, Antonia Milkop Coaching & Facilitation PDUs: 0.50 |
13:35 | Session TBC PDUs: 1 | Humanising Project Management - we're people too! Effective Project Managers (PMs) understand that one size does not fit all. Success depends on adjusting management style to align with project type, organisational culture, and project lifecycle phase. This session explores how PMs can tailor their approach, focusing on emotional intelligence (EQ) and strategic mindset shifts. Learn how EQ enables navigating team dynamics, stakeholder relationships, and communication. Gain insights into adapting leadership styles for every phase, from visionary initiation to supportive execution, across different organisational environments. Bec Cortesi, Head of Business Analysis & Change Management, Millpond
PDUs: 1 | Lead to Succeed: Project Success Through Mastering Effective Client Leadership Skills In this interactive workshop, explore what it takes to be a leader who drives results in client relationships and project outcomes. Learn to assess your client leadership style, tackle challenges, and build trust with clients for high-performing relationships. Discover how adaptability helps manage client expectations and navigate change effectively. By the end, you’ll have practical strategies and an action plan to enhance client leadership and drive success in your projects. Cassa Grant, Coach and Facilitator, Cassa Grant Communications PDUs: 1 |
14:35 | Afternoon break | ||
Stream 1 | Stream 2 | Stream 3 | |
15:05 | Leveraging AI to Optimize Project Meetings: Enhancing Clarity, Efficiency, and Team Dynamics In today’s rapidly evolving project management landscape, meeting effectiveness is crucial. This session will focus on how AI tools can optimize project meetings, from accurate transcription to concise summaries using GPT, ensuring clarity for all participants. Additionally, learn how GPT can create UML diagrams to visually represent key points and how sentiment analysis can monitor team dynamics, fostering collaboration. Gain practical insights into integrating AI technologies for more effective and inclusive meetings. Tao Chun Liu, Senior Business Consultant and Practitioner, PM Mayors PDUs: 0.50 | What the Camino de Santiago Taught Me About Balance and Being a Better PM Walking the Camino de Santiago gave me time to reflect on work-life balance and its impact on personal and professional success. It reinforced the importance of having a clear, shared vision, flexible plans, and strong communication. Alongside family, I practiced power PM skills in empathy, active listening, and conflict management. This session shares my learnings, offering practical insights into leading through challenges and fostering teamwork while balancing life’s journey. Erika Barden, Managing Director, Frank Innovation & Transformation PDUs: 0.50 | Level-Up Leadership: Encouraging Inclusion & Engagement This session is designed to enhance your project leadership capabilities by focusing on addressing bias, fostering inclusion, and boosting engagement. You'll gain actionable insights to improve team cohesion, innovation, and project success. Learn how to refine your leadership style and harness the power of inclusivity to drive results. Attendees will leave with the tools to promote team cohesion, engagement, and identify the impact of bias on leadership dynamics. Mike Roberts, Director, Millpond PDUs: 0.50 |
15:50 | Closing Keynote: Resilience under Pressure In this interactive session, Nick Petrie shares insights from 30 years of research and his book Work without Stress. Learn the crucial difference between pressure and stress, and how to build lasting resilience. Discover your personal resilience profile, understand how stress is created - and how resilient people avoid it. Gain practical steps to reduce stress, boost energy, and support your team and family to thrive, even in times of change and high demands. Nick Petrie, Researcher, Speaker, and Author PDUs: 1 | ||
16:40 | Closing Addresses | ||
17:00 | End of Conference | ||
Speakers
Stay tuned… Our 2025 speakers will be announced shortly
While you’re waiting, check the agenda tab to download the 2024 conference brochure to get a sneak peek on what could await you in 2025.
Featured speakers
Jehan Casinader
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Jehan Casinader is a journalist, keynote speaker and mental health advocate.
He was named “Reporter of the Year” at the New Zealand Television Awards, and “Best Political Columnist” at the Voyager Media Awards.
In the aftermath of natural disasters, terror attacks, sporting triumphs and everything in between, Jehan has helped hundreds of Kiwis to share their vulnerable, deeply personal stories with the rest of the country.
A survivor of depression and suicidality, he is the author of This Is Not How It Ends: How rewriting your story can save your life (HarperCollins).
Jehan is a respected voice in the areas of wellbeing, leadership and workplace culture, and shares regular insights with his large audience on LinkedIn. He has a degree in public policy from Victoria University of Wellington.
Nick Petrie
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Vanina Mangano
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Vanina Mangano, AML, PMP, PMI-RMP, PMI-SP, is the Chair of the Governance Committee for the Board of Directors of Project Management Institute. She has served on the Board of Directors of Project Management Institute since 2024, and has volunteered with PMI for more than 15 years.
As senior manager, Engineering Program Management, Mangano leads a team of program managers within YouTube’s Trust and Safety organization. She has nearly two decades of experience leading project management offices (PMOs) across multiple industries and companies, such as NBC Universal, Microsoft and Google. Her experience spans startups to multibillion-dollar portfolios.
