Professional Development Days

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WHERE
Saint Paul RiverCentre
175 Kellogg Blvd
St Paul, MN 55102
HOTEL
Hampton Inn Downtown St. Paul
Arrival Date: 5/20/25
Departure Date: 5/22/25
Reservation Cut-Off: 4/28/25
PRIVACY AGREEMENT
Note: By registering for this event you agree that we may collect your personal information to manage this registration and to keep a record of attendees and you consent to the use of your personal data for these purposes.
 
RECORDING PERMISSION
You also agree to have your photograph included in photos or videos of the event, unless you notify us otherwise, prior to the event at events@msp.iiba.org

EDUCATION DAY TRACK DESCRIPTIONS

TRACK: Morning

Kanban Revealed! Discover the Power of Kanban by Playing this Board Game

Speaker: Scott Helmers

Description: Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed at work? Are you constantly being asked to take on new work without having any recourse? What if you could say “No” or at least “No, not now” to new work requests? Even better, what if you could back up your “No, not now” with a simple, visual technique that demonstrates exactly why your “No” is justified? Impossible dream? Not after playing this board game. 

 

Each team will be asked to complete more tasks than seems possible in the allotted time – sound like real life? – and then will try again using Kanban techniques such as limiting the amount of work in progress, avoiding multitasking, and visualizing work in progress. One side benefit of Kanban that you’ll discover is a dramatic improvement in communications among all parties involved in the project. 

You will laugh and have fun with this board game simulation while learning practical techniques for using Kanban. You’ll walk away with some new, some old, and some refreshed ideas about getting work done. 

Learning Objectives 

  • Say “no” to incoming work requests and explain why 

  • Demonstrate that limiting work in progress improves productivity 

  • Assess the effects of multi-tasking on productivity 

  • Describe the purpose and use of Kanban boards 

 

Use Behavior Management to Improve Business Process Analysis Future-State Designs and Behavior Change

Speaker: Paul Fjelsta

Description: Decades of research show that the majority of process / operational excellence and technology deployment initiatives fail to meet performance requirements. We believe this performance expectation disconnect occurs because:
  1. Leadership involvement and ongoing, effective engagement is lacking. Communication about the case for change is the primary leadership engagement activity.
  2. There is an over-reliance on communication to create awareness and desire for behavior change.
  3. There is limited definition of the current-state behaviors impacted by the process change.
  4. Technology deployment initiatives tend to be technology-driven, not business-driven, creating a lack of business ownership, and
  5. Specific, desired behavior changes are not adequately defined and prioritized. Organizations speak about behavior using “behavioral” clichés or umbrella statements that do not define specific desired leader and performer behaviors. 
Learning Objectives
  • Learn the essentials of Behavior Management and the importance of (1) pinpointing behavior, and (2) positive consequences and feedback to change and sustain behavior
  • How to pinpoint and activate attendee’s personal leadership behavior change priorities
  • How to more effectively engage Key Leaders throughout all project phases
  • How to use accomplir’s® Integrated Methodology to create Behavior Annotated Processes, improve Root-Cause-Analysis (Gap Analysis) and improve Future-State process redesigns
  • in a case study context, understand which key accomplir® Integrated Methodology tools are typically used
 

SMART™ Strategies for Strategic Thought Processes

Speaker: Trent Leopold

Description: The human brain is made for strategic thinking, however current neuroscience research demonstrates that most of us (and our stakeholders) typically frequently and unintentionally significantly disengage our brain’s strategic thought processes. As a result, undesirable outcomes are often more prevalent than desired. Neuroscience research indicates that society is experiencing a brain health crisis. 

 

This workshop teaches you practical, worthwhile brain-healthy strategies founded in current neuroscience research for thinking strategically, enhancing resilience and brain health leading to better process and project outcomes. 

You will receive training in proven Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Tactics (SMART™) founded in neuroscience for intentionally engaging strategic thought. Among other things, this training is proven to enhance attention, innovation and integrated reasoning. 

Additionally, principles associated with the emerging field of Brainomics® are examined. Research results pertaining to this emerging field of Brainomics® indicate that many of the principles and techniques taught in this workshop are a “secret sauce” for organizational successes. 

