Join project management leaders, researchers, and innovators from around the world for a day of cutting-edge research, emerging trends, best practices, competency training and more.
In today’s rapidly changing world, competence-based project management isn’t just an advantage—it’s essential. This year’s PM Forward Virtual Conference explores what it truly means to be competent in an era where AI reveals both the fragility and the resilience of the human mind.
This year’s PM Forward Conference is not just another virtual event—it’s your chance to level up. We’ll explore competence in the face of larger, more complex projects and greater ambition from our stakeholders. Come re-energize and reset as we uncover how true competence impacts projects—tapping into the strength, creativity, and resilience humans possess to move our world forward.
Looking through the lens of the International Project Management Association’s Individual Competence Baseline (the ICB), participants will gain deeper insights to accelerate their journey into project excellence.
IPMA-USA is the United States’ official home for competence-based project management. Our mission is clear – to develop project leaders to support the most advanced projects.
Join us for a dynamic one-day journey designed to elevate your project management impact!
Organizations can no longer rely solely on knowledge-based assessments. Knowledge alone won’t cut it, especially in an era where AI is reshaping what it means to be human. Competence-based project management is not optional—it’s a requirement for success. This year’s conference answers the crucial question: How do you grow and lead your projects with real competence?
During this one-day virtual event you will:
See you at PM Forward 2025!
Sessions will be recorded and made available to attendees for on-demand viewing after the event, so you won’t miss a single insight.
Register NowMeet the visionaries and change-makers who will inspire your next big project and show what’s possible in the world of project management.
Name | Picture | Title/Company | Bio | Session |
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Joe D'Mello | ... | ... | ... | ... |
Chris Fergusson | ... | ... | ... | ... |
Sian Fergusson | ... | ... | ... | ... |
Stephen C. Lynn | ... | IPMA-USA Director of Certification IPMA–B, PMI-PMP, PMI-PBA, PMI-ACP, Agile Scrum Master, CCMP, Project Management Skills Assessor | Dr. Stephen Lynn is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in operations, financial management, and project execution. He holds a PhD in Business Administration with a focus on project management methodologies, and his research has been featured at the IPMA World Congress in Rome. An IPMA Assessor since 2016, Dr. Lynn has worked extensively across the U.S., Europe, China, Africa, and the UAE. He served as an Adjunct Professor at Marist College from 2009 to 2024 and continues to contribute to global project management standards and education. | ... |
Hannes Griebel | ... | ... | ... | ... |
Tim Jaques | Tim_Jaques_PNG | President of the International Project Management Association, USA Member Association (IPMA USA); ICB5 Project Manager | Tim Jaques is the president of IPMA-USA, project manager of the forthcoming Individual Competence Baseline, version 5 (ICB5) and contributing author to the ICB4. The ICB is IPMA’s premier global standard for assessing and certifying competence. Tim was the General Chair of the 12th IPMA Research Conference in April 2024 in College Park Maryland, USA. Tim has co-authored numerous books, chapters and articles, and speaks around the world. Tim lives in upstate New York, USA. | |
Abbigail Meah-Ali | ... | ... | Abbigail Meah-Ali is a professional with over 25 years of diverse expertise in quality, management systems, chemistry, and project management. In her current full-time role, as well as through more than a decade of consulting, she has successfully overseen a broad range of projects, bringing both technical depth and leadership insight. With a strong passion for project management, quality management, and Lean Six Sigma, Abbigail is an experienced trainer with the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and the Professional Education and Certification Board (PECB). She is also a Maxwell Leadership Certified Coach, Teacher, Trainer, and Speaker, and is a Senior Member of ASQ as well as Vice Chair of the Quality Management Division (QMD). At this conference, Abbigail will draw on her leadership and quality expertise to connect the IPMA ICB4 framework to real-world practice, illustrating how competencies such as leadership, negotiation, change and transformation, risk and opportunity management, and strategy are essential for project leaders navigating technology disruption, sustainability imperatives, and evolving organizational demands. | ... |
Peter Puerckhauer | ... | ... | ... | ... |
Tika Rai | ... | ... | ... | ... |
Tim Rumbaugh | ... | ... | ... | ... |
Karl E. Sharicz | ... | CX-PRO, EdM, Customer Experience Educator, Author, Management Consultant, President and Chief Customer Officer, HorizonCX | Karl Sharicz is Founder and CEO of HorizonCX, a veteran-owned consultancy specializing in Customer Experience (CX) management. With over 30 years of leadership in high-tech B2B environments, Karl brings expertise spanning marketing, sales, training, and CX strategy. Formerly Customer Experience Lead at Tyco SimplexGrinnell, he drove initiatives that improved customer satisfaction, retention, and lifetime value. He has designed certification programs, facilitated organizational adoption of CX practices, and developed the acclaimed “Next Improvement in Customer Experience (NICE)” workshop. A Master’s graduate of Boston University, Karl also served on the original Board of Directors of the Customer Experience Professionals Association (CXPA). | ... |
This interactive game is first register; first serve. The earlier you register for PM Forward and sign up for Sea Wolf, the greater the chance you’ll be an active participant. Are you up for the challenge? In this game you will navigate a project management field facing real-world scenarios. Test your knowledge and processes through themed cards. This is where real-world project scenarios meet fast-paced strategy.
Join Us for the YC Embrace Workshop!
IPMA-USA is excited to host the upcoming YC Embrace Workshop–a unique opportunity for project professionals, students, and leaders to come together in a collaborative learning space.
This complimentary workshop is designed to inspire, connect, and equip participants with fresh insights on project management practices in today’s world. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or already leading complex initiatives, YC Embrace offers an engaging environment where you can learn from experts, share experiences, and expand your professional network.
👥 What to Expect
REGISTER for this complimentary workshop taking place October 9, 9-11 AM ET.
REGISTER for the full PM FORWARD Virtual Conference to maximize your entire experience.
📅 Date: October 9, 2025
📍 Location: [Virtual]
What is IPMA Young Crew?
IPMA Young Crew (YC) is a global network for students and early-career project professionals. YC creates opportunities to learn, connect, and grow through workshops, competitions, and community events to empower the next generation of project leaders.
Don’t just attend—experience PM Forward 2025! Join your peers from all over the world for a full day of learning and connecting. Secure your spot today!
Sessions will be recorded and made available to attendees for on-demand viewing after the event, so you won’t miss a single insight.
Cancellation policy: We understand plans can change. In the event you need to cancel, simply send an email to meetings@ipma-usa.org.
Cancel on or before Sept 8 for 100% refund less $10 processing fee; between Sept 9-24 for 50% refund less $10 processing fee; between Sept 25-Oct 6 no refund, but substitution allowed (substitution receives conference recording)
Register NowRegistration Type | Early Registration (ends Sept. 8) | Regular Registration (ends Oct. 8) |
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Individual | $99 | $119 |
Group (3+ more registering together) | $69 | $89 |