PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY 2025

Beyond Automation: Lead with Purpose in the AI Era

Date: October 4, 2025 | Location: Oakland, CA

Artificial Intelligence isn’t coming — it’s here, and for today’s professionals in the San Francisco Bay Area, the real challenge is not just adapting to change but leading it. Join project managers, leaders, innovators, and AI experts for a full-day experience packed with actionable frameworks for AI-powered project leadership, hands-on exposure to next-gen PM tools, and strategies to navigate change with confidence and empathy — all while building a powerful network of like-minded leaders ready to make an impact in a world where humans and machines work hand-in-hand.

"AI changes the game, but leadership is still about people. When we combine human insight with technology, that's real transformation."
— Shashi Rangarajan, CEO, PMI SFBAC


PDD 2025 Event Highlights:

  • Lead with AI in our opening keynote by Kinnar Vora — shift from adapting to driving change.
  • Master Decision-Making with featured speaker OB Rashid on Reimagining Human-Agent Collaboration.
  • Gain Expert Insights from the Humans + Machines panel with Carin, Michael Jones, and Jeff Phillips, moderated by Jocelyn.
  • Get Hands-On with interactive activities led by Melissa Dinwiddie.
  • Connect & Celebrate through networking hosted by emcee Anup Deshpande.
  • Leave Inspired with closing strategies from Peter Ivanov.

Date: Oct 4, 2024 (Saturday)

Time: 9AM - 4PM

Venue: STAK Space, 1900 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612

Register Now!

Our Trusted Sponsors and Partners

Why Attend PMI SFBAC’s Professional Development Day 2025?

Because leadership in the AI age isn’t just about using the tools — it’s about shaping the future. Whether you’re a seasoned PM, a career changer, or just starting out, this is your opportunity to connect, learn, and lead.

Keynote Sessions

Kickstart your day with visionary insights at our opening keynote by Kinnar Vora, who will highlight how project managers must transition from reactive adaptation to proactive leadership. Wrap up with our closing keynote by Peter Ivanov, who will share personal lessons from navigating disruption and how to stay rooted in values while embracing AI and change. Don't miss featured speaker OB Rashid's session "Creativity Over Complexity" where he'll provide a practical framework for deciding when to leverage AI versus human intervention in your projects.

Panel Discussions

Go beyond theory with candid conversations featuring cross-industry experts. Our Humans + Machines panel with Carin, Michael Jones, and Jeff Phillips, moderated by Jocelyn, will reveal how AI is reshaping roles in real-time across product, operations, and tech domains. Get actionable advice whether you're navigating career transitions or seeking to future-proof your current position.

Networking & Career Boosters

Turn insights into action during interactive sessions designed to accelerate your growth. Engage in activities led by Melissa Dinwiddie, refine your resume with PM-specific insights, or explore cutting-edge tools at our live demo stations. Build meaningful connections that extend beyond the event during our closing happy hour hosted by emcee Anup Deshpande.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of PMI San Francisco Bay Area’s Professional Development Day 2025 — the region’s premier event for project managers, team leaders, and professionals navigating AI in project management.
Registration & Pricing Timeline

Early Bird (Aug 18 – Sep 5, 2025)

PMI Members + Partners/Sponsors: $89
Non-Members: $99


Regular (Sep 6 – Sep 30, 2025)

PMI Members + Partners/Sponsors: $109
Non-Members: $124

Discount & Promo

Special Rate

Students, Veterans, PMI SFBAC Volunteers, NGL participants: $59
Free entry for volunteers, speakers, and partner booth staff (2 max per organization).


Group Discounts Available – Contact us at ceo@pmisfbac.org for details.


💡 Not a PMI Member Yet?
Join PMI before registering and enjoy $30 off plus priority networking access!

To claim this offer, email your PMI SFBAC membership receipt to ceo@pmisfbac.org.

Terms & Conditions

- All Registration is online.
- Payment may be made by credit card or check. You will receive confirmation and a receipt or invoice accordingly.
- The email used for registration will be used for all communications, including changes to the event schedule. If your email changes or have questions regarding the event, please email us at profdev@pmisfbac.org 
- Once you confirm your registration online with an invoice or receipt you are considered registered.
- By registering for the event, all registrants agree to PMI SF Bay Area Event policies.

Cancellation Policy

No refunds for no shows or any refund request after Sep 30th, 2025.
Substitutions are accepted. Substitute names will be accepted up to Thursday, Oct 2nd, 2025, 11:59pm (PST). Please email ceo@pmisfbac.org to make a name change.
This event is a professional society meeting, held for the benefit of its members. The PMI San Francisco Bay Chapter reserves the right to make last minute changes to program content and speakers, as circumstances dictate.