 

Credibility by Design: Intentional Steps to Build Lasting Trust

Speaker: Anne White

Description: An individual's ability to cultivate credibility and trust is essential for driving progress, aligning stakeholders, and delivering meaningful impact. However, building authentic credibility is no easy feat - it requires a deliberate, multi-faceted approach rooted in self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and principled leadership.

 

This interactive workshop explores the core elements of "Credibility by Design" - an intentional framework for developing lasting trust and influence. Participants will discover how to:

  • Deepen self-awareness to lead with authenticity and integrity

  • Practice self-management techniques to model composure under pressure

  • Develop empathy and relational skills to foster psychological safety

  • Leverage vulnerability and genuine curiosity to build meaningful connections

  • Align personal values and behaviors to establish a reputation for trustworthiness

By weaving these principles into their personal and professional lives, attendees will gain practical strategies to elevate their credibility, enhance their leadership presence, and create an enduring positive impact - regardless of their formal role or title. Participants will leave empowered to design their credibility journey, one meaningful interaction at a time.

 

SOAR with Confidence™: Future-Proof Your Career in Data, Cyber, and AI

Speaker: Dora Boussias

Description: The rapid evolution of data, cyber, and AI presents unparalleled opportunities—but also career-defining challenges. How do you stay ahead, position yourself for leadership, and build lasting career resilience in this shifting landscape?

 

This interactive 3.5-hour workshop will help you take control of your career with a strategic career roadmap designed for success in data, cyber, and AI. You’ll gain:

✓ A powerful mindset essential for thriving in the AI era

✓ A high-impact approach to positioning yourself for growth and leadership

✓ Practical strategies to advocate for your success and elevate your influence

✓ Key insights on building a strong network of allies and mentors

Whether you're looking to accelerate your career, pivot into a new role, or lead with confidence, this session will equip you with the tools to chart your path forward with clarity and purpose.

 

TRACK: Afternoon

The AI-Enhanced BA: Streamlining Work and Embracing Change

Speaker: Mark Hunt

Description: This workshop will be divided into two parts; both will involve demonstrations, practical examples, and group participation.

 

Simplify your daily work life using AI

The first part of this workshop is to demonstrate various ways that AI can be a tool to help you perform many things—plan a trip, write emails, create art and videos, or help you create the perfect resume. In particular, we will focus on ways you can make use of AI tools to save you time, improve your delivered product, and gather information more quickly and accurately in your business and personal life.

The future role of the BA in an AI world

After a break, the second half of the workshop will focus more directly on the rise of AI and what this will mean to you as a business analyst. Are you worried about being replaced by AI, reduced to proofreading, or if you will need to relearn everything to stay relevant? We will explore how analysts are already leveraging AI to streamline their work—crafting agendas, generating meeting notes, conducting research, and writing requirements quickly and efficiently. Through interactive discussions, you’ll discover practical ways to harness AI tools and thrive in this evolving landscape.

 

The Who, What, When, Where, How, and Why of Requirements

Speaker: Jamie Champagne

Description: We all know what our customers want – and they’re good about telling us! Yet what do they need? And no, they do not want or need a 376-page paperweight with 75 pages of spreadsheet attachments (let’s think about what “technical user requirements document” acronym could be...). Yet over and over again we’re challenged to elicit information from our stakeholders like getting juice from a coconut (trust me...it’s a LOT of hard work!). So what are the best ways to do it? How do we get there? Let alone, how do we know our requirements will actually bring about a desirable, feasible, and viable product?

 

Let’s dive into requirements from a view you’ve probably never seen. Come explore all the shapes, forms, and evolutions that captured requirements can take. And let’s get some hands- on practice diving into HOW to pull out this information so that your facilitation session is never compared to a painful dental procedure! Join Jamie as she walks you through the very techniques you can immediately apply even with remote and hybrid teams. Dive into a world of requirements that is fun and exciting so that you’re successful in not only helping innovative solutions come to life, but that you also delight and excite your customers for long-term business partners.

 

Legacy to Leadership: Bridging Generational Knowledge + Developing Leaders in the AI Era

Speaker: Luke Goetting

Description: We stand at a pivotal moment in organizational history. As experienced Baby Boomers retire, they take with them decades of invaluable insights. Simultaneously, new generations are playing an increased role in the workforce, armed with fresh perspectives and technological prowess. This intersection presents not just a challenge, but a golden opportunity to reimagine leadership development and organizational success.

