More Project Management Conferences:
Major Trend or Market Reflection?

By David L. Pells

Autumn and Spring seem to be the favored seasons for project management conferences, in both the northern and southern hemispheres.  And this year, there were more than ever.  The number, location and size of project management events are increasing, with more organizations sponsoring and organizing project Management conferences, congresses, forums, seminars and summits.

Is the increasing number of PM conferences a major new trend?  Or is this simply a reflection of the growing market for PM products and services, as more individuals and organizations seek more PM knowledge and education, with more organizations responding to that market demand?  Is it a good thing or not?  Does it matter?

The Value of PM Conferences

In April 2007, my editorial in the PM World Today, I discussed the “Value of PM Conferences: Why they are important for Individuals, Organizations, Industry, Government and Profession.”  As indicated in that article, conferences offer individuals opportunities to advance both their own careers and the profession (by researching and publishing/presenting a professional paper).  Organizations can gain from participating in PM conferences by gaining more productive and professional employees, and finding new customers, employees and solutions.  Industries can gain by advancing industry-related solutions, productivity and competitiveness, even promoting the industry itself. 

Governments, nations and economies can also benefit from PM conferences when such events lead to increased productivity of local people and organizations, improved productivity and better solutions on governmental programs and projects, and further development of the local PM profession and marketplace.  And PM conferences generally advance the profession in various ways.  Please review the entire April editorial at http://www.pmworldtoday.net/editorials/2007/apr.htm.

All in all, my opinion is that more PM conferences is good thing.

Read complete editorial in English