About Professional Development Day
PMICOC's Professional Development Day (PDD) is the pinnacle event for project management professionals in Central Ohio. It offers a curated agenda of keynote presentations, breakout sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities, all designed to enhance skills and knowledge.
We welcome over 600 project professionals from a variety of industries like Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Technology & IT Services, Consulting & Professional Services, Government & Public Services, Engineering & Manufacturing, Education, Financial Services, and Banking.
Whether you're a seasoned expert or new to the field, PDD promises a day of growth, inspiration, and valuable connections. Join us to expand knowledge, sharpen skills, and build lasting relationships while discovering how maximizing project success can elevate our world.
The Venue
2025 Professional Development Day will be held in the Ohio Union at The Ohio State University. Parking will be located in the Ohio Union South Garage connected to the Ohio Union.
Garage Information:
1759 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43210
Opening Keynote
Susan Powter
Iconic Fitness Leader, Best-Selling Author & Advocate for Sustainable Wellness
Susan Powter is a legendary motivational speaker, author, and wellness pioneer best known for her groundbreaking “Stop the Insanity!” movement — a cultural phenomenon that reshaped the fitness and self-empowerment landscape in the 1990s.
With her unapologetic style, iconic platinum buzzcut, and refusal to follow diet fads or industry hype, Powter became a bold voice for millions seeking real, sustainable change in both health and mindset. Starting from nothing after leaving an abusive marriage, she built a grassroots fitness movement that led to a landmark $2 million book deal with Simon & Schuster. Her book, Stop the Insanity!, became a New York Times bestseller, selling millions of copies worldwide and turning Powter into a household name.
Afternoon Keynote
Melissa Boggs
Hidden Cultures Expert & Executive Coach
Melissa Boggs is a Hidden Cultures Expert and keynote speaker who has spent 20+ years studying and practicing the answer to one question: why do good organizations keep getting in their own way, and what does it take to change that?
A former nonprofit association CEO and one of the first women to earn the Certified Enterprise Coach (CEC), Melissa brings both executive-level experience and deep diagnostic precision to every engagement. She also holds an MBA and six additional certifications in organizational coaching, leadership development, and adult learning.
For nearly 20 years, Melissa's work has centered on a single insight: most organizations are being run by cultures they never chose. Surfacing them is the first step to changing them. Melissa has guided companies through large-scale transformation and understands organizations at every layer: the technical infrastructure, the team dynamics, the leadership culture, and the human psychology underneath it all.
2026 PDD Full Agenda
Please note that this is a tentative agenda and speakers/session times may continue to change leading up to the event
Meet the 2026 Speakers
FAQ's
Have questions about Professional Development Day? We’ve got answers!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This FAQ section covers everything from registration and payment options to earning PDUs, meals, parking, and policies. Whether you're wondering about receipts, dietary inclusions, or transferring a registration, find guidance on each tab.
Still need help? Click the "Email Us" button and we’ll be happy to assist!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This FAQ section covers everything from registration and payment options to earning PDUs, meals, parking, and policies. Whether you're wondering about receipts, dietary inclusions, or transferring a registration, find guidance on each tab.
Still need help? Click the "Email Us" button and we’ll be happy to assist!
Subscribe to the Newsletter
Join our email list and get access to specials deals exclusive to our subscribers.