Call for Speaker Proposals – PMINYC 2026 Professional Development Conference is now Open!
Share your expertise with project, program, and portfolio managers at our one-day conference.
SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL
Theme: Project Leadership in a Changing World: Driving Impact Through Strategy, Influence, and Innovation
PMINYC is seeking dynamic content and educational leaders to deliver impactful sessions at the 2026 Professional Development Day (PDD). Our goal is to educate, inform, and provide practical and actionable strategies for project, program, and portfolio managers across industries – for up to 150 junior professionals to seasoned leaders. We welcome proposals that advance learning, provoke discussion, and inspire attendees to elevate their practice.
Who Should Submit
Speaking at PMI NYC’s annual conference places you in front of a highly engaged, professional community that values shared expertise and credibility. As a conference speaker, you gain powerful visibility for your personal and professional brand, with your expertise showcased to a targeted audience of project management professionals. You’ll earn recognition as a thought leader while contributing meaningfully to the growth and knowledge of the PMI NYC community. Beyond the stage, you’ll benefit from premier networking opportunities with peers and industry leaders, plus extended reach through promotion on the association’s social channels, recorded sessions, and features in post-event materials.
We invite proposals from experienced project management practitioners, educators, and thought leaders who can provide insights on the latest trends and innovations, and can deliver:
- Uses adult-learning principles and interactive approaches
- Encourages audience engagement and discussion
- Provides practical strategies, tools, or tactics attendees can apply immediately
Program Details
Conference Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
Location: NYU, New York City (address TBC)
Session Length: 45-60 minutes including Q&A
Estimated Attendees: 150
Professional Development Units (PDUs): Awarded for all sessions
Program Agenda
Keynote Speaker: Prepare for Success in an Uncertain World (45 mins., 1 PDU)
Discover how to thrive in rapidly changing business environments. The keynote will explore strategies for adaptability, resilience, and proactive decision-making that are critical for project managers at any stage of their career.
- Learn how to anticipate challenges and build personal agility
- Gain insights into balancing operational efficiency with strategic foresight
- Explore frameworks for leading teams through ambiguity and fostering a culture of innovation
Session 1: The Human Edge: Leading with Influence in a Data-Driven World (45 mins. 1 PDU)
This session blends data insights with emotional intelligence, showing how PMs can influence outcomes and inspire teams across functions.
- Understand the basics of leveraging data to communicate effectively and earn trust
- Learn practical techniques for influencing stakeholders and aligning cross-functional teams
- Explore advanced strategies for driving change and inspiring organizational buy-in using data-informed leadership.
Session 2: Executive Panel: Power Skills at the Top: How Project Leaders Build Trust, Influence Outcomes & Drive Change (55 mins. 1 PDU)
Hear from senior leaders (CPOs, PMO leads, transformation execs) on building trust, driving innovation, and influencing outcomes under pressure.
- Observe leadership behaviors and understand what executive expectations look like
- Gain tips on managing up and across, while building credibility in complex environments
- Hear strategies for sustaining trust, coaching teams, and influencing at the enterprise level
Breakout Session 1:
Your Career Roadmap: Treating Your Job Search Like a Project (with AI Tools) (Audience: Junior PMs, ~45 mins, 1 PDU)
By applying project management principles such as goal setting, scope definition and stakeholder engagement, attendees will gain actionable strategies to define their career objectives and target their dream job.
From Project Manager to People Leader: Managing the Transition and Building Your Coaching Skills (Audience: Mid-level PMs, ~45 mins, 1 PDU)
Navigate the shift from managing projects to leading people, with actionable strategies on delegation, coaching, and motivating teams to achieve high performance. Gain tools to manage teams effectively and strengthen leadership presence.
Using Project Intelligence to Shape Strategy (Audience: Seasoned PMs, ~45 mins, 1 PDU)
Learn to transform program and project data into actionable insights that drive business decisions, influence direction, and demonstrate project value to leadership. Apply insights strategically to shape enterprise-wide initiatives and long-term strategy.
Breakout Session 2:
Storytelling for Project Leaders: How to Make Data Memorable and Align Diverse Teams (Audience: Junior PMs, ~45 mins, 1 PDU)
Transform complex project data into compelling stories that engage stakeholders, align teams, and influence decisions. Learn practical approaches to communicate insights visually and verbally.
Leading High-Pressure Projects Without Losing Your Spark (Audience: Mid-level PMs, ~45 mins, 1 PDU)
Equip teams with practical tools to manage stress, build resilience, and lead sustainably, so they can achieve more without burnout. Implement techniques to support your team under pressure while maintaining productivity.
Bridging the Generational Gap: Strategies for Senior PMs and Gen Z Collaboration (Audience: Seasoned PMs, ~45 mins, 1 PDU)
With Gen Z rapidly becoming a core part of project teams, senior PMs must adapt leadership and communication styles to build trust and cohesion. This session explores practical strategies for fostering effective collaboration between seasoned project managers and emerging Gen Z talent. Learn how to leverage generational strengths, manage differing communication styles, and build cohesive, high-performing teams across age groups. Attendees will leave with actionable approaches to mentor, motivate, and engage younger team members while maintaining alignment with organizational goals.
Panel Discussion:
Shameless Project Marketing: How To Sell Your Project, Your Team and Yourself (55 mins. 1 PDU)
Learn how to effectively showcase your projects, highlight team achievements, and build personal brand credibility within your organization.
- Discover ways to communicate project wins and build visibility early in your career
- Learn techniques to advocate for your team and secure support for initiatives
- Explore strategies for promoting enterprise-level projects and influencing senior leadership
Tips for Success:
- Content is King: Provide clear, actionable, and practical guidance.
- Make It Engaging: Use interactive techniques to involve participants.
- Be Authentic: Include lessons learned from challenges or failures.
- Know Your Audience: Participants are professionals across sectors such as Technology, Finance, Healthcare, Real Estate, and Media. They attend to learn, earn PDUs and connect.
- No Sales Pitches: Focus on education and insights; promotional content will disqualify your proposal.
- Creative Input Welcome: Speakers are encouraged to suggest improvements or adjustments to strengthen sessions.
SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL
Proposal Review & Selection
Deadline: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Review Process:
- Peer Review: Volunteer PMINYC members assess relevance, clarity, and speaker experience.
- Executive Review: Top proposals are evaluated for fit, impact, and alignment with the PDD theme.
Notifications: Accepted proposals will be communicated on a rolling basis from November - December 2025.
Honorarium & Travel: Honorariums are generally not provided; travel stipends may be offered on a case-by-case basis. While our budget is limited, there is room for discussion around speaker fees and covering travel expenses. Please let us know your expectations.
SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL
Questions? Email PDC2026@pminyc.org
About PMI & PMINYC:
PMI is the world’s leading not-for-profit project management professional association. Established in 1969 it has over 200,000 members in 150 countries. The New York City Chapter of PMI (PMINYC) serves over 4,000 members and provides opportunities to develop new skills, expand networks, and advance the practice of project management. Learn more: https://pminyc.org/mission-and-vision
