The beauty of the Learning and Development Track at this year’s AEC PM Connect was in its intimacy and small group setting, where every voice was heard. Yes, we had slides and structured sessions, but what truly made these rooms special was the real-time collaboration and problem-solving that unfolded among peers. Participants weren’t just absorbing content; they were learning from one another, comparing approaches, and uncovering shared challenges that transcend firm boundaries.
It’s rare to see professionals from competing firms come together and openly share their playbooks, not to outshine, but to uplift. As one participant put it, “Why learn through trial and error when someone else has already paved the way?” That spirit of collective growth defined this year’s track.
Collaboration in Action: What We Learned Together
Across all sessions, one theme echoed loudly: great project management is learned through connection. Whether through mentoring, assessments, or PMOs built to empower, every discussion tied back to how we can better support, and sustain AEC project manager development in our industry.
Phase I: PM Pillars — Defining the Path
We explored the foundation of the PM career journey, from clearly defining job families to identifying the core competencies that truly matter. Participants shared how they’re rethinking job titles and progression models to reflect the strategic leadership PMs bring, shaping client relationships, driving quality, and impacting profitability. The message was clear: PMs aren’t just doers; they’re business leaders.
Phase II: PM Development — Closing the Skills Gap
In one of the most interactive discussions, participants opened up about the widening PM skills gap, younger PMs with limited experience and senior PMs adapting to new tools and methods. Through shared stories and solutions, the group mapped out a blueprint for bridging these gaps:
- Structured training and mentoring programs
- Assessments to tailor development
- Aligning learning with promotion milestones
- Creating space for peer learning and continuous feedback
The consensus? Development isn’t one-size-fits-all, it’s a living process that must evolve with both people and technology.
Phase III: PM Utilities — From Templates to Transformation
What started as a conversation about templates became a deep dive into change management. Participants agreed that tool rollout is just as critical as the tool itself. Professionals shared lessons learned about clarity, consistency, and engaging “change agents” to champion adoption. The takeaway: don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. Sometimes progress means piloting, learning, and improving as you go.
Phase IV: PM Support — Building Sustainable Systems
The discussion on PMOs and mentorship highlighted the balance between structure and flexibility. Instead of rigid control, the most effective PMOs provide guidance and feedback loops that empower project managers to lead confidently. Conversations about onboarding and mentoring reminded everyone that support is the backbone of retention and growth.
The Power of Shared Experience
By the end of the conference, one thing was clear: participants walked away not just with notes, but with connections, people they can now reach out to for insight, perspective, or even collaboration. In a field where every firm faces similar challenges, this track reminded us that we move faster when we learn together.
The Learning & Development Track wasn’t just about frameworks and tools. It was about community, reflection, and the collective pursuit of better AEC project manager development, the kind that not only drives results, but also builds stronger, more fulfilled leaders across the AEC industry.
About the Author: Fiona Johann, PMP, AEC PM
Fiona Johann, PMP, joined The Engineering Management Institute as the strategic initiatives team leader in February 2025. With eight years of experience in developing leadership programs in an academic setting, she brings valuable expertise in planning and executing impactful initiatives. Fiona utilizes her PMP certification and program management skills to oversee events like PM AEC Connect and optimize internal processes for improved efficiency. Based in central North Carolina, she combines her strategic approach with a passion for driving successful outcomes at EMI.
