2025 PMI Global Chapter Awards Program Updates |
We’re excited to introduce several key updates to the 2025 PMI Global Chapter Awards Program, designed to enhance the application process and recognize a broader range of achievements. These changes reflect feedback from past applicants, winners, review committee members, and PMI team members.
Key Updates for 2025:
- Updated Application Timing: Streamlined deadlines for a clearer, more flexible submission process.
- New Award Categories: Expanded categories to celebrate diverse chapter achievements.
- Revised Award Criteria: Aligned with PMI:Next to ensure relevance to today’s project management landscape.
- Enhanced Honoree Benefits: Expanded recognition and benefits for award recipients.
- Transparent Finalist Selection: A clearer, fairer process for determining finalists.
These changes reflect our commitment to recognizing and celebrating the outstanding contributions of PMI chapters and chapter leaders worldwide.
For detailed information view the PMI Global Chapter Awards: Key Program Updates webinar recording here.
THE APPLICATION AND NOMINATION WINDOW OPENS 3 FEBRUARY 2025.
Chapter Leadership Impact Award
- Purpose: Recognizes exceptional leadership and volunteer contributions made by PMI chapter leaders to enhance their chapter or mentor region.
- Honorees: Seven honorees may be selected each year, representing each of PMI’s 7 managed regions.
- Eligibility: Open to PMI members in good standing who have held an elected or appointed chapter leader position during the previous calendar year.
- Criteria for Evaluation:
- Impact in the Chapter (25%)
- Impact in Community and Flywheel through PM (25%)
- PMI Culture Values (25%)
- Leadership Style and Skills (25%)
- Nomination Process: Nominations are accepted between 3 February and 4 April, with a deadline of 23:59 UTC/GMT. Nominations may only be submitted by a fellow chapter leader within the same chapter.
- Award Benefits: Winners are celebrated during the PMI Awards Ceremony at Global Summit and receive recognition, trophies, travel grants, and a PMI Global Summit pass.
- Review and Evaluation: A review committee of global volunteers evaluates the nominations. Nominees are scored based on the rubric for each criterion.
Download the Chapter Leadership Impact Award Nomination Resource Guide
Chapter of the Year Award
- Purpose: Celebrates the achievements of PMI chapters that show exceptional leadership, innovation, and contributions to the project management profession.
- Award Distinctions: Starting in 2025, the Chapter of the Year Award will be presented to a single chapter, selected for its overall excellence across all criteria. In addition, three special distinctions will be awarded to chapters that excel in specific areas, recognizing outstanding achievements in Impact on the Community, PMI Culture Values, and Community Knowledge Empowerment. The 2025 structure will also highlight the seven finalists, with one finalist from each PMI-managed region, showcasing excellence on a global scale.
- Eligibility:
- Chapters must have submitted the annual Charter Renewal by 31 March. This includes but is not limited to the accompanying documents required like Annual Plans and Core Services Worksheet.
- Chapter is chartered for one or more calendar years.
- Chapter is In Good Standing with the Project Management Institute (PMI) for the period covered by the nomination (i.e. chapter meets all “required criteria” as outlined in the annual Charter Renewal, Chapter Charter Agreement, and Catalog of Core Services.)
- Criteria for Evaluation:
- Impact on the Community (20%)
- Community Knowledge Empowerment (20%)
- Member Engagement and Satisfaction (20%)
- PMI Culture Values (20%)
- Chapter Sustainability and Volunteer Excellence (20%)
- Additional points will be given for chapters who meet (+3 points) or exceed (+5 points) the following:
- Global average chapter retention rates
- Global average member satisfaction score
- Application Process: Chapters may submit applications between 3 February and 4 April, with a deadline of 23:59 UTC/GMT.
- Award Benefits: Winners and finalists are recognized at the PMI Awards Ceremony at Global Summit. Winners receive recognition, trophies, and additional travel grants, along with being featured across PMI channels.
- Review and Evaluation: Eligible chapters are reviewed for performance against the criteria and scored by regional chapter teams. The seven finalists, representing PMI’s seven managed regions, move on for a final evaluation by a review committee of global volunteers.
Download the Chapter of the Year Award Application Resource Guide
Global Chapter Awards - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Chapter Leadership Impact Award
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No, individual feedback will not be provided to non-selected nominees or applicants. However, the evaluation criteria and scoring rubric are publicly available for each award.