 

Join Future of Work expert Luke Goetting to explore how the convergence of mass retirement, technological advancement, and generational diversity can become a catalyst for cultivating exceptional future leaders. We'll delve into how forward-thinking organizations are turning potential knowledge loss into a springboard for innovation and growth.

Drawing from cutting-edge case studies, we'll examine strategies that blend time-tested wisdom with emerging technologies. From AI-enhanced mentorship programs that scale personalized learning to immersive knowledge-sharing experiences, we'll explore how organizations can not only preserve institutional knowledge but amplify it to forge resilient, adaptable leaders.

By acting now, you're not just preventing a knowledge exodus; you're igniting a leadership revolution that will drive your company's success for generations to come.
Learning Objectives

  1. Identify and address key barriers to intergenerational knowledge transfer, including work style differences, technological gaps, and cultural disparities within your organization.

  2. Implement numerous best practices for fostering intergenerational collaboration, including reverse mentoring programs, cross-generational innovation teams, and storytelling sessions.

  3. Leverage technology effectively to scale knowledge transfer, including the use of AI-powered knowledge bases, virtual reality training, and digital collaboration platforms.
     

Design incentive structures that encourage active participation in knowledge transfer initiatives across all generations in your workforce.

 

Strategic Tools for Business Analysis

Speaker: Vince Mirabelli

Description: How can you effectively select the appropriate tools for enterprise analysis? Additionally, what strategies can ensure your team's success in this endeavor? This course unveils a comprehensive guide to harnessing valuable insights from four crucial enterprise analysis methodologies: PESTLE analysis, Porter's Five Forces, SWOT analysis, and the Three Horizons.

 

Discover the distinct advantages and pragmatic applications inherent in each of these four strategic techniques, useful for all business analysts. You'll receive instruction on the timing and utilization of each method but also imparts the skills to maintain your team's acumen and motivation. Gain valuable insights into integrating specific organizational elements spanning inputs, processes, and requirements. Moreover, unlock the full potential of each framework to extract pivotal insights, translate them into actionable strategies, and execute well-informed decisions. Upon course completion, you will possess the readiness to discern the ideal tools and methodologies tailored to each unique context.

 

Certified Data Management Professionals (CDMP) Exam Hosted and Proctored by DAMA-MN

 

SYMPOSIUM DAY TRACK DESCRIPTIONS

TRACK: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

The AI Balancing Act: Risk, Reward, and Real People

Speaker: Aaron Reihl

Description: This session intends to cut through the sensationalism around Artificial Intelligence (AI) to discuss the careful balance required to navigate and harness this technology starting with a non-technical shared understanding of AI as a spectrum of tradeoffs around complexity, transparency, and capability. This will inform perspective for finding an equilibrium between the promising value of AI with the inherent regulatory and societal risks of AI adoption. Then it will conclude with a look at frameworks to enable a sweet spot between speed and thoughtful deployment of AI solutions. And by the end of the session, you should have a stronger but accessible vocabulary to discuss this technology, simple but penetrating questions to uncover the risks around a given AI solution, and the familiar but improved frameworks to begin your journey in delivering value with AI.

AI & Business Analysis World of Work

Speaker: Marcus Udokang

Description:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way business analysts work, automating tasks, improving decision-making, and creating new opportunities. This presentation explores how AI is shaping the business analysis profession, from enhancing data insights to influencing strategy. We’ll discuss key AI tools, real-world applications, and how business analysts can adapt to stay relevant. Attendees will gain practical knowledge on integrating AI into their work and understanding its capabilities,  benefits, and challenges.
 
Learning Objectives:
  • Understand the impact of AI on the business analysis profession, including emerging trends and skill shifts.
  • Identify AI-driven tools and techniques that enhance business analysis workflows and decision-making.
  • Develop strategies for leveraging AI to drive innovation and create value in business analysis.
  • Analyze AI’s role in automating routine BA tasks such as requirements gathering and process modeling.
  • Evaluate the potential risks and biases in AI-driven decision-making and their implications for business analysts.

AI-Enhanced Business Analysis

Speaker: Brandon Olson

Description: Recent advances in artificial intelligence products have caught our attention and we are experiencing a rapid rise of AI tools. Generative AI (GenAI) products show a lot of promise but there is also a lot of confusion on its abilities. In this presentation, we will wade through the hype and determine how AI can help the business analyst automate, assist, and augment work in order to spend more time on higher-value work.

