Certified: Meet Danny Klima, PMP, PgMP

This series celebrates PMI certification holders — exploring their career journeys, sharing their insights and recognizing their achievements.

Danny Klima says the Project Management Professional (PMP)® and Program Management Professional (PgMP)® certifications were “game changers” in his career. He now oversees portfolio strategy and cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects in the events, entertainment, and venue management space. He also heads a sustainability program to reduce the environmental impact of large-scale events like the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Danny, how did you get involved in live events and venue management?

My involvement started with my background in security technology, where I worked on projects related to border security, critical infrastructure, and aviation. I found that translating this expertise to major sporting event security was exciting and challenging. Although it wasn’t a deliberate shift, the opportunity arose, and it sparked a deep interest in the sector.

What do you love most about it?

I love its dynamic nature and the intricate planning it requires. The blend of creativity and precision needed to plan complex events, manage diverse stakeholder expectations, and ensure every detail aligns perfectly is very rewarding. Leading multicultural teams and navigating complex challenges to drive impactful outcomes is what I am truly passionate about.

What is most challenging about the work?

Events often require managing a vast array of stakeholders, each with their own expectations and demands, which can make coordination particularly challenging. The most significant challenge is navigating the inherent uncertainties and risks associated with live events. Factors such as weather conditions, last-minute changes, and logistical issues can arise unexpectedly, demanding quick thinking and adaptability. There are no time extensions possible for events — the event must happen — so strong strategic alignment, good governance, engaged stakeholder groups, management across the full lifecycle, and a relentless focus on benefits and outcomes are crucial aspects I always emphasize.

When did you get your PMP and PgMP, and what was the impetus?

After leaving Australia with formal qualifications in project management, I obtained my PMP in 2007. I was a member of both the Australian Institute of Management and the Australian Institute of Project Management, and the international scope of PMI caught my attention. I completed my MBA in 2010 with a specialization in Strategy and this led me to learn more advanced project management methods. I obtained my PgMP in 2014 and I am pursuing Portfolio Management (PfMP)^® to expand my expertise in Portfolio Management.

Any advice to share about the process?

Studying for and passing the PMP and PgMP exams is a significant undertaking that mirrors a project in many ways. One piece of advice is to immerse yourself deeply in the material. It's not just about reading the study guides but understanding the concepts and their practical applications. This deep dive into the material will immediately benefit your professional work.

An effective strategy is to extend your research beyond traditional study guides. Explore materials and best practices published by publicly listed companies and government bodies, which often feature insights from top-tier consultants. These resources provide valuable frameworks and methodologies that you can adapt to your specific sector and needs. Study groups and forums can also be beneficial. Discussing concepts with peers and professionals while preparing for the exams can offer new perspectives and clarify complex topics. Practice exams are important and can help you become familiar with the exam format and identify areas that require further review.

How did the PMP and PgMP help you grow in your career?

These certifications enabled me to move beyond a traditional functional role into a cross-functional capacity, where I collaborated with various departments within a matrix structure. This shift expanded my leadership responsibilities and empowered me to drive strategic change within the organization.

The PMP and PgMP certifications played a crucial role in my approach to setting up the Project Management Office for the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. By leveraging the principles of The Standard for Program Management, I implemented a program management framework that ensured alignment between strategic objectives and operational delivery. I developed the program charter, aligned strategic objectives with senior leaders and established the roadmap along with roles and responsibilities. I structured the PMO to oversee multiple, interconnected projects and initiatives across strategy, commercial, sales and marketing operations, human resources, procurement, legal and finance. I also established a steering committee, and this governance forum was fundamental for streamlining decision-making and minimizing risk.

Have you inspired or mentored others to follow the certification path?

Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of inspiring and mentoring numerous professionals who have shown interest in pursuing project and program management. I’ve taught program management and regularly share my experiences and lessons learned. Throughout my career, I’ve always believed in the importance of professional development and while everyone's career path is unique, I always encourage people interested in certifications to commit to the process and benefit from the knowledge that will advance their careers.

Tell us about your work on sustainability.

