PMI PDD 2025: Key Takeaways for Smarter Project Management

Avaap was honored to be the Gold sponsor of the 2025 PMI Central Ohio Chapter Professional Development Day (PDD), held at The Ohio State University’s Ohio Union. This annual event is a cornerstone for project managers across central Ohio, and this year’s gathering was especially significant as it marked the 50th anniversary of the PMI Central Ohio Chapter.

Seven Avaap team members attended, representing our Workday, Organizational Transformation Services (OTS), and Data & Analytics practices. The event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, explore emerging trends in project management, and celebrate the legacy of PMI.

Key Takeaways from PMI PDD 2025

1. PMI MORE Framework for Project Managers

The PMI Central Ohio Chapter introduced the MORE framework, designed to elevate project success:

• Manage Perceptions
• Own Project Success
• Relentlessly Reassess
• Expand Perspective

Speakers like Karla Eidem emphasized that successful projects deliver value beyond effort and expense, encouraging attendees to reflect on their own journeys and the impact on their stakeholders.

2. AI in Project Management

AI remained a hot topic, with Latina Lewis offering insights into the future of generative AI, including:

• Data privacy controls
• Custom AI personas
• Branching conversations
• Tools like NotebookLM for research and productivity

Attendees learned how to use AI responsibly while enhancing project efficiency.

3. Neuroscience and Integrity

In the “Reboot Your Brain” session, Dominika Staniewicz (”Coach D”) challenged attendees to redefine integrity, not just as keeping promises to others, but to oneself. Her neuroscience-backed tips included:

• Viewing nature scenes to boost mood and focus
• Pairing physical movement with learning for better retention

4. Business Acumen and Strategic Alignment

Kelly Franklin delivered a powerful session on business acumen, providing rubrics to help project managers align initiatives with organizational goals and clearly articulate the value of projects.

5. Customer Journey and Complexity Management

Dave Davis shared tools like the Johari Window, DACI/RACI frameworks, and progressive elaboration to help PMs uncover blind spots and manage complexity throughout the project lifecycle.

A Keynote That Resonated

The afternoon keynote by Colonel Nicole Malachowski, the first female pilot in the USAF Thunderbirds, captivated the audience. Her message of embracing change and loosening your grip to navigate life’s turbulence left a lasting impression on attendees.

Avaap’s Reflections and Connections

For new team members like Erin Gillogly, the event was a chance to meet colleagues and dive into the world of project management. For veterans like John DeLeo and Mark Gray, it was a reunion and a reminder of the enduring value of professional relationships.

Looking Ahead

The next PMI Central Ohio Chapter Professional Development Day is scheduled for Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the Ohio Union. Avaap looks forward to continuing our support and participation in this impactful event.

Whether it was learning new frameworks, reconnecting with peers, or being inspired by stories of resilience and innovation, PMI PDD 2025 was a celebration of progress, purpose, and people.