CONNECTING GLOBAL PM EXCELLENCE
REVOLUTIONIsING PROJECT MANAGEMENT WITH AI
Evidence-based innovation and global insights for Australia's leaders in 2026.
Join IPMA Australia for a premier summit on the future of professional development and AI-driven excellence.
2026 Conference
Melbourne
REVOLUTIONISING PROJECT MANAGEMENT WITH AI
Conference Overview
The Evidence-Based Evolution of Modern Leadership
IPMA Australia connects global emerging practices to our local context, helping PMO managers, change specialists, business analysts, project controls experts, and AI practitioners to adapt with competence and clarity.
Join us in Melbourne to engage with peers from across Australia, gain actionable insights from local experts, and emerge inspired to lead your organisations through this transformative era.
Together, we will ensure Australia's project community remains the leading light: confident, innovative, and ready for what 2026 and beyond demand.
Key Conference Pillars
1. AI-Driven Innovation
Harness AI to spark meaningful innovation and deliver higher-value projects.
2. Evidence-Based Practice
Bridge global research with the realities of Australian project delivery.
3. Ethical & Competent AI Leadership
Lead with confidence through ICB competence and strong governance.
4. Predictive & Adaptive Project Delivery
Master predictive forecasting, hybrid workflows, and proactive risk management.
5. Collaborative Human-AI Workflows
Empower people by blending human insight with intelligent automation.
6. Future-Proofed Australian Project Community
Connect, collaborate, and position Australia as a leader in project excellence.
2026
RMIT University, Storey Hall
Melbourne | VIC | Australia
Conference Program: Scaling Excellence
A comprehensive professional development schedule designed to bridge global AI breakthroughs with Australian project management leadership.
10:30 AM — 11:15 AM
Keynote: Seamless AI Integration with Josh Horneman
Discover how to integrate AI seamlessly while keeping teams central, data secure, and ROI continuously growing.
02:00 PM — 02:50 PM
AI-Driven Innovation in Sustainable Project Delivery: From Strategy to Impact
Our expert panel will explore how AI enables sustainable, ethical, and scalable project delivery across energy, infrastructure, and digital sectors.
11:20 AM — 12:30 PM
The Future of Work with Kieran Hagan
AI is everywhere, yet productivity lags. Explore the next wave of AI and how to simplify work and boost meaningful outcomes.
03:15 PM — 04:15 PM
IPMA Young Crew: Breaking Into Project Management
Learn from Project Management experts and gain practical advice on networking, landing your first role, and building a successful project management career.
01:30 PM — 02:00 PM
AI-Enhanced Controls in Projects: Strategies for Precision and Adaptability
Learn how AI-driven controls improve project precision, adaptability, and decision-making in complex environments in this compelling presentation.
04:15 PM — 06:00 PM
Closing, IPMA Awards and Networking and Drinks
Celebrate achievements, connect with peers, and wrap up the conference with awards, networking, and drinks.
Global Expertise: Meet Our Distinguished Speakers
Connecting international project management practices with Australia’s future-ready leaders through evidence-based insights and AI innovation.
Cameron Mills
Managing Director – CEO, PMPC Group
Cameron Mills is Managing Director and CEO of PMPC Group, a leading Australian project controls consultancy. With over 29 years’ experience across private and government sectors, he is a globally recognised expert who has led multidisciplinary teams on major infrastructure megaprojects. His work includes the Northeast Link, Suburban Rail Loop, and Southern Program Alliance.
Romaine Charlton
Podcaster – Majoring in Adulting and Change Manager
Romaine Charlton is a change manager and podcaster with over 20 years’ experience supporting organisations through transformation, including ERP, digital, and workforce change. She has worked with major companies like NAB, BHP, and SAP. Romaine focuses on making change management practical and effective, adapting frameworks like ADKAR to suit each organisation, ensuring projects are successfully adopted and sustained.
Ryan Chaffey
Divisional Manager of the EPMO at Yarra Valley Water
Ryan Chaffey is a transformation leader with over 15 years’ experience in portfolio delivery, governance, and enterprise change. As Divisional Manager of the EPMO at Yarra Valley Water, he oversees capital investment and governance frameworks to drive value and reduce risk. Ryan specialises in strategic alignment, project assurance, and building high-performing teams, with a focus on delivering measurable business outcomes.
Kieran Hagan
Service Partner Technical Specialist, IBM Technology Australia
Kieran Hagan brings over 25 years’ experience in architecture, complex solution delivery, and AI-led transformation. A certified IT architect and ANU graduate, he helps organisations build trusted data foundations for scalable, responsible AI. A regular conference speaker, Kieran focuses on practical AI adoption, governance, and driving measurable business outcomes.
Andrew Bath
Career Coach - Momentum Career Consulting
Andrew Bath is a career coach, interview expert, and founder of Momentum Career Consulting, with over 25 years in recruitment. He helps professionals navigate career transitions, refine CVs, optimise LinkedIn profiles, and build networks to access opportunities. Known for his storytelling approach, Andrew supports clients from emerging talent to experienced project managers to achieve career clarity and success.
Daniela Kellett
Director Powering ProjeX podcast, Achieve PPPM and Allioa.AI
Daniela Kellett is a project, program, and portfolio management professional with over 15 years’ experience across multiple industries. She specialises in transformation, PMO development, and data-driven decision making, including AI applications. A certified Project Director and Fellow of IPMA Australia, Daniela is also a podcast host and thought leader, contributing to the profession through mentoring, speaking, and industry engagement.
Josh Horneman
Co-Founder, HOWLL
Josh Horneman is an entrepreneur, business coach, and AI advocate based in Perth. As Co-Founder of HOWLL, he is developing a secure, local AI operating system focused on data control and privacy. He has raised significant capital and co-founded ventures across tech and media, including award-winning productions. Josh is passionate about using AI to enhance human potential and mentors leaders on strategy and innovation.
Kestrel Stone
CEO of Elemental Projects
Kestrel Stone is Founder and CEO of Elemental Projects, a leading Australian project management training and consulting provider. An internationally recognised expert, she holds a Master’s in Project Management and is a Fellow of IPMA Australia. Kestrel contributes globally through GAPPS and academia, and delivers accredited programs that build capability and empower individuals and organisations to achieve impactful project outcomes.
David Myall
General Manager - Practices at DWS
David Myall is a leading consulting and software delivery with a focus on strategy, growth, and customer outcomes. He brings strong experience in enterprise software, program management, and digital transformation, working with platforms like AWS and UiPath. As a product owner, David is driving innovation in generative AI and automation, with a passion for helping organisations and emerging project managers harness AI to improve delivery and outcomes.
Our hosts
Leading the charge in AI integration and evidence-based methodologies. Our hosts empower Australian leaders to achieve unmatched excellence in high-impact project delivery for 2026.
Our sponsors
Supporting evidence-based innovation and global insights for Australia's leaders in 2026. These organisations are at the forefront of AI-driven excellence in project management.
Ask Our Panel
Have a question about AI implementation or global project management innovation? Submit your inquiry here for our esteemed panel of international experts to address during the session.
EVIDENCE-BASED INNOVATION | GLOBAL INSIGHTS | AUSTRALIA'S 2026 LEADERS |