Leading Ethara’s sustainability initiatives is something I’m truly passionate about. Every day, we take steps to address environmental challenges head-on, ensuring we’re not just discussing sustainability but actively working towards it. Our goal is to shape a more responsible and resilient events industry by exploring ways to reduce emissions and pushing the organization towards Net Zero. What’s just as important is empowering our customers to make sustainable choices, giving them the option to enjoy events that align with a greener future. It’s a journey, and I’m proud to be a part of it.

What spurred you to take on this role?

My passion for making a meaningful difference and helping lead the charge in making the events sector more responsible and sustainable. It’s exciting to work alongside like-minded individuals within our steering committee and with the broader team across the organization, all driven by the same goal of creating a more sustainable future.

Can you share examples or results that speak to its impact?

We measure our carbon footprint annually and put in place targets and objectives to minimize our impact. From an advanced technology perspective, we have invested in LED light technology to reduce energy consumption and have also commissioned a 1Mw solar project that generates a portion of our annual power demand. Globally, Ethara is a signatory to the United Nations Sports for Climate Action framework, and I represent Ethara in that working group.

Sustainability is a strategic KPI for Ethara and all departments are involved in achieving our targets and objectives. To support this, I am forming a Sustainability Working Group that will be empowered to promote and implement sustainability initiatives within the organization, ensuring that live events and venue operations minimize environmental impact while enhancing social responsibility and economic efficiency and, importantly, delivering on Ethara’s Net Zero KPI.

Do events in Abu Dhabi present additional challenges, and how do you overcome them?

Event organizers face a range of common challenges, including managing logistics and transportation, ensuring the health and safety of the workforce and event attendees, securing venues, and adhering to budget constraints. Security and technology failures can disrupt even the best-planned events, navigating permits, regulations, and legal requirements adds to the complexity. Attendee engagement and delivering value to sponsors also requires careful attention to create a positive experience. In Abu Dhabi’s desert climate, heat and sandstorms present unique challenges. Managing the risks and effects of high temperatures, including dehydration and heatstroke, is essential, along with strategies to mitigate dust and sandstorms damage to equipment and any associated disruption to outdoor activities. Sustainability efforts are also impacted by the high energy demand for cooling and the scarcity of water. Cultural considerations further influence how events are planned and executed in this region.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

There's something truly special about watching a venue come to life and welcoming hundreds of thousands of people to an event. Seeing months of planning and hard work unfold through the efforts of a passionate team is a unique and rewarding experience. Establishing the F1 PMO was a milestone in this journey and marked a key moment in the evolution of the planning process. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to develop and refine it year on year with the support, guidance, and advice of so many amazing people. Their contributions and the outcomes achieved have made the entire experience very rewarding.

What advice do you have for aspiring events project managers?

The global events industry is valued at over $1.5 trillion USD so for aspiring project managers looking to enter the global events industry, the key to success lies in developing a diverse skill set and gaining hands-on experience across different event types of events. The industry is vast, encompassing corporate conferences, trade shows, festivals, and major sports events, each requiring unique project management approaches. Understanding how to manage budgets, timelines, and teams is essential, but it’s equally important to be adaptable, as each event presents different challenges.

I’d advise future project managers to focus on both technical skills, like budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and leadership, and soft skills, such as communication, negotiation, and problem-solving. Experience in logistics, vendor management, and customer service will also give you an edge. Networking within the industry is crucial, as opportunities often come through relationships. Given the fast-paced and detail-oriented nature of the events industry, being proactive, staying calm under pressure, and being ready to handle unexpected changes are highly valued traits.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

Opportunities often arrive unexpectedly, and the key to seizing them is preparation. Being ready means continuously refining your skills, building your network, and staying informed in your field. It's about anticipating what you’ll need before the moment arises, so when the door opens, you can step through confidently. Availability is equally important — if you're too distracted or hesitant, you might miss the chance. Success often depends not just on the opportunity itself but on how prepared and present you are when it finally comes knocking. When that moment arrives, you need to act swiftly and decisively.

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