Reflections from the Women in Project Management Conference 2024

The annual Women in Project Management (WiPM) Conference 2024, Leadership Unpacked, wasn’t just another date on the calendar, it was an event that left a lasting impression. The energy and positivity of the Conference still lingers with those of us who attended. Each speaker, each panel discussion, brought something special, something unique - sparking conversation, insight and thoughtful challenge. It was a day filled with energy and a strong sense of connection and collaboration.

With the 2025 Conference visible on the horizon, it feels the perfect time to pause, reflect and revisit the highlights, as we look with anticipation towards the 2025 Conference.

The shape of the day

Attendees had the choice of 12 sessions, across 3 workstreams and a range of less formal, lunch-time sessions: ‘Table Topics’ inviting discussions around issues such as, ‘Balancing Well-being and Project success’, ‘How to tackle resistance to change’ and ‘What the digital future means for Women in Project Management’. All sold out, highly well received, fun, insightful sessions connecting professionals from different sectors and career levels.

Throughout the course of the day, alongside the speakers and panellists, were a host of opportunities for discussions with a range of exhibitors, from training providers, those sharing project management tools, career opportunities and the fabulous APM team, present to discuss project management development from membership and Mentorship through to Chartership.

A warm welcome

I can personally attest to the fact that attending events for the first time can give rise to apprehension. Whilst many people attend with friends and colleagues, it is not unusual to attend the WiPM Conference alone. Having experienced first time lone attendee status myself, I can personally guarantee, for anyone considering this, that you will be welcomed like an old friend and will soon be swept up on a wave of learning, connection, emotions and fun, with any apprehension soon dissipated. For me, it felt akin to the comfort of an arm being placed around you: knowing that you were a part of and belonged to something bigger.

Notable highlights of the day

Natalie Campbell MBE, Co-CEO of Belu Water, opened the conference and was keen to share the secret of her career success, outlining the ‘3Ps’: working always with, ‘pace, passion and purpose’. Natalie advised those struggling with imposter syndrome, ‘you are where you are meant to be’, which palpably resonated with the audience, putting forward also her ‘shine theory’: ‘if I shine; you shine’. For a conference focused on supporting, elevating and championing fellow project professionals, this was a wonderfully apt opening.

Inclusive Leaders Empower Inclusive Workplaces: Elizabeth Nolan, Sarah Outterson, Roselyn Unegbu, Ali Parish

This was a timely panel discussion, being National Inclusion Week. Four passionate advocates of inclusivity embarked upon fascinating discussion offering valuable insights, each giving responses to their top three things that make an inclusive workplace. Ensuring psychological safety, ensuring people feel both seen and heard, knowing what makes you well and resilient and at all costs avoiding ‘groupthink’, amongst these. Questions from the audience were all answered with care and clarity by this wonderfully thought-provoking panel.

Career Forward: Planning for Progression: Jess Annison, OBE

In her exciting and wonderfully interactive session, Jess melded together her project management, coaching and positive psychology experiences to encourage and support attendees to set meaningful goals, for work and life, using Mark Murphy’s ‘HARD’ goal framework. A practical session full of heart, action and fun. Hugely well-attended, equally reflective, practical and energising.

Managing difficult Conversations as a Project Professional: Sheilina Somani, ChPP, RPP, FAPM

Sheilina gave an inspiring talk, encouraged group interaction and provided techniques to prepare for and manage difficult conversations. She reminded us to always handle challenging conversations without judgement, with empathy, care and consideration. Inclusivity being rooted in open dialogue and emotional intelligence.

Maggie Alphonsi, MBE, England Rugby, World Cup winner: closing keynote speaker

The day ended on an incredibly powerful note with a high-energy session from the unforgettable, Maggie Alphonsi. Maggie posed some thought-provoking questions, with a focus on ‘what drives you?’, creating some vulnerable moments shared by herself and audience members alike. She spoke of her goals and of understanding her ‘whys’: challenging the audience to consider theirs. Maggie kindly went on to share her time afterwards talking with people, sharing stories, laughter and encouragement. And just like that, Leadership Unpacked was brought to a perfect end.

From the opening Keynote speaker to final conversations over drinks and photo booth reflections, it challenged assumptions, sparked ideas and built connections that carried well beyond those closing remarks. Their insights remind us that Conferences aren’t just about being inspired in the moment, they are about connecting and supporting us to carry that momentum ever forward.

Looking forward to the WiPM Conference, 2025:

After the sell-out conference in 2024, the WiPM Conference 2025 on October 2nd, is looking to be bigger and better than ever before, with 900+ delegates anticipated to be welcomed to the new venue of The InterContinental Hotel, The O2, London. In a bold step forward, there will be increased space for networking, an exhibitor village and a newly devised, Discovery zone.

Transform Tomorrow will provide content streams covering, Learn from Experience, Today’s Change and Future Forward, exploring how to thrive in a rapidly changing world, reviewing strategies and tools to support managing change and increase personal and professional confidence.

The exciting speaker lineup includes Karen Blackett CBE, former UK President of the giant global advertising company WPP, named as one of the leading and most influential women in business and the media, and Jo Salter MBE, Britain’s first female jet fighter pilot, who will be sharing their career insights and providing bountiful inspiration.

Whether you are a seasoned professional, an emerging leader or simply curious to be a part of these important conversations, I really hope that you will join those of us attending to become a part of what will be another amazing day.