2024 PMC Program
To help you stay informed throughout the day, we’ve made the digital program available for download ahead of the conference. It includes the full event schedule, speaker details, and session descriptions. You can download it here or pick one up during registration on Friday.
7:30 am - 8:45 am
Registration
8:45 am - 9:00 am
PMC Kickoff
Join us as we kick off the 2024 South Florida PMI Conference with a warm welcome to all attendees, speakers, and sponsors. This year's theme, "Community, Collaboration, and Innovation," underscores the power of our project management community to drive impactful change. Over the next two days, we will explore cutting-edge trends, share best practices, and foster connections that empower growth and success. In this 15-minute session, we'll set the stage for an inspiring and engaging event, highlighting the importance of collaboration and innovation in the ever-evolving world of project management. Let's embark on this journey together!
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Keynote - Innovation, Collaboration, Community
Rick A. Morris, PMP, CHBC, PMI-ACP National Delivery Lead- EPPM, Centric Consulting
Welcome to a journey through Collaboration, Innovation, and Community—the cornerstone of transformative project management. Rick Morris will share insights and strategies that empower project managers to excel in these critical areas.Collaboration is about influence, the most crucial skill for any project manager. Trained by Robert Cialdini, the renowned expert on influence, Rick will blend the six principles of influence—reciprocity, commitment, social proof, authority, liking, and scarcity—into practical techniques for project management. He will explore how to ethically and responsibly wield influence to secure resources, manage conflicts, and navigate methodological changes. Whether handling Agile requests or traditional waterfall projects, understanding how to influence key decisions is paramount. This session will provide attendees with time-tested techniques to become masters of influence, driving their projects towards successful outcomes.Innovation drives the ability to stay ahead in an ever-evolving landscape. Rick will introduce a revolutionary approach where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used to blend lessons learned into risk assessments. This unique method turns historical data into actionable insights, enhancing the accuracy and relevance of risk management strategies. By leveraging AI, project managers can predict potential pitfalls and develop robust contingencies, ensuring their projects are primed for success. Community involvement is where influence can create a broader impact. Rick will highlight a successful initiative in Birmingham—a collaboration between PMI and United Way—that showcases how project management principles can benefit non-profits. This side session will discuss establishing project management chapters in community organizations, enabling them to harness expertise for the greater good. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to harness the power of influence, integrate innovation, and contribute to your community through project management. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Power Networking: Uniting South Florida’s PMI Community
William Wagner, President, ACMP Florida
Hans Mejier, PMOranje
Accelerate your connections at South Florida’s premier project management event! This dynamic, fast-paced networking session is designed to bring together leaders, innovators, and peers from across the PMI community. Expand your network, share ideas, and forge meaningful relationships that will not only boost your career but also strengthen our local PM ecosystem. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to collaborate and connect with the professionals shaping the future of project management in South Florida.
11:15 am - 12:00 pm
Breakout Session 1 - The Leadership Blueprint for Successful Agile Transformation
Rick Regueira, PMP, CHBC, PMI-ACP
CEO, IT Professional, Enterprise and Executive Agile Coach, Trainer, Consultant, and Project Manager
Are you feeling trapped in the Agile maze? You're not alone! Despite the abundance of Agile Transformation resources, many leaders still struggle to effectively launch and scale Agile within their organizations. What if we told you that the secret to a successful Agile Transformation isn't just about the teams but also involves engaging leadership?Genuine Agile Transformations kick-off when the company's leadership embraces fresh perspectives and welcomes mental and behavioral shifts. Rick Regueira, has partnered with leaders across various organizations on their Agile implementation and scaling journeys, has witnessed a spectrum of outcomes. Also, he has discerned what works and what doesn't and is eager to impart this wisdom to you. You'll participate in interactive exercises that provide you with the tools and confidence to lead your Agile transformation. This isn’t just another Agile talk—it’s a chance to rethink your leadership approach and guide your organization toward Agile excellence. Be the catalyst for your company’s next Agile success story, navigating the future of agility with clarity and creativity.
