Events

Registration closed.

Accelerate, Adopt & Evolve!

Project leaders find themselves continually redefining project excellence. The Leadership Forum is an excellent opportunity for executives, senior leaders, and mid-level project management professionals to discuss the current trends in business. Attendees at this event will leave with actionable information and that can be applied to their organizations, making them more effective at delivering value.

Keynote Speaker: Mike Griffiths

Author, Trainer, Consultant for PMI

Three Trends Shaping Evolution of Project Teams​ 

Abstract: Examine how the rise of AI, the shift to hybrid workspaces, and the ongoing evolution of agile approaches are reshaping project teams, with a focus on making these changes responsibly. AI tools have brought both productivity boosts and challenges, including issues with accuracy and ethical decision-making.

Bio: Mike Griffiths is a project management author, trainer, and consultant working for the Project Management Institute (PMI.) Prior to joining PMI, Mike owned a project management consulting company working in Europe, South, Central and North America. He was involved in the creation of DSDM in 1994 and served on the board of the Agile Alliance. He co-founded the PMI Agile Community of Practice and was part of the steering committee that created the PMI-ACP credential. Mike was chair for the PMI Agile Practice Guide and has contributed to the PMBOK Guide since the 3rd Edition. He was co-chair for the PMBOK Guide 7th Edition. 

Keynote Speaker: Julie Yurko

President and CEO - Northern Illinois Food Bank

Strategy Transformation via Adoption of Human Centered Design

Abstract: How Northern Illinois Foodbank transformed strategy and shifted focus from food distribution to serving neighbors through the adoption of human-centered design.

Bio: Julie has served as president and CEO of the Food Bank since 2014.  She joined Northern Illinois Food Bank in 2009 and previously served as vice president of philanthropy overseeing fundraising, food sourcing, marketing and volunteers. Under Julie’s leadership the Food Bank successfully completed Strategic Plan 2020, providing equity to access to charitable food in 98% of the communities served by Food Bank member agencies and programs.  In 2020, the Food Bank launched Strategic Plan UNITE to transform the charitable food system in order to reach 90% of neighbors experiencing food insecurity through a more dignified, equitable and convenient experience. A goal that was achieved two years early in 2023.
Julie has more than 25 years of experience in the non-profit sector. Prior to joining the Food Bank, Julie worked for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, The Children’s Memorial Foundation (now Lurie’s Children’s Medical Center) and the Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo. Julie has served as President of the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement, and on the Boards of the Special Education Alliance for District 200, and Teen Parent Connection. Julie serves on the Boards of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago, Feeding Illinois, Thrivent Member Network Regional Board and most recently, The Global FoodBanking Network Board. She is a past member of the Illinois Commission to End Hunger.

Keynote Speaker: Patrick Chew

Vice President - AI & Data Science at AIT Worldwide Logistics

Accelerate Transforming PMOs with AI Without Compromising Quality​​ 

Abstract: AI is reshaping project and program management—whether you’re fully immersed or just starting to explore its potential. From AI-ML to GenAI, every initiative, big or small, will be impacted. As a Project Manager, Program Manager, or PMO leader, how can you prepare, embrace, and accelerate within this evolving landscape?
 

Bio: Patrick Chew is the Vice President of AI & Data Science at AIT Worldwide Logistics. He is a seasoned expert in data science, intelligence, and governance, specializing in data management and blockchain applications that enable organizations to execute projects with precision, efficiency, and impact. With over 25 years of experience, Patrick has guided Fortune 500 companies in moving beyond intuition-based decisions to fact-driven strategies, ensuring that projects, programs, and portfolios are built on a foundation of actionable insights. Organizations today struggle between establishing a pristine data foundation or advancing their analytical and AI-driven capabilities, often facing challenges in project execution. Patrick helps businesses overcome these hurdles by implementing governance frameworks, scalable data strategies, and AI-enabled intelligence that drive successful outcomes.

Agenda 

Contact Sunil Chainani for questions or corporate and student discounts: [email protected]  ​