She is the author of the “PMP® Project Management Professional Exam Review Guide”, “PMP® Project Management Professional Practice Tests,” and several other project-management-related books and articles.
Mangano holds a master’s degree in Strategic Management from Harvard University, USA, and bachelor’s degrees in History and English from the University of California, Riverside, USA.
Alan Mallory
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Alan Mallory is an international speaker, author and performance coach who is passionate about reaching new heights in all that we do. His unique philosophy of life revolves around empowering people and embracing an agile mentality focused on relationships and results. Alan has a degree in Engineering from Queen’s University and a Masters in Psychology from Adler University, giving him a well-balanced approach to the outer and inner challenges we all face. Living and working abroad has given Alan the opportunity to deepen his understanding of individual and team challenges and successfully adapt to different organizational structures. Building experience through a lifestyle of adventure and challenge, Alan embarked on the project of a lifetime and set a world record on Mount Everest along with three members of his immediate family. The expedition involved two years of planning and two months of climbing through immense challenges but they were able to overcome these obstacles through strategic planning, healthy team dynamics, self-awareness and perseverance.
Speakers
Tao Chun Liu
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Erika Barden
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Jenny Turner
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Amany Nuseibeh
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Shane Hastie
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Bridget Jolly
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Cassa Grant
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Peter Johnston
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Adrian Morey
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Olga Lozova
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Mike Roberts
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Silke Deul
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Gary Nelson
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Nicola Faithfull
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Dr Hafsa Ahmed MNZM
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Craig Pattison
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Gina Barlow
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Greg Rozen
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Kate Fursova
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Dr Frank Boukamp
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Bec Cortesi
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James Dobson
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Drew Knowles
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John Tonkin
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Dr Sandra Mandic
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Karsten Thomsen
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Hisham Osman
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Antonia Milkop
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Karen Clarke
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Vicki Taylor
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Prawindra Mukhia
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Doug Buddy
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Jon Bruce
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Bapon
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Rob Berg
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Kosam Nyamdela
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Rebecca Francis
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Guy Thorpe
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Ingrid Osborne
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Matthew Percival
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Renata Pompermayer Candido Ferreira
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Graham Harris
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Masterclasses
Elevate your learning experience with a pre-conference masterclass
Join one of the masterclasses for exclusive, in-depth learnings that delve deeper into specific topics.
These pre-conference masterclasses offer:
- Expert Insights: Learn from industry leaders and renowned experts
- Hands-On Training: Gain practical skills and techniques
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals that share your interests.
- Enhanced Experience: Get even more insights & earn 3 PDUs
Masterclass 1:
Leveraging AI and Emotional Intelligence for Sustainable Project Management
20 May 2025 | 1.00 PM – 4.00 PM
This session provides project managers, leaders, and decision-makers with a comprehensive understanding of integrating AI and Emotional Intelligence to promote sustainable project management practices. It covers practical approaches to using these technologies and skills to achieve project goals while adhering to the latest international standards and regulations. Craig Pattison, Director and Chief Operating Officer, Capability Collective.
PDUs: 3
Facilitated by:
Craig Pattison
Director and Chief Operating Officer
Capability Collective
Masterclass 2:
Harnessing Emotions to Shape Our Leadership and Team Culture
20 May 2025 | 1.00 PM – 4.00 PM
Leading with emotional intelligence (EI) improves psychological safety, engagement, and productivity within teams. This interactive Masterclass explores how project professionals can harness EI to enhance leadership and team culture. In the first part of the session, participants will complete a personal ‘Know Yourself’ handbook to deepen self-awareness and empathy. The second part focuses on co-creating a positive team culture using the Emotional Culture Deck (ECD), a powerful tool designed to facilitate meaningful discussions and actionable outcomes.
PDUs: 3
Facilitated by:
Erika Barden
Managing Director
Frank Innovation & Transformation
Masterclass 3:
Leading and Thriving in a Constantly Changing Environment
20 May 2025 | 1.00 PM – 4.00 PM
This dynamic session explores adaptive leadership and personal resilience, equipping you with strategies to lead confidently through change. Discover models like Satir and ADKAR, principles of adaptive and servant leadership, and how to navigate complex environments with empathy. Introspective exercises and collaborative group work will provide actionable insights to transform your leadership approach and empower your team’s growth.
PDUs: 3
Facilitated by:
Shane Hastie
International Delivery Lead
Skills Development Group
Awards Wednesday 21 May 2025
A celebration of conquering challenges and extraordinary accomplishments
We invite nominations for outstanding project management practices that leverage recognisable approaches, frameworks, and methodologies. We want to hear about and celebrate your innovative solutions and impactful results.
Submit a nomination for any of the available categories by completing the online form. This will enable the awards team to streamline the judging phase and offer any necessary assistance, ensuring a seamless nomination process.
Check out what award represents your achievement:
Key award dates
Nominations Opened
16 January 2025
Nominations Closed
6 March 2025
Judging Completed
3 April 2025
Finalists Announced
10 April 2025
Award categories
Public Sector Project of the Year
Recognises the success of a project and the associated project team, for the superior performance and execution of exceptional project management of all project types in the public sector.