Intersections Between Data, Capabilities, Value Streams, and Organization Designs in AI

Speaker: Stephen Clark

Description: Whether your organization is in the business of inventing, selling and delivering emerging AI solutions to the market or you are making AI purchases as an individual, a team, or for a whole enterprise, aligning the ‘Why’ with planned Outcomes sets the stage for wise purchase and support decisions.
 
Differences between these orientations to AI compel organizations to roadmap its usefulness in ways specific to their objectives. Common to the wide variety of approaches are a focus on strategic alignment with role-specific motivators, the data stewardship required to source data into the AI tools, and the organizational maturity to coordinate its Capabilities per Value Stream Stages so individual contributors, leaders and external stakeholders are positioned to succeed.
 
This conversation will rely on commercial and public sector case studies from 2024, as well as applied innovation using thought leadership from colleagues such as Whynde Kuehn and Brian Cameron, regarding Strategic Business Architecture.

TRACK: METHODS/PROCESSES

Enabling Disruptive Thinking with Matrix Morphology

Speaker: David Quimby

Description: "We can’t solve our problems with the same kind of thinking that created our problems." – Albert Einstein
 
What is the problem?
 
What is the problem with problem solving?
 
In a world that is defined by volatility, un-certainty, complexity, and ambiguity, conventional approaches to problem-solving are simply not adequate. Practitioners and leaders struggle to navigate technical and organizational challenges because conventional thinking fails to address deep-rooted contradictions.
 
Matrix Morphology offers a new way of thinking. A unique approach to systematic innovation, it provides a repeatable path for identifying, defining, and solving pertinent problems and opportunities. Although the method originated in the context of a patented invention in the technical domain, it has been adapted across the organizational, behavioral, and social domains. The model finds its roots in three schools of ancient philosophy. By using the dialectic (thesis / anti-thesis / syn-thesis) to identify and resolve contradictions, this approach offers un-conventional solutions that enable individuals and organizations to thrive in a turbulent world.
 
Let's explore an approach to problem-solving that amplifies product / service value and
accelerates the development cycle.
Learning Objectives
  • Reinforce the rationale of a "definition-first" vs. "solution-first" culture and mindset
  • Understand the nature of a contradiction -- a particular type of problem that represents opposing forces
  • Understand how to use matrix analysis for framing problems as contradictions
  • Understand how to use this method for an integrated approach to problem identification, problem definition, and problem resolution
  • Understand how solving a contradiction relates to customer value and competitive advantage
  • Understand how to use this format as a common language for conducting portfolio analysis of multiple initiatives across various domains
 

How NOT to Manage Requirements (aka 'Requirements Done Wrong')

Speaker: Mark Hunt

Description: As a business analyst, you have countless tools and methods for planning, managing, and documenting requirements. But are you using them effectively? Have you ever felt lost in a maze of confusing documents, overly complex processes, or endless review cycles? Worse yet, have you noticed your users are confused or disengaged with the materials you provide?

In this session, we’ll explore real-world examples of what not to do and uncover strategies to make your requirements process seamless, efficient, and user-friendly. Get ready for an interactive discussion where we’ll share experiences and learn how to make your requirements process as elegant and impactful as possible!
 

Strategic Business Analysis for Excellence

Speaker: Trent Leopold

Description: Strategic Business Analysis for Excellence is an educational and fun presentation showcasing proven ways for Business Analysis to strategically impart excellence to projects. Each attendee receives takeaway material including tools and techniques for their immediate use in advancing their individual professional practice. 
 

The presentation showcases via a real-world case study how Business Analysis imparts excellence to any initiative and is suitable for Software Developers, Engineers, Project Managers, and Product Managers. The presentation is also suited for anyone seeking ways to impart excellence (or more excellence) to their operation or organization. A recent attendee (at a PMI conference) commented that “every professional, including executive management can benefit from this presentation.” 

The presenter, currently a brain research participant in an international longitudinal study led by a major US university, showcases recent research findings particularly related to human strategic thought processes and their direct correlation to excellence. This includes demonstration and discussion concerning the human mind. 

The fun presentation includes attendee participation, and at least one valuable giveaway in addition to the invaluable takeaways for every attendee!

