Get ready for a day packed with:

·   Professional development sessions

·   Networking with local Project Managers

·   An incredible lineup of speakers

·   Earn 6 PDUs to boost your professional credentials!

Brian Alementi

Keynote Speaker, Alementi Elevates, LLC

Unlocking Excellence by Leading with Purpose!

You don’t want to miss this keynote! People will be talking about long after the event ends. This transformative message doesn’t just inspire, it elevates mindsets and energizes the room from the very first moment. Through impactful storytelling, dynamic audience participation, and practical, real-world takeaways, it creates a powerful shared experience that lifts spirits, shifts perspective, and sparks meaningful change. Attendees don’t simply listen; they engage, reflect, and leave re-energized with tools they can apply immediately to create real impact. Designed for everyone, from leaders guiding large teams to individual contributors leading themselves, this keynote meets audiences exactly where they are. In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure world, leading with purpose is no longer optional; it’s essential. This experience centers on that truth, equipping attendees with a clear framework to elevate performance, strengthen culture, and sustain momentum even in challenging times.

At the heart of the keynote is the PG3 model, a transformative framework that empowers individuals to unlock their potential through positivity, passion, perspective, gratitude, grace, and generosity. These principles come to life through relatable stories, interactive moments, and actionable strategies that resonate across roles and industries. The result is not just inspiration, but clarity around how to lead with intention, connect with others, and create environments where people and performance thrive. This keynote goes beyond traditional leadership metrics. It focuses on igniting purpose, fostering trust, and inspiring people to rise to extraordinary heights. Attendees walk away motivated, aligned, and equipped to lead with confidence, whether they’re influencing a team, an organization, or their own personal growth.

Meagan West

Principal, Westward Strategies

AI Is Not the Answer: Why Projects Still Rise and Fall on People

Artificial intelligence can improve efficiency, automate tasks, and support decision-making, but it cannot replace the human elements that determine whether projects succeed or fail. Most projects do not break down because of technology. They break down because of unclear communication, resistance to change, lack of accountability burnout, and misaligned teams. 

This session explores the people side of project management and provides practical strategies to help project leaders build trust, improve collaboration, navigate change, and deliver results. Attendees will leave with actionable tools they can apply immediately to strengthen project outcomes in an increasingly AI-driven workplace. 

Charles Achampong

Executive in Residence, Capacity Canada

Failure Immunity: The Missing Competency in Project Leadership

Every project leader knows what failure costs on paper, budget overruns, missed milestones, stakeholder confidence. But there's a cost that never shows up in the post-mortem report: what failure does to the person leading the project. 

After something goes wrong, most project leaders fall into a pattern that feels productive but isn't. They carry the failure into the next meeting, the next decision or the next time they have to try something bold. And nobody, not your certification, your methodology, or your framework prepares you for that moment. 

This session introduces the concept of failure immunity: a practical approach to deal with what happens in the critical window after a setback. Not how to prevent failure or how to explain it to your stakeholders. But, what to do with it yourself - so that your last mistake doesn't follow you into your next decision. 

Tanya Boyd

Director of Creative Collaboration, Project Success Academy & Corbeau Tech

The Creative Navigator: The Missing Language Between Strategy and Execution

Project managers are often viewed as tactical schedulers - but the reality is far more powerful. Because projects intersect with HR, Talent Acquisition, IT, Legal, and the C-Suite, project professionals sit at the center of the organizational matrix. This makes them natural connectors and culture shapers.

This session explores how project managers can harness creativity as a leadership tool to:

Connect silos across the organization

Foster psychological safety within teams

Encourage innovation and experimentation

Influence strategy and culture from within

Participants will leave with practical techniques for using creativity, storytelling, and collaboration to navigate uncertainty and lead meaningful organizational change.

Mary Stein

Assistant Library Director: Programs, Outreach, & Collections

Mini-Session: Powerful (and Free!) PM Resources at Your Library

Discover the incredible, and completely free, Project Management resources available to you through the East Baton Rouge Parish Library. In this quick and informative session, Mary Stein will highlight tools, study materials, databases, and other valuable support for current and aspiring project managers. Whether you're preparing for the PMP exam or looking to sharpen your skills, the library has something for you!

For the first time, Professional Development Day will be offered as a hybrid conference. Attendees may purchase an in-person ticket and participate in the event onsite, or choose virtual registration and join us via Zoom on the day of the event.

If registering as a virtual attendee: the Zoom link for the meeting will be emailed to you on the Monday before the event (5 days prior to the event).

Please Note: All tickets are non-refundable.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided to all attendees participating in our in-person event.