PM FORWARD IPMA

IPMA-USA PM Forward 2026

The Power of People In the Age of AI

We live in a time of great uncertainty. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming workflows, services, even entire industries. There is a great sense of isolation and helplessness among many of us. The PM Forward 2026 conference explores themes of humanity as we lead in a time of great technological change.

How can we lead more effectively?
What is the impact of widespread work automation on human motivation?
What lessons can we learn from the first 3 years of widespread AI as we embrace a world of technology-driven change?

Our vision is to empower the project community with skillsets and mindsets that elevate the power of people in the age of AI.

PM Forward 2026 explores this theme in 3 streams:

People – How can we better advance, align, and inspire ourselves and our teams?
Practice – What tools, skills, and competences are required in the future state?
Perspective – How can we better create the conditions required for success?

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!

Sessions will be recorded and made available to attendees for on-demand viewing after the event, so you won’t miss a single insight.

Discover the sessions shaping PM Forward

PM Forward 2026 Schedule

	Events

Time	People	Practice	Perspective
11:00 - 11:15	Welcome - Tim Jaques
11:15 - 11:45	Keynote - Mind the gap: Future Competence Requirements for Delivering Projects in Times of AI. Reinhard Wagner
11:50 - 12:20	AI Doesn’t Lead Projects. People Do. Lars Johannessen	Unicorn and the Plow – Making Your Company AI-able Tim Rumbaugh	Systems Thinking in Project and Program Management Tikajit Rai
12:25 - 12:55	Skip Pettit		AI as a Catalyst for Workforce Empowerment and Motivation Joe D' Mello
1:00 - 1:30	Virtual Networking / Lunch Break
1:30 - 2:00	Keynote - Vladimir Obradovic
2:05 - 2:35	Young Crew USA	Women in PM Panel Robin Golden, Jessica Morrison, Abigail Meah-Ali	Selected Paper TBD
2:40 - 3:20	Selected Paper TBD	Women in PM Panel Robin Golden, Jessica Morrison, Abigail Meah-Ali	Selected Paper TBD
3:25 - 4:15	Keynote: You Go First: AI Is Your Turbo, Not Your Engine John Johnson
4:15 - 4:30	Closing Ceremony
4:30 - 5:00	IPMA-USA AMA & Networking

	Events

Time	People	Practice	Perspective
				Welcome - Tim Jaques
				Keynote - Mind the gap: Future Competence Requirements for Delivering Projects in Times of AI. Reinhard Wagner
11:50 - 12:20	AI Doesn’t Lead Projects. People Do. Lars Johannessen	Unicorn and the Plow – Making Your Company AI-able Tim Rumbaugh	Systems Thinking in Project and Program Management Tikajit Rai
12:25 - 12:55	Skip Pettit		AI as a Catalyst for Workforce Empowerment and Motivation Joe D' Mello
				Virtual Networking / Lunch Break
				Keynote - Vladimir Obradovic
2:05 - 2:35	Young Crew USA	Women in PM Panel Robin Golden, Jessica Morrison, Abigail Meah-Ali	Selected Paper TBD
2:40 - 3:20	Selected Paper TBD	Women in PM Panel Robin Golden, Jessica Morrison, Abigail Meah-Ali	Selected Paper TBD
				Keynote: You Go First: AI Is Your Turbo, Not Your Engine John Johnson
				Closing Ceremony
				IPMA-USA AMA & Networking

Are You Ready to Make a Big Impact?

Review our 2026 program below, and get ready for our 2026 program to be even more engaging! 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.

Explore the sessions that will help you elevate your impact.

What’s in store for you:

Inspiring Keynotes Gain fresh perspective from leaders shaping the future of project management.
3 Power Tracks People, Practice & Perspectives - Building blocks of ICB, IPMA's Standard
Boost Your Credentials Learn, grow and walk away with 7.5 CPDs as an IPMA Member (5.25 CPDs non-member).
ICB Competency Training Strengthen your project management mastery with targeted instruction based on the globally recognized IPMA Competence Baseline.
Supporter Showcase Connect with visionary companies shaping the future of project management.

