Location: Annapolis Room

Presenter: Jude Abbey - Manager Health Infrastructure Projects, NS Government (Department of Cyber Security and Digital Solution)

In this presentation, Jude Abbey will explore the transformative impact of innovation and technology in project management. With a focus on health infrastructure projects, Jude will discuss how emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and Virtual Reality are revolutionizing the way projects are managed. Attendees will learn about the integration of these technologies to enhance project efficiency, improve decision-making, and ensure better outcomes.

Key takeaways:

- Understanding the role of innovative technologies in enhancing project management practices.
- Learning practical applications of AI, IoT, in real-world projects.
- Gaining insights from case studies and examples of successful technology integration

By the end of the presentation, attendees will be equipped with actionable strategies to leverage technology for improved project outcomes and efficiency.

Location: Acadia Room

Panelists: Cassie Guinan, Courtney Bonner, Jazmin Caloca Berumen - Project Management Office, Information Technology Services at Dalhousie University

In the Project Management Office, Information Technology Services team at Dalhousie University, our biggest challenges are the same as many others’: unclear priorities, competing interests from cross-functional teams, tight budgets, under-resourcing, operational inefficiencies – to name a few. During this presentation, our panelists will discuss what they are doing to clear the fog, including: adopting a new disciplined agile framework, adapting our project intake process, building capacity on our team in change management, and implementing new tools to better manage our internal processes.

Location: Citadel Room

Presenter: Wendy Spears - Program Manager Inspira Management Ltd 

This presentation will provide information and advice for successful implementations of digital services and SaaS solutions. You will gain an understanding of common challenges with SaaS implementations, advice on preparing for successful digital transformation, and change management techniques to increase adoption and acceptance.

Location: Annapolis Room

Presenter: Robert Newcombe - AI-First Consulting

The number one barrier heard from Project Managers using AI is the fear of sharing sensitive company or personal information. This presentation will uncover how AI is using your information and strategies on how to avoid sharing sensitive information and mitigate the risk of that information ever being available to others.

Key takeaways:

• What information should never be shared with AI.
• What AI companies are doing to protect your data.
• Alternatives from using LLMs such as ChatGPT and still recognize the benefits of AI.

Location: Acadia Room

Presenter: Yemi Olaniyi - CIBC

A project team is as good as the project manager or the project leader. Beyond the individual skills of the team (such as the developers, Business Analysts, QAs, UI/UX Designers), the need for coordination of efforts can not be overemphasized, just as the need for effective stakeholder engagement on a project.

Best-in-class projects are delivered by a cohesive project team, not the project manager. Things get done when a team is motivated and supported by a visionary leader.

This presentation focuses on project execution and leadership lessons for a successful project delivery. It is agnostic to the discipline and principles of project management.

From the team formation, gaining momentum, communication, acknowledging diversity, stakeholder management, project execution, and expectations for a project manager, the presentation summarizes 10 key lessons that are applicable to any type of project.

Key takeaways:

• Key leadership principles for project management
• Managing to gain followership
• The significance of soft skills and hard skills
• Why socialization matters for the team
• Acknowledging diversity
• How to take responsibility for the project team
• A refresh on emerging trends in tech industry

Location: Citadel Room

Presenter: Hilary Carter - Coral Consulting Ltd.

In today’s dynamic organizational environments, effective change management requires more than just top-down directives—it demands a connected network of engaged stakeholders and empowered change champions. In this session, Hilary Carter will explore the strategies and tools needed to build a robust stakeholder and change champion network that drives successful change initiatives.

Attendees will learn how to identify and leverage key influencers within their organizations, foster open communication channels, and create a shared vision that aligns with both organizational goals and individual motivations. The session will also cover techniques for maintaining momentum and engagement throughout the change process, ensuring that the network remains strong and resilient in the face of challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the importance of a connected stakeholder and change champion network in driving change.
• Learn practical strategies for identifying and engaging key stakeholders and champions.
• Discover tools and techniques to sustain momentum and overcome resistance during change initiatives.
• Gain insights into building a shared vision that aligns with organizational and individual goals.

Location: Annapolis Room

Presenter: Ali Mousavi - CEO MOC Biotechnologies Inc.

Hard tech startups face unique challenges in R&D project management due to the intricate nature of their technologies and significant investment requirements. Effective planning is crucial, involving clear objectives, timelines, resource allocation, and iterative feedback loops to align projects with business goals and technological feasibility. Equally important is scuffling, or the ability to pivot and adapt rapidly to unforeseen technical hurdles, regulatory changes, and market shifts. By integrating Agile and Lean methodologies, startups can foster a flexible project management approach that emphasizes iterative progress, continuous learning, and resilience, ensuring successful navigation through the complexities of technology development.

Location: Acadia Room

Presenter: Erika Robinson - Project Director Government of Nova Scotia

In today’s world of project management, success goes beyond meeting deadlines and delivering results—it’s about leading with empathy and creating spaces where people feel valued. In this thought-provoking session, Erika Robinson, an award-winning innovator and culture creator in public service, will challenge us to rethink our approach to leadership.
 
Drawing on her extensive experience across multiple government departments, Erika will share insights on how to be “ruthless to systems but kind to people.” Attendees will explore what it means to embrace humanity in our work, fostering connection, empathy, and compassion within project teams. Erika’s approach emphasizes that, ultimately, it’s not the projects that bring us to work each day—it’s the people.
 
Join Erika as she redefines project leadership with a focus on humane, people-centered practices, inspiring us all to lead teams that drive change with purpose and heart.

Location: Citadel Room

Presenter: Derek Dow - Director of Operations Englobe

The Peggy';s Cove Infrastructure Upgrade project was the first time a significant infrastructure investment has been made to this famous landmark in decades. This complex project involved numerous influencial stakeholders and significantly challenging requirments, not to mention happening during the height of the COVID Pandemic. The result of the project was a significant upgrade to the community capstoned with a new accible view platform.

Location: Lakelands Hall 

Presenters: Brenda Fray, Per Langstrom, John Trites, Pallavi Sen

Gain a deeper understanding of the principles and benefits of agile project management.
Learn how to apply agile practices to drive innovation and improve business outcomes.
Network with other project managers and industry experts.
Stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in agile and innovation.