I Confess I do, Do you!

A quote says it all “Things get solved, if you get involved”. I confess, I do volunteering and it gives me a great sense of achievement.

As per Wikipedia, Volunteering is generally considered a selflessness activity where an individual or group provides services for no financial gain “to benefit another person, group or organization”. Volunteering helps in skills development and have positive benefits for the volunteer as well as for the group or community served. I have been volunteering with PMI since 2009, when I got my PMP Certification. Ever since I have not looked back and have been associated with various initiative’s and groups within PMI as a volunteer, from hosting Webinars for IT&T community of practice with PMI global, to being a Champion with PMI India to Board of PMI Bangalore India chapter, been there done that.

With this post I am sharing my experience with Project Management Practitioners Conference – PMPC 2017.

PMI Bangalore India chapter has been organizing Project Management Practitioners Conference – PMPC 2017 since 2006. This year it was 12th Project Management Conference. This conference is one of the biggest and largest conference in the region for the Project Professionals where more than 700 delegates from over 200 organizations participate. This being the biggest conglomeration of Project Management Professionals in India, is spread over 3 days with over 35 speakers, over 70 Posters and Paper presenters along with exclusive masterclasses on three different topics of interest, all aligned with PMI talent triangle. You cannot manage such a humongous event without having highly dedicated and committed volunteers. Remember, PMI in itself is a Not for profit organization which runs mostly on volunteers. PMI Bangalore India chapter is no different and needless to say Project Management Practitioners Conference is no different either.

The planning process starts 6-8 months before the actual event. While most of the volunteers get associated with the event much closer to the event dates, the chapter staff and Board of Directors work closely in defining the structure and giving the event a good foundation. What makes a good foundation? In my view there are two things – good theme and great speakers (and content of course). Our chapter always believe in giving value to our members and attendees alike and this is one of them. Our chapter office becomes a battle ground at times (nothing less than Mahabharat) the only difference is we keep switching the roles and Tea, Coffee and Cookies become the casualties’. Result of these battles shows in our choice of themes and selection of speakers. We don’t leave any stone un-turned to get the best of the speakers, even if that means sourcing speakers from abroad. See it to experience it, walk-in to chapter office any Saturday (it will be buzzing with activities during conference or any other big events).

PMI Bangalore India chapter has been known for meticulous planning and execution of all our conferences. We plan every work, every action to the minute and execute the same. PMI Bangalore India chapter is also known for best time management, we start on time and we finish on time. I have been to various events and conferences and it always pains to see them not starting on time and obviously not finishing on time as well. It speaks how much we value everyone’s time. The credit goes to our execution team, year over year, for successfully planning and executing the event – from registration to closure.

Needless to say, Project Management Practitioners Conference by PMI Bangalore India chapter has become the most sought after conference for knowledge seekers as well as knowledge providers. The conference has been applauded by PM practitioners, delegates, speakers and all invitees who have witnessed such a big confluence of industry leaders, thought leaders, practitioners and subject matter experts who come to share, learn and network with fellow professionals.

Architecting Project Management “for a new world order” was the theme this year. The theme was very much aligned with many national initiatives like make in India, Start-up India, and Skill India along with addressing the other important topics of interest like Digital India, IoT and technology disruptions. The conference also provided an opportunity to early bird registrants to participate in exclusive masterclass on first day. The delegates were spoilt for choices between Leadership, technical and special interest group. While the leadership track covered change management, technical track covered DevOps, the special interest group focused on women as partners in new world order. The experience and speakers hold on the subject was amazing and no doubt PMI Bangalore India Chapter brings the best from the industry.

Come be a part of the largest chapter in India and second largest chapter in APAC region (followed by Japan which is a country chapter). Volunteering help’s you in many ways:

-         Learn something new every day

-         Network with like-minded people

-         Grow your professional network

-         Team work, time management and coordination becomes everyday affair

-         Satisfaction and sense of achievement

-         Earn PDUs (which is bonus and in addition to all the above)

There are many ways you can be a part of PMI Bangalore India chapter and contribute:

-         Volunteer, of course

-         Be a speaker or improve your presentation skills – join PM Footprints or E&C PM Footprints

-         If you are creative and love writing, join our newsletter “PM Essence” editorial team

-         If you like working with students and colleges, join our PM Primer team

-         If you have a flair for training, join our PM Quest (PMP Preparatory training) or PM Agile training's

-         If you have flair for marketing, be our brand ambassador and help us with the membership and sponsorship's

Avenues are unlimited, you just need to take the first step. We have the cause, you make the effect. 

Visit chapter website and know more about the various events and happenings. Connect with us and follow us on Facebook or Twitter or LinkedIn and catch the highlights.

Have you done volunteering, whats your story? Do share your volunteering experience and what makes you go for it?