11:15 am - 12:00 pm
Breakout Session 2 - Crafting Cohesive Narratives: The Art of Storytelling in Project Management
Nelson Fernandez, Storytelling Strategist and CEO, StoryForge
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Unlock the transformative power of storytelling in project management with Nelson Fernandez, Storytelling Strategist and CEO of StoryForge. In this engaging session, Nelson will explore how compelling narratives can revolutionize leadership and project outcomes, drawing from his extensive experience with organizations large and small like the U.S. Navy and innovative startups. Nelson will reveal how project managers, positioned at the intersection of three key organizational narratives (people, process, and policy), can craft and integrate stories that drive alignment, engagement, and success. You will discover practical techniques to create compelling narratives that resonate with team members and stakeholders, fostering a cohesive and motivated project environment. Also, this session will equip you with the skills to harness storytelling for better communication, stronger stakeholder relationships, and more effective project execution. By mastering these techniques, you will be able to elevate your project management practice, achieving significant career growth and lasting impact within your organization. Don't miss the chance to experience the transformative potential of storytelling and take your leadership skills and career to the next level.
11:15 am - 12:00 pm
Breakout Session 3 - Unlocking Project Success: The Power of Early Procurement Collaboration
Lenora Sevillian, Director of Procurement, Nova Southeastern University
In the realm of project management, early and continuous procurement collaboration is often an overlooked catalyst for success. This session will delve into the pivotal role of procurement in project management, aligning with the PMBOK framework. We'll explore how early procurement involvement can significantly mitigate risks, optimize costs, and enhance overall project outcomes. We will embark on a journey through the project lifecycle, illustrating how procurement activities can be seamlessly integrated into each phase. From defining requirements and conducting market research to managing supplier performance and evaluating project outcomes, procurement professionals bring invaluable expertise to the table. Real-world case studies will showcase the tangible benefits of early procurement collaboration, highlighting the potential for cost savings, risk reduction, and improved project timelines. We'll also address common challenges that hinder collaboration and provide actionable strategies for fostering effective partnerships between procurement and project management teams. By attending this session, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the power of early procurement collaboration and its potential to unlock project success. Whether you're a seasoned project manager or a procurement professional, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to drive greater project efficiency, effectiveness, and overall success.
12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
Lunch
1:15PM - 2:15 PM
Panel Session: Lights, Camera, Project Management: Success in South Florida’s Film & TV Industry
Join us for a compelling panel discussion exploring the intersection of project management and the vibrant world of film and television production in South Florida. Featuring insights from local film commissioners and industry leaders, this session will highlight the challenges and opportunities project managers face in organizing and executing film projects that contribute to the region’s economic growth. You will learn how core project management skills—such as communication, leadership, and multitasking—are vital to successfully managing film productions and enhancing community impact. Discover how project management practices drive success in creative industries, delivering value not only to film projects but also to the broader South Florida community.
2:30 pm - 3:15 pm
Breakout Session 4 - Building a PMO for Transformation: Strategies for Successful Change Management
Tiffany Morales
Sr. Director, Digital Transformation and PMO
In today’s ever changing business environment, the role of the Project Management Office (PMO) has evolved from traditional oversight to a pivotal force in driving organizational transformation. This session will explore the essential strategies for establishing a PMO that not only supports but actively spearheads transformative initiatives. You will gain insights into best practices for designing a PMO that aligns with strategic goals, partners with change agents and drives effective change management. Drawing from real-world experiences, the session will cover key components such as stakeholder championship, identifying and engaging change partners, and performance metrics to ensure the PMO's success in delivering impactful change. Whether you are looking to build a new PMO or enhance an existing one, this session will provide actionable guidance to position your PMO as a critical enabler of organizational change, growth and innovation.