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Registration : Light breakfast, networking, and interactive challenges

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Opening Keynote: From Adapting to Leading
Speaker - Kinnar Vora
Transformation, leadership, and AI collaboration

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

Activity Session: Building the Future Together
Facilitator - Melissa Dinwiddie

Team-based interactive exercise

11:45 AM - 12:00 PM

Break/ Games : Coffee, networking, and short challenges

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Lunch & Network 

1:30 PM - 2:15 PM

Featured Speaker: AI in the middle:  Reimagining Human-Agent Collaboration
Speaker - OB Rashid
When to choose AI vs. human intervention

2:15 PM - 2:45 PM

Break / Games : Snacks, prize drawings, and networking

2:45 PM - 3:30 PM

Panel: Humans + Machines
Panelists - Carin Kaltschmidt, Michael Jones, Jeff Phillips
Moderator - Jocelyn Sequeira
Redefining roles and skills in the AI era

3:30 PM - 4:15 PM

Closing Keynote: Thriving in the Unknown
Speaker - Peter Ivanov
Forward-looking inspiration

4:15 PM - 4:45 PM

Winners & Celebration
Facilitator - Sneha Gogia
Challenge winners and recognition

4:45 PM - 6:00 PM

Happy Hour : Relaxed networking

Your PDD 2025 Speakers!


Kinnar Vora | Opening Keynote: From Adapting to Leading
Vice President of Engineering, Forward Financing
A technology executive focused on leading global, AI-augmented teams. He will explore the critical shift from reactive project management to proactive project leadership.

AI-Augmented Leadership | Project Management → Project Leadership | Building Resilient Teams

 

Peter Ivanov | Closing Keynote: Thriving in the Unknown
AI & Leadership Expert, MIT "AI for Business Strategy" Alumnus
An award-winning international speaker who synthesizes the day's insights into an actionable roadmap for leading with confidence amid disruption.

AI-Augmented Leadership | Project Management → Project Leadership | Building Resilient Teams

 

OB Rashid | Featured Session: AI in the middle: Reimagining Human-Agent Collaboration
Chief Technology Officer, Absorb Software
A seasoned leader with over two decades of experience, providing a decisive framework for when to leverage AI automation versus human judgment.

AI vs. Human Judgment | Strategic Automation | Balancing Efficiency & Innovation

 

Activity Facilitator & Event Host

Melissa Dinwiddie | Activity Session: Building the Future Together
Innovation Strategist (Google, Meta, Salesforce)
Uses interactive, hands-on methods to unlock creativity and strengthen collaboration, helping teams model the future of AI-powered leadership.

Interactive Collaboration | Creative Problem-Solving | Innovation Culture

 

Anup Deshpande | Event Emcee
Chief of Staff, AI Portfolio - Skalable Technologies
A visionary leader and former PMI SFBAC President, guiding the day's flow and connecting the threads between sessions.

Agile Transformation | AI Portfolio Leadership | PM Community Mentorship

 

The Humans + Machines Panel

This expert panel will dissect how AI is reshaping project roles, skills, and team structures across industries.

Jocelyn Sequeira | Panel Moderator
Technical Program Management Leader (DocuSign, Meta)
An experienced leader who will steer the conversation to extract actionable insights on navigating the human-AI partnership.

Expert Dialogue Facilitation | Insight Synthesis | Audience Connection

 

Carin Kaltschmidt, MBA, PMP | Panelist
President, PMI SFBAC | Educator & Former Consulting Partner
Brings a macro perspective on preparing organizations and leaders for AI-driven transformation, blending strategic insight with practical application.

Future-Ready Leadership | AI Strategy Integration | Organizational Change

 

Michael Jones | Panelist
HR/People Development Strategist | Founder, Determinant Coaching
Focuses on the human element: skills evolution, team dynamics, and leading with empathy through technological transformation.

Skills Evolution | Empathetic Leadership | PMO Transformation

 

Jeff Phillips, PMP® | Panelist
Co-Founder & COO, TalentCheetah Inc.
A talent management expert with decades of experience, focusing on building AI-ready organizations and mentoring the next generation of leaders.

AI Talent Strategy | Next-Gen Mentorship | Cross-Functional Collaboration

If you would like to be a sponsor at our upcoming Professional Development Day 2025 and need more information, contact us at partnershipopsmgr@pmisfbac.org.