New project managers can learn to be good project managers and good project managers can learn to be better. And PMO staff members should continuosly find out what the latest tools and techniques are in the industry! I believe this because I have seen it and I have practiced it.
This coming weekend—November 8-10) is a terrific opportunity for project managers and PMO directors to learn from the best at the 2009 PMO Symposium. The theme of this year’s symposium is “Building the Framework for Success” and it is being held at the five-star Intercontinental Buckhead Hotel in Atlanta near Lennox mall.
Symposium attendees will gain insight into issues facing PMOs across a variety of organizations and guidance on establishing and building an effective PMO. Symposium attendees may earn up to 20 PDUs by attending PMO Symposium sessions.
The conference begins with an opening presentation by the PMOSIG Board of Directors and invited guests who will discuss PMO challenges, opportunities, and best practices. Following the group opening presentation are breakout sessions—three each hour—from PM professionals and vendors. This is a great opportunity to learn from the experience of others. Each session has time for questions built-in, so you can get specific consultation on your project management and PMO.
I am especially excited about the keynote address on Monday morning because it focuses on a topic of professional interest and relevance to project managers operating in today’s tough economic climate. Kent Crawford, founder and CEO of Project Management Solutions, Inc. and PM College, will be discussing how to align the PMO with business needs. Kent is a PMI Fellow and a knowledgeable and interesting speaker.
The Tuesday morning keynote follows the theme of improving and demonstrating the organizational value of an active PMO. Craig Symons, vice-president of Forrester Research, focuses his research on PMO business alignment and running IT like a business. You can see additional information on all the topics and speakers on the symposium’s agenda page.
Networking opportunities with other project managers and presenters is available each evening at receptions following the formal presentations. My company is an exhibitor at the conference and we hope to meet and talk with you there! In fact, please be sure to come by our booth to register for the Xbox 360 and PGR4 racing game we will be giving away.
Cognitive Technologies is a Gold Sponsor for the 2009 PMO Symposium.
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