 

Establishing Trust and Credibility Through Critical Thinking

Speaker: Nic Paulus

Description: Presenting or acting on dubious information can lead to organizational and initiative failures, and damage your personal credibility. By prioritizing critical thinking, you can improve your personal and team performance across a variety of skills and prepare you for the information risks uniquely posed by AI. This session will help you:

  1. Understand how mastering critical thinking can establish your reputation as leader and improve results for your organization

  2. Learn practical techniques to improve your ability to interpret and evaluate information from human and AI sources, understand and communicate numerical information, and avoid decisions based on bad information

  3. Discover how to communicate and influence effectively using the language of critical thinking

This session is ideal for any BA looking for practical ways to build trust, establish credibility, and grow their leadership reputation.

 

TRACK: BUSINESS ARCHITECTURE/FUTURE

Intersections Between the BABOK and the Business Architecture Body of Knowledge

Speaker: Stephen Clark

Description: When it comes to planning for and governing data in a decentralized cloud-supported ecosystem there are practices, methods, techniques, and tools we should advocate for, and demonstrate across our clients and delivery teams.
 
Join a discussion with a panel of Business Analyst, Business Architecture, and Product Management specialists as they trace connections between high-value areas of professional’ bodies of knowledge to maximize just-in-time credibility during can’t fail delivery engagements.
 

Cybersecurity Requirements: How to Build Them INTO Your Solutions

Speaker: Jamie Champagne

Description: Cybersecurity is everyone’s concern in today’s fast-paced, and ever-changing digital environments. Too many times we see products where security features are only discussed AFTER the solution, resulting in major rework or worse, being found by malicious actors. Come learn some of the key topics that you need in your digital toolbox without having to become a cybersecurity expert. Let Jamie guide you through how to ask the right questions to ensure you’re covering the valuable cybersecurity components necessary for successful technological projects. And even learn some great analysis approaches to any requirements that work so that your solutions are successful for years to come.
 

Capability Mapping: Knowing Where to Invest to Mature Your Services

Speaker: Terry Baresh

Description: Are you ready to take on your next role as a business analyst? Do you want to be more involved in your department's goals, planning, and budgeting process? If you answered yes to either of these questions, join us as we explore a 10-step process to develop a capability matrix. This matrix will help your team prioritize investments, mature the right services based on customer needs, and bring transparency to the services you provide. These ten steps can be initiated without any special tools or skills and can capture the attention of your senior leadership teams. In just a few months, you can develop a service catalog for your department or team and create a measurable system to help your team focus on achievable means for maturing your services.
 
In this 50-minute presentation, we will learn about ten steps to building a capability matrix and describe the processes to measure the maturity of the service and assess gaps. This information can be used to prioritize investments in capabilities (people, processes, technologies, data) to grow and mature your services.
1. Understand the 10-step process to develop a capability matrix: Learn how to create a capability matrix that helps prioritize investments and mature services based on customer needs.
2. Gain insights into the importance of transparency in service provision: Discover how developing a service catalog can bring transparency to the services your department or team provides.
3. Learn how to measure the maturity of services and capabilities: Understand the process to assess gaps and measure the maturity of services and capabilities, which can be used to prioritize investments in people, processes, technologies, and data.
4. Explore practical steps to initiate the capability matrix without special tools or skills: Learn how to capture the attention of senior leadership teams and focus on achievable means for maturing services. 
 

Mastering Modern (and Future) Business Analysis: Your Questions Answered

Speaker: Vince Mirabelli/Jamie Champagne

Description: 
The role of a business analyst is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead requires mastering modern techniques and approaches. In this dynamic and interactive session, Jamie Champagne and Vince Mirabelli bring their signature BA master class insights to the stage, focusing on the concepts that matter most to today’s business analysts.
Rather than a lecture, this session is all about you. Come ready with your questions, challenges, and curiosities, and walk away with actionable advice to tackle the complexities of your projects and career growth. Whether it’s about refining your analysis techniques, navigating stakeholder relationships, or understanding emerging trends, Jamie and Vince are here to help you unlock your potential.
Key Takeaways:
    •    Gain clarity on the most pressing challenges faced by modern business analysts.
    •    Learn practical, real-world techniques to apply immediately in your work.
    •    Leave inspired and empowered with solutions tailored to your unique needs.
 
