PMI-VI's Annual

Professional Development Conference 2026

This year, PMI-VI is celebrating the 30th anniversary of our chapter. We are so pleased to take this opportunity to reflect on the rich history of our chapter and have some cool things to commemorate at the conference!

9:15 AM

Keynote Speaker

Human Judgement in an AI World: Why Project Managers Are the Last Line of Risk Control

Main Stage

David Adeleke

A fintech entrepreneur, investor, and product leader recognized for his work in building financial and digital identity infrastructure across Africa and North America. David is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Zeeh Africa, an artificial-intelligence-powered open-banking and verification company that provides businesses with access to more than 185 million verified financial data points through secure APIs and no-code solutions.



10:45 AM

Morning Session

Human-Led Governance in an AI-Enabled World: Practical Frameworks for Project Managers

Breakout Room 1

Nathan McKeown

A senior project governance specialist and operational process consultant, Nathan helps organizations deliver complex work with clarity, structure, and alignment. As the founder of Adoptrix, he supports teams in adopting AI-enabled workflows while strengthening the governance and communication frameworks that keep projects human-led and accountable. 

10:45 AM

Morning Session

GenAI Adoption: Tales from the Trenches (What Worked, What Didn't, What I'd Do Differently)

Breakout Room 2

Steve Harris

Steve is a senior AI and technology advisor with 40+ years of experience from hands-on work to leadership roles like Director, CIO, and Vice-President. He specializes in architecture, delivery, governance, risk, and implementation. Holding a BSc (Hons) in Computer Studies and an MBA in Digital Tech Management, with certifications from Microsoft, AWS, IBM, and Google, he now helps organizations adopt GenAI responsibly. He also co-founded the VIATEC AI Meetup, Prompt Victoria AI Conference, and volunteers in AI community initiatives.

10:45 AM

Morning Session

The Journey to Portfolio Leadership

Breakout Room 3

Laurel Sim

 

With 25+ years across 17 industries, Laurel Sim is a dynamic executive and former PMISAC President who has delivered programs exceeding $800M, managed mergers worth $1.7B, and driven 375% profit growth. Creator of Task Titans—a VR game for project management education—she has mentored 70+ professionals, shaped national policy, and spoken at 30+ international conferences. Her accolades include PMI Project Leader of the Year and the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

 

1:00 PM

Afternoon Session 1

Risks Are Not Only About Your Project: Principles of Enterprise Risk Management

Breakout Room 1

Ivan Rincon P.Eng., PMP, PgMP, RMP, CISA

Ivan holds a degree in electronics engineering and a postgraduate master’s in business administration and Project Management. He holds credentials as a PMP, PgMP, PMI-RMP, Scrum Master, and CISA. He is also licensed as P.Eng. in Canada. He is currently Executive Director, Project Management with the BC Government, where he is responsible for Emergency Management and Public Safety Communications initiatives in support of several provincial ministries.

1:00 PM

Afternoon Session 1

Outcome-Driven AI: A Project Manager's Path to Faster Delivery

Breakout Room 2

Joel Thompson

Joel has three decades in construction, focusing on a key leadership challenge: identifying and bridging the performance gap between a business's current state and its potential. As a financial executive and advocate of technology, he has led operational transformations from the field to the executive level. His unique blend of financial expertise and operational credibility helps him understand why CFOs need ROI approval, why project teams trust the process, and how to close the gap to create momentum.

1:00 PM

Afternoon Session 1

The Missing Link: What Separates AI Projects from AI Transformation

Breakout Room 3

Cynthia Lynam

Cynthia Lynam is Vice President of Client Delivery at Prodago, with 25+ years in tech and business, specializing in data and AI governance frameworks for safe, responsible, scalable AI. Certified PMP, she emphasizes the human aspect of tech adoption. She founded Seven Dimensions, a coaching firm for AI leadership, and is VP of the Victoria Data Society, fostering community collaboration.

2:15 PM

Afternoon Session 2

From Chaos to Control: Building a Secure Operating Model for Knowledge Work With Microsoft 365 for Business + Copilot

Breakout Room 1

Anu Joliffe

Anu Jolliffe is an Associate Partner at Equifaira Partners Inc., bringing deep expertise in IT operations, cloud infrastructure, and accounting systems to help portfolio companies build strong, investor‑ready operating foundations.

Afternoon Session 2

AI-Accelerated Insight and Collaboration: A High-Velocity Human-Centered Design Sprint

Breakout Room 2

Dan McNeill & Adam Haigler

Dan is a service designer, facilitator, and founder of Yes And Consulting in Victoria, BC. He helps public sector, community groups, and businesses develop human-centered services and foster change. Dan excels in facilitation, guiding teams from uncertainty to clarity and stakeholder alignment. For PMI audiences, he shares experience integrating AI into projects to boost insights while maintaining human leadership and accountability.

Adam is a facilitator, consultant, coach, and founder of WIELD, supporting leaders and organizations in strategy, change, and decision-making. He helps leaders navigate uncertainty with values and clarity. For PMI professionals, Adam provides insights into leadership, governance, responsible experimentation, decision-making, and practical projects.

Afternoon Session 2

AI Considerations for Agile and Scrum Teams

Breakout Room 3

Sarah Adams

Sarah is an Agile Coach and Consultant based in Victoria, British Columbia, and founder of Alluvial Consulting. Drawing on a diverse career spanning business analysis, strategic advising, facilitation, and even audio-visual production, Sarah helps individuals, teams, and programs see their current reality clearly and build toward future success. She specializes in agile coaching, change management, portfolio management, process improvement, and participatory planning. Sarah also supports non-profit organizations across Vancouver Island and BC with management consulting and business coaching, including financial analysis, operations planning, and scenario modelling. She holds a degree from McGill University.