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Yes, you can nominate a chapter leader who is currently serving in an elected or appointed role; however, the nomination should focus on the chapter leader's accomplishments during the previous calendar year.
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The review process takes place from April to June. Winners are announced in July and invited to attend the PMI Awards Ceremony at Global Summit.
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In the event of a tie, the Review Committee will consider the qualitative aspects of the nominations to break the tie. Further deliberations may involve analyzing specific performance metrics.
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PMI members interested in joining the Global Chapter Awards Review Committee must apply through the Volunteer Engagement Platform (VEP) starting 1 January. Applicants will be selected based on their experience in chapter leadership, understanding of PMI’s goals and principles, project management expertise, and commitment to the time and focus required for the review process. Additional preferences include previous multicultural experience and award evaluation experience. Applicants must also confirm they are not currently serving in any chapter leadership role or on any other PMI volunteer insight, project, or board reporting committee.
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To strengthen your nomination, provide specific examples of the nominee’s leadership impact on chapter growth, member engagement, community initiatives, and alignment with PMI's values. Quantifiable outcomes (such as increased member retention or successful community programs) help highlight the value they have brought to the chapter.
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It is recommended that chapters submit a nomination for only one chapter leader. The nomination should be a collaborative effort among peer chapter leaders, highlighting the selected leader's impact. Submitting multiple nominations from the same chapter may weaken the overall strength of the submissions.
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Yes, a nominee can withdraw their application by contacting PMI before the review process begins. However, once the review process is initiated, nominations cannot be withdrawn.
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The award focuses on contributions made during the most recent calendar year, though it’s helpful to provide context about the ongoing impact of the leadership.
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Previous winners of the Chapter Leadership Impact Award are not eligible to receive the award again.
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The decision to limit nominations for the Chapter Leadership Impact Award to fellow chapter leaders ensures a more consistent and objective evaluation process. Chapter leaders have a relevant understanding of their peers' contributions and can provide a more informed perspective on their impact within the chapter.
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Self-nominations and campaigning are not allowed to ensure an objective and impartial evaluation process. By prohibiting self-nominations, candidates are assessed based on the perspectives of their peers, focusing on the nominee's true impact rather than self-promotion.
Additionally, limiting campaigning helps maintain the integrity of the award. It ensures the recognition remains a genuine acknowledgment of merit and contribution, rather than turning into a popularity contest. This preserves the prestige and value of the award within the PMI community.
Chapter of the Year Award
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No, individual feedback will not be provided to non-selected applicants. However, the evaluation criteria and scoring rubric are publicly available for each award.
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The review process takes place from April to August, with finalists announced in July. Winners are revealed at the PMI Awards Ceremony at Global Summit.
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PMI members interested in joining the Chapter of the Year Review Committee must apply through the Volunteer Engagement Platform (VEP) starting 1 January. Applicants will be selected based on their experience in chapter leadership, understanding of PMI’s goals and principles, project management expertise, and commitment to the time and focus required for the review process. Additional preferences include previous multicultural experience and award evaluation experience. Applicants must also confirm they are not currently serving in any chapter leadership role or on any other PMI volunteer insight, project, or board reporting committee.
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To submit a strong application, make sure you demonstrate your chapter's achievements in all five evaluation criteria, providing concrete examples and data where possible. Emphasize successful community initiatives, member engagement strategies, and how your chapter promotes PMI's culture and values. Consider including testimonials or feedback from members.
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It is recommended that the chapter submit one strong, comprehensive application that highlights the collective achievements of the chapter, rather than submitting multiple applications. A unified and well-coordinated submission will have a greater impact.
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The award focuses on contributions made during the most recent calendar year, though it’s helpful to provide context about the ongoing impact of the chapter.
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Yes, a chapter can receive the Chapter of the Year Award multiple times. However, each application must demonstrate significant new achievements and impact to be considered for the award again.
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No, a single chapter can win only one award or distinction in a single year. While there are multiple recognitions, including the Chapter of the Year Award and three individual distinctions (Social Impact Catalyst, PMI Culture Values Advocate, and Community Knowledge Empowerment Champion), a chapter may only receive one of these honors per year.