This is your chance to get expert guidance and connect with peers who share your passion for business analysis excellence. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in a lively discussion that delivers actionable insights!
 

TRACK: ADVANCED: LEADERSHIP/STRATEGY

You're Not a Fraud: Ditch Impostor Syndrome and Own Your Success

Speaker: Treva Graves

Description: Do you ever feel like you’re not as competent as others think you are? That any success you’ve achieve is just luck or timing and at any moment, you’ll be found out? You are not alone impostor syndrome affects even the most accomplished women keeping them stuck in self doubt and holding back their true potential. But hold on. It affects men too!
 
In this empowering session, you will:
  • Learn what impostor syndrome is and where it comes from.
  • Hear Treva’s journey through impostor syndrome and her personal story of resilience.
  • Identify the 5 competence types of impostor syndrome and understand it doesn’t define you.
  • Learn about the Confidence Gap between men & women and what that really means.
  • Learn strategies and reframes to stop feeling like a fraud and own your success.
  • Embrace your expertise, amplify your voice and claim “your seat at the table.”

If I Only Had a Brain! Embracing Neurodiversity to Be a Better Leader, Follower, and Teammate

Speaker: Scott Helmers

Description: Working with people can be a challenge for the best of us. Engaging in useful conversations; working effectively as part of a group; disagreeing without causing arguments; building great teams – these activities are all harder than they should be. Is it because everyone (else) just does things wrong? Or could it be that if we understood more about how the brain works and the different ways that people think, we could communicate more effectively?
 
That’s the focus of this presentation: improving communication and collaboration through a better understanding of the human brain. We will engage in several hands-on activities to learn about each other and ourselves. You’ll hear about the Whole Brain Model and learn more about the “toward” and “away” responses that guide nearly everything we do, both at work and at home. We’ll talk about ways to draw on our own strengths while being respectful and appreciating that some people genuinely think differently. In short, we will leverage basic neuroscience principles to communicate and collaborate more effectively.
 
Learning Objectives
  • Identify your thinking preferences
  • Recognize the spectrum of thinking styles
  • Appreciate how deeply social experiences affect communication

Unlocking Gen Z+ Insights: Tailoring Business Analysis for Future Workforce

Speaker: Luke Goetting

Description: The business landscape is rapidly evolving, and understanding how to effectively engage with Gen Z+ stakeholders is crucial for success. Join Future of Work expert Luke Goetting for a session designed to equip business analysts with the tools they need to bridge the generational gap and gather valuable insights from this critical demographic.
 
Move Beyond Assumptions: Go beyond outdated stereotypes about Gen Z+. Discover data-driven insights and actionable strategies specifically designed for business analysts to:
  • Build Trust & Transparency: Learn how to tailor your communication style to resonate with Gen Z+ preferences for directness, data-driven decision making, and collaborative problem solving.
  • Embrace New Technologies: Explore innovative data visualization techniques and collaboration tools favored by Gen Z+ to better understand their needs and perspectives.
  • Elicit Valuable Input: Develop effective elicitation techniques that cater to Gen Z+ communication styles and preferences for visual content, real-time feedback, and interactive workshops.
Walk Away With:
  • Actionable Engagement Frameworks: Develop practical communication strategies to build trust and transparency with Gen Z+ stakeholders, ensuring effective information gathering and project success.
  • Enhanced Elicitation Techniques: Learn how to adapt your elicitation approach to capture valuable insights from Gen Z+ stakeholders, fostering a collaborative business analysis process.
  • Future-Proofed Business Analysis Practice: Discover how to tailor your skills and approach to effectively engage with the next generation of business leaders and stakeholders.
Who Should Attend:
  • Business analysts seeking to enhance their stakeholder engagement and elicitation skills.
  • Anyone interested in understanding how to effectively work with Gen Z+ professionals within the business analysis domain.
Learning Objectives:
  1. Identify core communication styles and preferences of Gen Z+ stakeholders.
  2. Develop strategies for adapting your communication approach to resonate with Gen Z+ in the business analysis context.
  3. Explore effective elicitation techniques tailored to capture valuable insights from Gen Z+ stakeholders.
  4. Learn how to leverage technology and data visualization to enhance communication and collaboration with Gen Z+.
  5. Gain practical frameworks for building strong relationships and fostering trust with Gen Z+ stakeholders for successful business analysis outcomes.

