2014-2015

News Release

REF NO.: 77

SUBJECT: Project managers to get tips from pros at symposium

DATE: November 18, 2014

The Gardiner Centre at Memorial University and the Newfoundland and Labrador chapter of Project Management Institute (PMI) will offer a day-long symposium for project managers today in St. John’s.

The seventh annual Project Management Symposium is designed to help project managers sharpen their skills, learn from experts, network and hear first-hand accounts of major projects undertaken in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“The symposium is a chance for project managers in our community to come together to share and learn from experts and one another,” said Jordan Wright, director, public relations and communications, PMI N.L. chapter. “This year’s event is a showcase of a number of experienced individuals who will provide attendees with techniques and ideas useful to their project environments. It’s also an ideal opportunity for project managers to ask questions from those who have ‘been there, done that’.”    The event will take a close look at the restoration of the Colonial Building in St. John’s. Mark Penney, principal, architecture, Stantec, will give a brief history of the building, the evolution of the project goals and intent and some of the specific challenges that may be encountered with a complex restoration project of this nature.

Michael Stanleigh, chief executive officer, Business Improvement Architects, a Canadian corporation that helps organizations optimize organizational performance, is the keynote speaker. Mr. Stanleigh will offer advice about creating project management centres of excellence and what tools, processes and techniques are required.

Other speakers include Dr. Wilfred Zerbe, dean, Faculty of Business Administration, Memorial University, who will discuss improving negotiation skills, and Ann Browne, associate vice-president (facilities), Memorial University, who will offer lessons learned from past projects, including major infrastructure projects for Queen’s University and CIBC.

This year’s Project Management Symposium is sponsored by Bell, ZedIt and Pinnacle Office Solutions. Participating project management professionals are eligible to earn six professional development units toward project management professionals certification.

The symposium is taking place at the Hampton Inn and Suites, St. John’s.

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