The PM Summit 2024 of the PMI Germany Chapter on November 25/26 in Munich is one of the most important events for project management professionals in Germany this year.

Every year, project experts from various industries come together to discuss the latest developments, best practices and future trends in project management.

What can participants expect at this year's PM Summit? Which trends and innovations will take center stage and why should you definitely be there?

Keynote speaker: Philip Keil - “Trust and error culture"

One of the highlights of the PM Summit 2024 will be the appearance of Philip Keil, one of Europe's most renowned keynote speakers. Philip Keil, a former pilot and now a sought-after expert on leadership and decision-making, will speak on the topic of “Trust and error culture”. In his presentation, he will focus on how a positive error culture in companies can contribute to improving learning processes. Keil will draw on his experience in aviation to show how essential it is to learn from mistakes and establish trust as the cornerstone of successful teams. His presentations are captivating, authentic and practical, as he uses real-life examples from his career as a pilot. His presentation is intended to give managers and project managers ideas on how they can react better in crisis situations and make their teams more resilient​.

Keynote speaker: Dr. Gerhard Friedrich - “Even if it's madness, there's a method to it” - or “A fool with a tool is still a fool“

Dr. Gerhard Friedrich, VP Members & Professional Development of the PMI Austria Chapter, specializes in organizational change projects in which IT plays a key role. After completing his doctorate, he worked for eleven years in industrial and organizational psychology research and, building on this, specialized in the design and implementation support of organizational and information technology change projects. In his presentation, he will discuss the dangers of standards in project management.

Artificial intelligence and automation in project management

As you would expect, the current hype topic of integrating AI and automation into project management processes will play a central role at the PM Summit. Participants will have the opportunity to get to know practical use cases for AI in project management in workshops. The workshops will highlight how AI in project management can optimize decision-making processes and automate routine tasks, allowing project managers to work more efficiently and focus on their strategic tasks​.

Role and importance of PMOs

The maturity level of PMOs in German-speaking countries lags behind that of the world's leading regions. Several articles show the importance of strategically oriented PMOs, which are perceived by all stakeholders as a valuable service provider, focus on high-value projects, support classic, agile or hybrid teams and adapt flexibly to new requirements, for their respective organizations.

Agile methods and hybrid approaches

Agility will remain a key topic in project management in 2024. In particular, the combination of traditional and agile methods, i.e. hybrid approaches, will be discussed intensively. Companies that combine traditional structures with the flexibility of agile methods can make their projects more structured and adaptable at the same time. At the PM Summit, successful case studies will be presented that illustrate how this approach works in practice.

Leadership and soft (power) skills

Technical skills alone are no longer enough in project management. The focus on soft skills, such as communication, conflict resolution and team leadership, is essential for the success of a project. Workshops and presentations explain how project managers can develop their leadership skills in order to lead their teams more efficiently and harmoniously. This is particularly important in hybrid and international teams​.

Promoting the next generation

Another key objective of the PM Summit 2024 is to promote the next generation of project managers. Young talents will have the opportunity to network with experienced professionals and benefit from their knowledge. Special workshops and mentoring offers are aimed at young professionals and offer them an insight into the future of project management.

Networking opportunities and live streaming

In addition to the focus on content, the PM Summit also offers plenty of opportunities for networking. Participants can exchange ideas with colleagues and make valuable contacts in a relaxed atmosphere. A special bonus of the event is that many presentations will be available both on site and online via livestream. This means that even those who are unable to attend in person can benefit from the content​.

Overall, the PM Summit 2024 offers a first-class, varied program that appeals to both experienced project managers and young professionals and provides valuable inspiration for everyday professional life.

If you want to keep your finger on the pulse, you should definitely not miss this event.

If you haven't registered yet, you can do so here: Tickets | PM-Summit 2024