Don't just manage projects—master them!

PM Forward 2026 Presenters

Meet the visionaries and change-makers who will inspire your next big project and show what’s possible in the world of project management.

See how their sessions will help inspire your projects.

Name		Title, Company	Bio	Session
Reinhard Wagner Croatia		Deputy Head of International Doctoral Study in Project Management	Professor Dr. Reinhard Wagner is a distinguished expert in project management with nearly 40 years of experience across various sectors, including automotive, engineering, and consultancy. He currently holds the position of Associate Professor and Deputy Head of the Doctoral-Study Program in Project Management at Alma Mater Europaea, where he conducts research and teaching focused on the evolving dynamics of project society. Throughout his extensive career, Reinhard Wagner has assumed significant leadership roles in project management organizations. He has served as President of the International Project Management Association (IPMA) and as Chairman of the Board of the German Project Management Association (GPM). In these capacities, he has played a crucial role in advancing international standards, contributing notably to the ISO 21500 series and several IPMA Global Standards, thereby reinforcing the professionalism and efficacy of project management worldwide. As a prolific writer and keynote speaker, Reinhard Wagner has made substantial contributions to the field of project management. His insights into the interplay between human potential and project management and the impact of digital technologies on project practices are widely acknowledged. His thought leadership reflects his commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of project management’s evolving landscape.	Keynote Speaker
Tim Jaques USA		President, IPMA-USA  (International Project Management Association)  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.	Welcome Remarks
Lars Johannessen Canada		Head of Product, Platform & Operational Readiness for Onshore Execution, Wind Power, Siemens Energy.	Lars Johannesen is a well experienced manager in Siemens Energy having worked in the Renewable Energy industry for over 18 years. Originally from Denmark he has a strong desire for clean renewable energy and over the years been part of an exciting journey with renewables and remarkable growth within Siemens Wind Power and now Siemens Energy. Over 15 years experience with Project Management being responsible to lead and implement project management frameworks in Siemens including competence frameworks for our project managers. Lars is passionate about project management and have engaged in a close partnership with IPMA US over the last years leading to training and certifications of over 100 of our colleagues. He is currently pursuing an IPMA Executive Trainer Certification to continue successful efforts with development of project managers.	People -
Tim Rumbaugh USA		Vice President, Program Management Edwards Lifesciences	Eight years at Edwards Lifesciences co-leading the Transcatheter Heart Valve PMO focused on medical device new product development and strategic programs for structural heart therapies. Four years of program leadership at a contract R&D start-up developing point-of-care in vitro diagnostic allergy, immuno-therapy, and DNA analysis devices. Over twenty years of program management and contract administration in aerospace at Parker Hannifin developing and producing flight control systems for military and executive aircraft clients; Boeing on the GPS constellation; and Northrop Grumman on the B-2 Bomber program. Fifteen plus years studying and seeking the root cause for the failure of projects at every company, industry and region in the world. Three years speaking to portfolio, program, project management audiences on the topics for which I am passionate.	Practice -
Vladimir Obradovic	Photo Coming Soon	IPMA	Vladimir Obradovic	Keynote Speaker
Joe D'Mello		Collegiate Professor, University of Maryland Global Campus	Joe D’Mello Ph.D., MBA, PMP, PMI-ACP, CSM is the founder of Exequity Inc., a management consulting and training firm focused on enhancing organizational execution and delivering value-driven results. He brings extensive experience leading complex initiatives, turning around troubled projects, and advancing capabilities in areas such as process improvement, organizational agility, data analytics, and change management. He began his career at AT&T Bell Laboratories, where he rose to Distinguished Member of Technical Staff and held several leadership roles. His global consulting and training work spans industries and regions, supporting organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to government agencies and universities. A recognized thought leader in execution, Joe has delivered seminars and keynote presentations for leading institutions and organizations including Apple, Boeing, Google, IBM, NASA, and the NIH. He is an award-winning educator, receiving teaching honors from the University of Chicago and the University of Maryland. Joe holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and MS and PhD degrees from The Ohio State University. He also holds multiple certifications in project management and agile methodologies, along with recent AI credentials from Stanford and Wharton.	Perspective - AI as a Catalyst for Workforce Empowerment and Motivation
John CE Johnson USA		Professional Programs Manager, University of Maryland, Project Management Center for Excellence	John Johnson leads the initiatives that help grow the Project Management Center for Excellence across its three pillars: Academic Excellence, Outreach and Professional Development, and Research. His primary programs include the MEng in Project Management, the MPS in Product Management, the Massive Open Online Course Program with over 500k enrollees, and the Project Management Symposium with over 700 attendees annually. Mr. Johnson also teaches graduate courses on Agile and Predictive management at the University of Maryland’s Project Management Program. In partnership with the Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute, Mr. Johnson is co-led creation of the new Masters of Professional Studies in Product Management (MPPM), building on his years as a CTO, Startup Co-Founder, and Senior Agile Project Manager.	Keynote speaker
Dr. Tikajit Rai USA		Chief Consultant, Systemic Excellence Group	Dr. Tikajit Rai is a 3PM professional with over 23 years of experience leading projects and programs in Software, Wireless, and EdTech sectors. Recognized as a systems thinker and award-winning leader, he specializes in digital transformation, organizational development, and sustainability. He holds a Ph.D. in Learning Technology, an M.S. in ICT, and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. Certified in multiple disciplines—including PMP®, PROSCI® Change Practitioner, IPMA® Project Assessor, and Project DPro®—he has contributed to global initiatives in curriculum design and sustainability. Committed to lifelong learning, Dr. Rai empowers organizations to achieve impactful results and currently serves as a Board Member for IPMA-USA.	Systems Thinking