2:30 pm - 3:15 pm
Breakout Session 5 - Trios - The Harmony of Three Voices: Forming a Dynamic and Effective Leadership Team
Debbie Rodriguez, VP, IT Portfolio Delivery Office, Seminole Hard Rock Support Services​
Balanced portfolio planning aligns value, priority, budget & resource targets​ across the business and delivery organizations. When technical organizations serve multiple lines of business, it can be very hard to involve all stakeholders in portfolio planning. Effective governance of the portfolio involves three key partners: The Business Leader, The Delivery Leader, and the Technical Leader. When these three people understand their own roles and the roles of their partners, great decisions can be made quickly. New programs can be efficiently evaluated for holistic business and technical scope definition​, business case development (value definition), refined and holistic cost estimates​ (cost definition, and resource demand across the business, the technical teams, and the operational teams). The relationship between these three key roles must be characterized by trust, transparency, and partnership. The intended outcome of this 3-person partnership is the prioritization of new ideas, transparency of the active portfolio, and a view of the upcoming technical and business roadmap. This trio can be effectively duplicated at other levels as well, and forms an effective and efficient governance structure. At the project level, the project leadership team consists of a delivery lead (typically a PM), a business lead (who can be a manager or director from the sponsoring business unit or more typically a knowledgeable business analyst), and a technical lead. At the executive level, an oversight team may be formed with the PMO Director, the Business Sponsor, and the Technical Director or Architect. The Trio is a powerful and harmonious ensemble, allowing for a balanced view without cluttering decision-making with too many voices.
2:30 pm - 3:15 pm
Breakout Session 6 - Unlocking Value through Hyper-Automation: The Evolving Role of Project Managers in Digital Transformation
Gloria Gallo, Commercial Operations Manager, Avionica LLC
In the age of hyper-automation, PMs are well-positioned to spearhead transformative initiatives within their enterprises. This session will show how PMs, as integrators, are ideal candidates to lead hyper-automation initiatives. We will examine how project managers' in-depth awareness of company processes and customer journeys enables them to identify automation opportunities and design end-to-end solutions. You will learn to formalize their expertise and apply service blueprinting to these efforts. By the end of this session, project managers will feel empowered to lead hyper-automation projects, improve client journeys, and create competitive advantages.
3:30 pm - 4:15 pm
Breakout Session 7 - Mastering PMO: Driving Success and Innovation in Your Company
Patricia Monica Ojeda
Sr. Project Manager Consultant, PMO Business
A Project Management Office (PMO) is the powerhouse of any organization, acting as the central command that standardizes and oversees project management practices. By ensuring that projects are executed efficiently, on time, and within budget, the PMO becomes the catalyst for operational excellence and strategic alignment. It provides essential governance, methodologies, tools, and metrics that empower teams to meet and exceed their goals. Serving as a hub for best practices, the PMO excels in resource allocation, risk management, and performance monitoring, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. By centralizing project oversight, it enhances consistency, transparency, and accountability across all projects. This robust framework not only drives the successful delivery of projects but also significantly contributes to the overall growth and competitiveness of the company. Join us to discover how mastering PMO can transform your organization, driving success and innovation at every level.
3:30 pm - 4:15 pm
Breakout Session 8 - Developing and Maintaining Educational Spaces for the 21st Century
Prospero Guillermo Herrera, II,
Assistant Vice President, Maintenance Operations,
This session will highlight the investments that Miami Dade College has made in its educational facilities over the last 5+ years to enhance the student experience and provide environments that support the careers of today and tomorrow. This includes everything from AI Centers, electric vehicle training facilities, state of the art medical industry and law enforcement facilities and other significant investments. This session will also highlight the teamwork required by staff and vendors to deliver quality state-of-the art facilities and spaces while meeting challenging schedules or budgets in a competitive and evolving marketplace. In addition, leadership, management, strategy and stakeholder engagement efforts required to lead these efforts will also be highlighted. Finally, this session will also share other efforts being implemented by the College to maintain and improve educational facilities that provide the best possible environment for educators and students.
3:30 pm - 4:15 pm
Breakout Session 9 - Construction Management and the Project Management Professional (PMP)®
José A. Faria, Ph.D., PMP, A.M.ASCE, CDT
Endowed Chair Moss Department of Construction Management, College of Engineering and Computing
This discussion covers the basic principles of Construction Management and highlights where the Project Management Professional (PMP) overlaps with the Construction Management career. Creating value is at the core of every project, construction projects are a subset of the projects covered under the concepts and techniques in project management. Construction Management can be seen as an application of Project Management techniques for construction projects. This discussion will present the specific concepts, tools and techniques available in the realm of construction management and highlight the relevant standards in the PMBOK Guide Seventh Edition. An introduction of the Construction Management program at FIU will be presented as an example for discussion.