By The PMO Squad & Lori Milhaven
August 28, 2024
International Project Management Day is soon approaching! We are excited to sponsor this great industry event on November 7th in partnership with the International Institute of Learning. We’ve asked Lori Milhaven, Executive Vice President of Strategic Projects, to answer some questions related to this incredible industry event. This blog post is Part 1 of a 3-Part blog series highlighting the insider scoop of the event and what attendees can expect and why the event started in the first place!
Let’s dive into our interview with Lori!
When did International (IPM) Day start and why?
International Project Management Day (IPM Day) was born out of a shared recognition of the invaluable contributions made by project managers worldwide. The idea originated in 2004 from Frank P. Saladis, a prominent figure in the project management community and a close collaborator of IIL. As President of the PMI New York City Chapter and an IIL trainer, Frank witnessed firsthand the dedication and challenges faced by project managers.
Inspired by this, Frank proposed to IIL’s Founder, President & CEO, E. LaVerne Johnson, the creation of a dedicated day to honor project managers worldwide. This vision aligned perfectly with IIL’s philosophy, which was deeply influenced by the insights of Dr. Harold Kerzner, a renowned expert in project management and strategic thinking.
Supported by key industry leaders and the timely launch of the PMIEF Kerzner Scholarship and Awards Program, the IIL team brought this idea to life. The inaugural IPM Day in 2004 was a landmark event, featuring prominent speakers like Frank Saladis and Dr. Harold Kerzner, and reaching a global audience
In 2005, we reached a pivotal moment when New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg formally recognized the significance of this day with the first signed proclamation.
What is the mission of IPM Day today and how has it evolved over the last 20 years?
IPM Day is a day to share insights, best practices, and inspiration among project management professionals. We strive to bring together a diverse lineup of speakers, both internal and external to IIL, to address the industry’s most pressing challenges and opportunities.
Our journey began with in-person events, but the digital age quickly demanded a shift. We embraced online platforms, experimenting with live broadcasts and virtual formats. While these early attempts were challenging, the 2008 financial crisis forced us to rethink our approach. Inspired by innovative streaming services, we pivoted to a fully digital model, expanding our reach to a global audience.
With a focus on IIL’s expert trainers, led by the incomparable Dr. Harold Kerzner, we continued to refine our virtual event experience. Over time, we transformed IPM Day into a one-stop resource for project management knowledge, generating valuable relationships while meeting the evolving needs of our project management communities around the world.
The establishment of IIL Media, our own media division, in 2012 marked a significant milestone. IIL Media’s outstanding capabilities and expertise allowed us to exert greater control over content, speaker selection, and the overall event experience. By centralizing production in our NYC studio, we’ve been able to feature a remarkable roster of over 25 speakers in a single event. Through continuous technological advancements and a commitment to the user experience, we’ve created a dynamic and engaging platform for our attendees.
Tell me a little bit about the audience of IPM Day – who attends or who should attend?
Initially, IPM Day primarily catered to Project Management Professionals (PMPs) seeking required Professional Development Units (PDUs). We have always prioritized delivering substantial PDU value for the time invested.
As project management has become increasingly integral to many business practices, our audience has expanded significantly. Today, attendees come from all areas of the organization, seeking not just PDU credits but a deeper understanding of industry trends, strategic insights, and inspirational guidance. The focus has shifted from merely acquiring PDUs to developing a comprehensive skill set, discovering the broader purpose of project management, and recognizing the pivotal role that project managers play in driving organizational success.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this interview with Lori talking about International Project Management Day!
You can register for the LIVE event on November 7th! Use code PMOSQUAD for $12 off your ticket price! We are proud to have the PMO Squad as a sponsor for his event and excited to have Joe Pusz, CEO of The PMO Squad, speaking at the event!
The PMO Squad
The PMO Squad started in 2013 by global PMO Influencer Joe Pusz, PMO Joe. Joe had been a PMO Leader with various organizations across multiple industries and various size companies during his corporate career. The entrepreneurial spirit prompted Joe to start The PMO Squad to help serve clients looking to improve their Project Management capabilities and performance.
