Monthly Newsletter

December 2023

Letter from the President

Like many of you, I would consider myself a lifelong learner. I obsess on how to create / maintain high performing teams and I am fascinated with the dynamics of establishing psychological safety in organizations. One might say I am a student of Leadership which is why I am constantly reading and learning. Lately, I have been reading a book by bestselling authors Chip and Dan Heath called “The Power of Moments”. This engaging book dissects why certain experiences have extraordinary impact and how organizations can create special moments to elevate their organizations.

The more I read into the book the more I reflect on how PMI Portland Chapter is creating the power of moments in our community. For example, several weeks ago PMI Portland Chapter Volunteers participated in our second Feed the Mass give back event where we assembled nutritional and sustainable meals for those less fortunate. It is obvious that a mere couple of hours of our time will leave a lasting impact on a hungry family during this holiday season.

But that is just the beginning of our impact. A couple of days later our Military & Veteran Outreach team with the generous support of Apex Systems hosted another packed Veterans Salute networking event at the always fabulous Thirsty Lion Pub. It is hard to quantify the enormity of impact created by this event. But, I witnessed a flurry of professional networking, numerous career discussions with Apex systems recruiters and the dozens of friendships made or re-ignited during the night and if that wasn’t enough, I also heard from several Veterans who thanked PMI Portland for recognizing the value that Veterans bring to the PM community. As I said, it was a powerful moment not only for our veterans but also for me. There was so much positive energy, community fellowship and FUN that my cheeks hurt for days due to all the smiling and laughing. Hopefully, next time you will see the magic of this moment for yourself.

And if that wasn’t enough the fabulous PMI PDX Program team hosted another high caliber community gathering where we fixated on the intersection of Product and Project Management bringing in nationally recognized subject matter experts to create a powerful moment of learning and fellowship.

And while most chapters would be taping out for the holidays until January 2024 the dedicated volunteers at PMI Portland insisted that we send 2023 off with a bang and host a virtual community gathering where we explore how to Find, Feel and Fuel your purpose with the

always amazing Erica Woods and our very own Anna Brunner from Apex Systems. Do NOT miss this moment to remember and please sign up now - you will thank me later!

Finally, I have been waiting for the moment to share with you as promised our 2024 Annual Conference and 40th Anniversary Celebration registration pages are up and open for early

bird registration. The festivities commence with PMI Portland’s 40th Anniversary celebration at Punchbowl Social on Thursday, 18 April and we follow up the next day on

Friday, 19 April 2024 at the EcoTrust building where you will experience the power of Building Tomorrow Together.

Tis the season to be thankful and with PMI Portland and its awesome cadre of volunteers I have so much to be thankful for. Speaking of which, please feel free to reach out to me or a member of the board if you are interested in volunteering to create powerful moments like the ones listed here.

On behalf of the Board and the hardworking volunteers of this amazing chapter, I wish you a joyous holiday season and a happy New Year.

Cheers!

Marshal Oller
President, PMI Portland Chapter

Annual Conference

PMI Portland Annual Conference April 19, 2024 | EcoTrust Building

The Annual Conference is BACK and BETTER THAN EVER!

As your local Portland PMI Chapter, nothing matters more to us than ensuring we provide exceptional value to our members. Over the past few months, we've gathered insights from many of you who were generous enough to share with us, and we're using that knowledge to make our Annual Conference BETTER THAN EVER!

This year we’re focusing on creating a space to start building tomorrow together. Emerging from the pandemic, PMI Portland invites you to experience the power behind coming together again with fellow members to push the boundaries of today and collectively building a brighter future.

In addition, be sure to check out the 40th anniversary celebration at Punchbowl Social! We’re going to kick the conference off right the night before on Thursday, April 18th and we hope you’ll be there right along with us!

Learn more about the conference, the 40th anniversary celebration and take advantage of early bird registration prices now!

If you, or your organization, wants to support this amazing opportunity to build our community and create fantastic engagement opportunities for yourself with local Project Managers and their organizations, please reach out to our Director of Annual Conference Sponsorships here. You can also learn more about Sponsorship opportunities for the conference by shooting an email over to ac_sponsor@pmi-portland.org!  

In addition, are you passionate about sharing your expertise and insights with a diverse audience? We are thrilled to announce our Call for Speakers for the Annual Conference! Join us in shaping the conversation and inspiring change in Project Management. Learn more about our Call for Speakers here. 

We cannot wait to see you all in April 2024! 

Happy Holidays & Planning for the New Year

Volunteers Ask | Join the PMI Portland Fun in 2024!

Happy Holidays PMI Portland! We have had such a wonderful 2023, and it’s all because of you! We’re so grateful for this amazing community that continues to come together for events, happy hours, networking, learning and all the other amazing things we get to do together. THANK YOU for making this chapter all that is it. 

In 2024, we’re hoping to continue bringing people together. If you’re interested in being a part of this wonderful group of folks on the PMI Portland board that keep this machine running, reach out! Any of us are available to talk through what it’s like to be on the board and how much fun we all have! Shoot over an email to vp_membership@pmi-portland.org to start the conversation! 

www.pmi-portland.org