Put Your Skills To The Test!

Join us in an interactive 90-minute virtual game called Sea Wolf – designed for project managers, by project managers!

Are you ready to put your project management skills to the test? Are you up for the challenge? Welcome aboard Sea Wolf! In this online game, you and your team take the role of a yacht crew navigating the unpredictable sea of project management. Every decision, obstacle, and strategy will determine how fast—and how successfully you reach the finish line. 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.

“Sea Wolf” is the highly-interactive online edition of the popular project management board game that has helped professionals worldwide since 2017 study and understand the IPMA Individual Competence Baseline®, ICB version 4. Now it’s your turn to take the helm—and put into practice the competences you’ve gained during PM Forward 2025.

In this competitive workshop, you’ll:

Navigate real-world project challenges through themed cards.
Discuss practical project situations in small teams via Zoom breakout rooms.
Link theory with practice while applying your newly sharpened competences.

Welcome to the regatta on the sea of Project Management! Imagine each team as a yacht and you as its crew. The race? To overcome obstacles and reach the finish with the least expenses. The challenge? Fast-paced decision-making where real-world project scenarios meet strategy and collaboration.

Facilitators:

Vladimirs Ivanovs Practitioner, Senior Project Manager with extensive experience in Project Management and Agile Transformations across industries from Insurance to Oil & Gas.
Marija Maijere Agile Coach, Trainer, Facilitator, and Co-Author of the Sea Wolf game. She visualised all IPMA ICB4 competences and designed both the board and online versions.

Prepare for the competition! Download the free Sea Wolf mobile app for Android to become familiar with all 28 competences and their key indicators. 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.

Registration Coming Soon!

Scenario-Based Negotiation and Ethics

Join Us for the YC Embrace Workshop – Scenario-Based Negotiation and Ethics

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 You Will Gain:

Scenario-based techniques to sharpen your negotiation skills in real-world project environments.
The ability to balance ethics and outcomes when facing high-stakes project decisions.
Confidence in complex negotiations by practicing with guided examples from experienced professionals.

You can register for the full virtual conference or choose to register solely for this dynamic event.

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.

Register Now

Don’t just attend—experience PM Forward 2026! 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 info@ipma-usa.org prior to the event for a partial refund.

Yes, I want to attend PM Forward 2026!