2024 WINNER: Ngā Hau Māngere
PMO of the Year
Recognises a Project, Programme or Portfolio Management Office (PMO/EPMO/VMO) for effectively advancing the maturity of their company’s (or other entity’s) projects/programmes/portfolios.
2024 WINNER: University of Otago EPMO
Construction Project of the Year
Recognises the exemplary management and team success in delivering exceptional project performance in the construction sector.
2024 WINNER: Ngā Hau Māngere
Project Professional of the Year
Recognises a project/programme/portfolio manager for significant achievements or sustained excellence in applying key principles and standards in managing one or multiple projects/programmes/portfolios.
2024 WINNER: Juan Balza
Emerging Professional of the Year
Recognises an individual in the early stages of their career who is already demonstrating strong project practices and making notable contributions to the project management profession and their organisation or other entities.
2024 WINNER: Lauren King
Academic Achievement in Project Management Award
Recognises an individual or team that has advanced the concepts, knowledge, and/or practices of project-based management through research that significantly advances the profession or aspects thereof.
2024 WINNER: Louis Collingwood
Sustainability Project of the Year
Recognises a project that has excelled in integrating sustainability principles considering the environmental, social and governance aspects throughout its delivery life cycle.
2024 WINNER: Waitoa Biomass Boiler Project
Technology Project of the Year
Recognises exceptional project management and team performance in the successful delivery of a technology-driven project.
2024 WINNER: Interested Parties Onboarding Project
Ticket options
Group tickets
Dinner tickets
Member tickets*
Individual tickets
All Access Tickets include: Welcome Function on 20 May, Conference (21-22 May) with Awards Ceremony Dinner on 21 May.
Member Individual Tickets: All Access - Pre Sale
-
Available until 24 January 2025 OR until 50 tickets sold, whichever occurs first. For valid ticket, payment by 24 January 2025.
Member Individual Tickets: All Access - Super Saver
-
Available until 21 March 2025 OR until 50 tickets sold, whichever occurs first. For valid ticket, payment by 21 March 2025.
Member Individual Tickets: All Access - Early Bird
-
For valid ticket, payment by 2 May 2025.
Member Individual Tickets: All Access - Full Price
-
For valid ticket, payment by 21 May 2025.
Masterclass tickets
Non Member tickets
Individual tickets
All Access Tickets include: Welcome Function on 20 May, Conference (21-22 May) with Awards Ceremony Dinner on 21 May.
Non Member Individual Tickets: All Access - Pre Sale
-
Available until 24 January 2025 OR until 50 tickets sold, whichever occurs first. For valid ticket, payment by 24 January 2025.
Non Member Individual Tickets: All Access - Super Saver
-
Available until 21 March 2025 OR until 50 tickets sold, whichever occurs first. For valid ticket, payment by 21 March 2025.
Non Member Individual Tickets: All Access - Early Bird
-
For valid ticket, payment by 2 May 2025.
Non Member Individual Tickets: All Access - Full Price
-
For valid ticket, payment by 21 May 2025.
Masterclass tickets
Group tickets
Multi-Buy 3+ Tickets
All Access Tickets include: Welcome Function on 20 May, Conference (21-22 May) with Awards Ceremony Dinner on 21 May.
All Access Multi-buy 3+ Tickets - Pre Sale
-
Must be from same organisation and book at same time. Available until 24 January 2025 OR until 50 tickets sold, whichever occurs first. For valid ticket, payment by 24 January 2025.
All Access Multi-buy 3 + Tickets - Full price
-
Must be from same organisation and book at same time.For valid ticket, payment by 21 May 2025.
Awards Dinner
Awards Dinner Only - Individual Ticket
-
For valid ticket, payment by 21 May 2025.
Student Tickets
Student Individual Ticket - Conference Only
-
Must have a valid student ID. For valid ticket, payment by 21 May 2025.
Registration Conditions
Ticket Terms
*Must me a current member of the Project Management Institute
All prices are in New Zealand dollars ($NZD)
A surcharge of 2.5% + GST applies to credit card payments on top of the total amount.
To remain valid, Super Saver and Early Bird tickets must be paid by date quoted.
Group ticket options are valid for registrations from the same organisation, booked at the same time.
By selecting any special pricing offer for classes of organisation, sector, or individuals or using any promotion code, you are asserting to the organiser your right to claim any such pricing offer, and acknowledge the organiser’s right to audit such claim and, if in the opinion of the organiser using its sole discretion the conditions for special pricing are not met, reject any registration.
For full terms & conditions, please visit
https://www.brightstar.co.nz/terms-and-conditions
Safe events: our live events are run in line with industry best practice and government guidelines
Gold Sponsor
Millpond
Awards Sponsors
Brosnan Construction
Fonterra
Leva Advisory
Project Plus
Exhibitors
Tuihono UC | UC Online
Skills Development Group
Beyond Borders
Site Safe
Notepad Sponsor
Portacom
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