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Yes, a chapter can apply for the Chapter of the Year Award if it is chartered for one or more calendar years. To be eligible, the chapter must have been in operation for at least one full calendar year and meet all other criteria outlined in the award guidelines.
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Ensure your chapter has met the following requirements:
- Chapters must have submitted the annual Charter Renewal by 31 March. This includes but is not limited to the accompanying documents required like Annual Plans and Core Services Worksheet.
- Chapter is chartered for one or more calendar years.
- Chapter is In Good Standing with the Project Management Institute (PMI) for the period covered by the nomination (i.e. chapter meets all “required criteria” as outlined in the annual Charter Renewal, Chapter Charter Agreement, and Catalog of Core Services.)
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Yes, chapters that have previously been finalists or winners are encouraged to apply again. However, it is important to demonstrate continued excellence and new initiatives to show ongoing progress.
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Even if the chapter does not win the Chapter of the Year Award, being selected as a regional finalist is a significant recognition of the chapter's excellence on a global scale. Finalists receive an additional travel grant, increased visibility on PMI’s platforms, and the opportunity to network with other successful chapters.
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Once submitted, the chapter will be notified of its finalist status by early June. Chapters can reach out to the PMI Program Liaison with any questions; similarly, they may contact the chapter if there are any issues with the submission.
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The initial round of review is conducted by PMI regional chapter teams, and then the seven regional finalists are evaluated by the Global Chapter Awards Review Committee, which consists of global volunteers with expertise in chapter leadership and community engagement.
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The change to a single Chapter of the Year winner for 2025 allows PMI to elevate the prestige of this award while recognizing the highest achievement in chapter excellence across all five evaluation criteria. While there will be only one global winner, the program now includes three additional criteria distinctions that highlight top performers in key areas, ensuring broader recognition for diverse accomplishments.
With PMI's new membership model, chapter sizes may become less relevant, as some chapters may see a significant influx of members while others maintain consistent membership levels. This shift considers the accomplishments of chapters, regardless of their size, emphasizing the impact and success of their initiatives and contributions. This change allows for a more equitable evaluation, recognizing chapters for their achievements and influence within PMI's global community.
Additionally, this change provides an opportunity to celebrate all seven finalists, one from each of PMI's seven managed regions. In the past, not every region was represented at the awards ceremony, but with the new structure, every region will have a finalist, allowing for a more inclusive and global recognition of chapter achievements. This approach ensures that each finalist’s unique story is highlighted and celebrated on a global stage.
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The new timeline offers several benefits for chapters and the awards program. By moving the application window to 3 February - 4 April, finalist chapters gain an extra 12 weeks to prepare before the PMI Global Summit, providing more time for planning and travel arrangements. This change also incentivizes chapters to complete their renewals and planning earlier in the year, which enhances overall efficiency.
Additionally, the new timeline allows for greater visibility and excitement, as early finalist announcements can build momentum and encourage healthy competition within the chapter community.
Finally, since the application covers the chapter's accomplishments for the previous year, the earlier timeline ensures more accurate and timely reporting of those achievements.
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The changes to the award determination structure were made to improve the fairness, relevance, and recognition of chapters across all regions. Regional chapter teams now play a key role in the review process because they bring localized expertise, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of each chapter's challenges and achievements. This ensures evaluations are more relevant and reflective of the unique circumstances faced by chapters in different regions.
Additionally, by selecting one nominee per region, the workload for the Review Committee is streamlined, allowing for more focused and thorough evaluations.
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The award criteria and distinctions were updated to better reflect the evolving priorities and dynamics of the PMI community in alignment with PMI:Next strategy. The new criteria place greater emphasis on meaningful outcomes such as community impact and sustainability, moving beyond just engagement metrics. This shift ensures the awards celebrate the broader contributions chapters make to the profession and their communities.
Additionally, as the membership model evolves and chapter sizes fluctuate, traditional size-based distinctions became less relevant. By focusing on specific achievements and contributions, the awards maintain their relevance and value in recognizing chapters of all sizes.
The introduction of additional recognitions allows PMI to celebrate a broader range of excellence. This approach fosters a culture of continuous improvement and encourages chapters to excel across multiple areas, ensuring a variety of impactful contributions are acknowledged.