Leading Through the Storm: Keeping Teams Engaged Amidst Crisis or Chaos

Speaker: Anne White

Description: In times of adversity, leadership plays a crucial role in guiding teams through uncertainty. This session will equip you with practical strategies to keep your team focused, engaged, and resilient. You’ll learn how to prepare for challenges, lead with clarity and empathy during crises, and transform obstacles into growth opportunities. Discover how to foster a culture of connection that empowers your team to not just weather the storm, but emerge stronger and more unified, ensuring long-term success and thriving in the face of adversity.
 

TRACK: DATA MANAGEMENT/DATA ANALYTICS

Navigating AI's Inflection Point: Chart Your Path to Success

Speaker: Dora Boussias

Description: The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence-especially generative AI-has brought us to a defining moment. Every day, new breakthroughs create both opportunities and challenges, leaving business and technology leaders tasked with integrating AI into operations while managing risk, compliance, and workforce implications. How can organizations confidently thrive on their path without getting lost in the AI whirlwind?
 
This insightful keynote will explore AI's far-reaching impact on businesses and their people, offering a practical roadmap to align strategy with execution. Attendees will gain:
-Actionable insights to confidently navigate this transformation
-Key considerations to balance innovation, responsibility, and strategic growth
-Pragmatic strategies for integrating AI while managing risk and workforce implications
-A clear path to harness AI's potential and drive long-term success
 
Whether you're a leader or practitioner in data & tech, this session will equip you with the essential knowledge and tools to lead through AI's inflection point with clarity and impact.
 

Securing Your Data in the Age of AI - How Do You Assess the Risk

Speaker: Ron Kuriscak

Description: The digital age, characterized by interconnected systems and artificial intelligence, presents evolving risks. How can your organization effectively assess and manage these risks? What processes and risk-based decisions should you anticipate? How can you fulfill your due diligence responsibilities in addressing these risks? What are the industry best practices for managing risk in the age of AI?
 
Join us for a one-hour discussion to explore how  you should be thinking about and addressing risk within your organization.
 

Governance: Management of Your Data as AI Evolves

Speaker: Jody Burks

Description: Data quality, security and availability is a major point of concern for today’s enterprise. How is your organization using data today? Who has access to it? Join IBM to learn about Data Governance, which ensures data integrity and data security by defining and implementing policies, standards and procedures for data collection, ownership, storage, processing and use.
 

Emerging Technologies: What are They and How Can You Prepare Your Data for the Future?

Speaker: Jody Burks

Description: Generative AI. LLMs. Governance. Quantum Computing. Quantum Safe Cryptography. What does all this mean, and how will this impact your data and analytics? Given the advancements in data repositories and data analytic needs, what do data practitioners need to consider when creating and modernizing data pipelines? Join IBM to talk about discuss emerging technologies, trends in data management and how you can prepare for the future.
 
PDD FAQs
Welcome to the IIBA Minneapolis-St. Paul Professional Development Days (PDD) Event! PDD is scheduled on Wednesday, May 21 - Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (Central Time) each day at St. Paul RiverCentre.
 
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Do I earn CDUs by attending PDD?
A: Yes. Wednesday (May 21) sessions are 3.5 hours so a total of 7 CDUs if attending the full day. Thursday (May 22) sessions are one hour, plus 75 minutes each for the keynote and endnote, so a total of 6.5 CDU hours. If you attend both days, you could earn 13.5 CDUs!
 
Q: Do you honor cancellation requests?
A: Full refunds, less a $50 cancellation fee, will be given for written requests received on or before April 30, 2025. Registrations are transferable. There are no refunds for cancellations made after April 30, 2025.
 
Q:  What time does the event start?
A:  The doors will open, and we will begin registering attendees at 7:15 am.
 
Q: Who do I notify if I have dietary concerns?
A: You should have been asked during registration, but please let us know asap if you have dietary restrictions. Events@msp.iiba.org
 
Q: Are there hotel deals available?
A: Yes. Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown St. Paul is offering a group rate for stays between May 20 – 22. The last day to book with the discount is April 28, 2025.
 
Q: Where should I park, and what is the cost for parking?
A: Parking will be paid for each day by IIBA-MSP if you park in the RiverCentre parking ramp across Kellogg Avenue. You will be given a code to enter into the validation machine.