The Ireland Chapter of Project Management Institute (PMI) has today announced the expert speakers for its National Conference, with former Irish Rugby head coach, Joe Schmidt, to deliver the keynote address. The future of sustainable work and cities will lead the agenda at the conference, sponsored by EY Ireland and themed Skills to Success in the Next Decade, at the Aviva Stadium on 30 April. Over 300 delegates will attend what is Ireland’s largest annual conference for project managers.

Speaking on the launch of the conference, President of the Ireland Chapter of PMI, Jackie Glynn, said: “The next ten years will transform both how we work and how we live in Ireland. From digitising our urban spaces to how workers will need to compete with, and take advantage of, emerging technologies, we have selected speakers who will inform, challenge and inspire attendees.

“It’s a unique opportunity for attendees to explore what skills and investment will be needed over the next ten years to drive career progression in an increasingly competitive landscape, overcome national and global issues, and ensure we build a sustainable Irish economy.”

Keynote speaker Joe Schmidt will share the lessons he has learned from his fascinating and highly successful rugby career. Other speakers include Alan Murphy of Smart Dublin who will discuss the future of Smart Cities that use innovative technology to solve challenges, engage citizens and improve city life. With the aim of positioning Dublin as a world leader in new urban solutions, Smart Dublin has identified the environment, energy, waste, mobility and emergency management as key priorities.

Niamh O’Beirne, Head of People Advisory Services, with sponsor EY Ireland, will be unpacking future work trends, the move towards non-traditional workforces, and how organisations will need to evolve to fill the talent gap. Ed Hearne, Principal Officer of Investment Projects and Programmes at the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform will be examining the challenges and opportunities for public investment under Project Ireland 2040.

Broadcaster Anton Savage will MC the conference. Early bird tickets for the conference, on sale now, are priced at €145 for Ireland Chapter of PMI members and €195 for non-members, and can be purchased here. Full price member tickets are set at €195, and €245 for non-members.

Conor Twomey, Data, AI and Security Services Sales Specialist at Microsoft, will speak on the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence over the next ten years, while the Chief Executive of Core Media, Alan Cox, will discuss future marketing trends in 2020. Business Coach Mark Donovan will present on preparing your personal brand for the new decade, with Frank Tassone, founder and managing director of ALVISSION Training, to share his insights into disciplined Agile techniques.

Ms Glynn added: “The National Conference gives project management professionals across all sectors an opportunity to learn and network with key industry leaders and experts from a variety of fields. Whether leading a team through the Six Nations, paving the way in artificial intelligence or changing how we interact with our urban and work spaces, all of our speakers have adapted and advanced their skillsets in order to succeed, as the world around them has changed.”

The conference is supported by headline sponsors, EY Ireland. Other sponsors include Microsoft, University of Limerick, Grant Thornton, Cork Institute of Technology, Project Foundry, Auxilion, Alpha Wealth, Aspira and Progressive Financial.

The Ireland Chapter of PMI is the  largest professional organisation for  project  managers in  Ireland with 1600 members. There are currently over 50,000 employed in project management across Ireland, in sectors such as IT, public sector, construction, pharmaceuticals, professional services, financial services and manufacturing.

For more information visit pmi-ireland.org