PDD26 brought together nearly 200 project professionals at the FedEx Institute of Technology to learn, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections under the theme “Project Leadership Beyond AI: The Human Advantage.” Through networking activities, inspiring speakers, and shared experiences, attendees discovered the value of learning from one another and strengthening Memphis’s professional community.
The event highlighted practical lessons about leadership, communication, artificial intelligence, and professional growth. Speakers encouraged attendees to learn one thing at a time, use AI responsibly, and choose solutions that fit the needs of people and organizations. PDD26 demonstrated how collaboration, trust, and continued learning can help project professionals grow together.
The day began with a warm welcome at the FedEx Institute of Technology. As participants arrived for Professional Development Day (PDD26) on September 11, the QR code on their badges opened a digital hub with the agenda, speaker information and a networking wall.
One of the most rewarding parts of PDD26 has been seeing those connections grow beyond the event. Networking was a highlight for many attendees, supported by digital tools created specifically for PDD26. Many participants have continued their conversations outside the event. For us at PMI Memphis, seeing engineers and project managers stay in touch is something to be proud of: those conversations help bring our professional community closer together.
Nearly 200 project professionals gathered for a sold-out PDD26, our highest PDD attendance in the past seven years, under the theme "Project Leadership Beyond AI: The Human Advantage." The attendee feedback brings that experience to life.
People worth meeting
One participant praised the round tables for making it easy to sit with new people and start a conversation. Responses to the networking questions also described meeting someone new or making a connection worth following up on.
The event hub's networking wall held dozens of cards, offering introductions, professional roles and ways to reconnect after the day ended.
PDD26 attracted interest from professionals in logistics, healthcare, utilities, government, education, manufacturing, consulting and nonprofits. That diversity gives a professional community its depth. Someone in another industry may bring an approach, experience or question that helps us look differently at our own work.
Ideas worth taking home
The speakers gave attendees plenty to discuss. Feedback on Anthony Reed's keynote highlighted the connection between running, a documentary and soft skills. After Michele Ehrhart's session on crisis communication, one participant planned to get her book for their team. Jana Cardona's session resonated with another attendee both personally and professionally.
Cato Johnson's keynote on leadership and service prompted the response "Laughed and cried!" Another participant wanted to hear him again and explore ways to contribute project management expertise to making Memphis better.
Those comments offer glimpses of what made the day meaningful: ideas connected with people's work, their teams and their community.
One thing we can learn
Mei Lin's session, "Leading in the Age of AI" received 4.57 out of 5 across 28 ratings. An attendee described feeling challenged to think ambitiously while starting with one thing.
In an interview recorded at PDD26, her advice was direct: "Right now, learn one thing."
She encouraged people to connect that learning to something they could do better at work. The useful starting point depends on the industry and the task: manufacturing, finance, healthcare and education have different needs.
She also advised finding a trusted expert and having a concrete conversation about where you want to save time and whether AI could help.
Learning at different speeds
Mei reminded us that everyone is on a learning path. "I may be just one week ahead of you," she said.
That perspective makes sharing experience valuable. A colleague does not have to know everything to help someone take the next step. They may have recently worked through the very question we are asking.
Mei also emphasized using AI safely: understanding what personal or company information we share, working within appropriate company environments and following organizational guidance.
Her advice connects practical learning with trust, patience and care. A professional community gives us opportunities to meet people with whom we can continue that learning.
AI that fits the people and the work
That human perspective also shapes how Carlos "Charlie" Gil of Myappics, a PDD26 sponsor that helps organizations apply artificial intelligence, approaches implementation.
"AI has to fit the organization's processes and, even more importantly, the people who will use it and the clients they serve."
His starting point is understanding what the organization wants to solve and how employees carry out that work. Their routines, responsibilities and culture help determine whether a tool will become useful in daily operations. An application chosen for its novelty can add complexity or miss the real need, becoming something people work around or stop using.
At PDD26, Myappics introduced The Project Leader's AI Field Kit as a free gift to PMI Memphis's project management community. It offers a starting point for understanding how to use AI in everyday project work. Visit pm.myappics.com, choose the situation closest to your project, and explore practical guidance for planning, communication, decisions and follow-through.
Thank you
Our thanks to Allworld Project Management, the City of Memphis, Cornerstone, the University of Memphis, the FedEx Institute of Technology, Duvoll Education and Myappics, and to the speakers, volunteers and board members who made PDD26 possible.
Keep the conversation going
The conversation continues beyond PDD26. PMI Memphis's monthly meetings offer opportunities to keep learning, exchange perspectives, and connect with fellow project professionals. Join us, invite a colleague, and explore our upcoming events to find your next opportunity to take part.
Help us shape the conversation for PDD27. As planning begins for our 2027 Professional Development Day, we welcome your suggestions for themes and topics you would like to explore. Send your ideas to info@pmimemphis.org. We will collect them for the board to review over the coming months, bringing our community's perspectives into the planning process.
On a personal note, thank you to every professional who joined us at PDD26. Seeing so many people come together to learn, share their experience and build new connections has been deeply rewarding. As PMI Memphis's VP of Special Events, I'm proud of what our community made possible.
Your enthusiasm and feedback inspire our team to put even more care into PDD27 and make next year's event more valuable to you.
I would be glad to stay connected and hear your ideas. Connect with me on LinkedIn.
Reza Chowdhury, VP of Special Events, PMI Memphis
