Event Listings

Are you curious about the intersection of cutting-edge technology and effective project management? Our expert panel brings together seasoned project managers who are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize project execution. What to Expect:

• Insights from the Frontlines: Hear firsthand experiences from project managers who have successfully integrated AI tools into their workflows.
• AI-Driven Efficiency: Discover how AI streamlines resource allocation, risk assessment, and decision-making, leading to faster project delivery.
• Real-world Examples: Learn about AI applications in diverse industries, from software development to construction.
• Interactive Q&A: Bring your burning questions and engage with our panelists.

About the Panelists

Lisette Zounon
Lisette was responsible for leading and managing high-performing quality-testing teams throughout all phases of the software development testing cycle; ensuring that all information systems, products, and services meet or exceed organization and industry quality standards as well as end-users requirements. This includes establishing and maintaining the QA strategy, processes, platforms, and resources needed to deliver 24×7 operationally critical solutions for many of the world’s largest companies.
Lisette Zounon is a passionate quality engineering leader with over 18 years of experience helping people and companies improve the quality of their applications, with solid tools, a simple process, and a smart team. She strongly believes that industry best practices including implementing agile methodologies and DevOps practices are invaluable.

Jeff Manhardt
Jeff is the Chief Project Officer for a Buffalo-based Health System and has over 18 years of success achieving project, program & Portfolio management objectives while utilizing situational leadership to manage global teams. He has managed 3 PMOs, dozens of projects & programs and is an acquisition specialist.Over the last 12 years, Jeff’s results oriented, process driven leadership approach has culminated with projects, programs & portfolios completing within 10% of time and cost, earning him an award for Best Technology Project Manager.
Jeff has served as the President of the PMI Buffalo chapter since 2016 after serving in positions of VP of Programs, VP of Professional Development, VP of Technology & Business Services and VP of Finance.  Jeff is a 2013 LIMC graduate, frequent conference speaker and is an Adjunct professor at the University of Buffalo & Canisius College Center for Professional Development.

Hussain Bandukwala

Hussain is the Founder & PMOpreneur at Parwaaz Consulting and helps PMO leaders succeed through coaching, workshops and other resources. He works with PMO leaders and executives to conquer their biggest challenges in meeting strategic goals, achieving operational efficiency, and delivering project value.
Hussain is also an author and [in]structor at LinkedIn Learning (also known as Lynda.com), LinkedIn’s premier online education platform for professionals across all disciplines. His PMO courses “Setting Up a PMO” & “How to Successfully Lead a PMO” have helped PMO leaders, practitioners and enthusiasts across the globe through their conversational tone and actionable insights. They focus on providing a step-by-step approach to successfully setup & lead a PMO, transparently deliver its value, and get buy-in from its stakeholders.
Hussain lives in Toronto, Canada, and holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Computer Science from The College of Wooster (Ohio).

Carl Pritchard
Carl is a recognized lecturer, author, researcher, and instructor. As a lecturer he is considered a leading authority on risk and communications.  Keynote address required?  Carl’s the guy.  Want training with impact?  Want training they remember?  Live?  GoToWebinar?  Blended?  Recorded? Carl has developed training and taught in virtually every format imaginable.  He has also served project management in virtually every way you can!  He was acknowledged as “Best of the Best” in all of project management in 2019 by PMI Global.  He is the U.S. Correspondent for the U.K. project management journal, Project Manager Today.  He coaches individuals.  He leads workshops for hundreds of people in a single setting. Who decides what he’s doing on any given day?  YOU DO!!  Carl will work with you to ensure you get everything you could have hoped for out of the training experience.  He’s genuinely one-of-a-kind.