Step up to speak at PMI's Global Summit 2026 in Detroit | Apply before 18 June

This is your moment to shape what’s next and inspire others. Take the stage this October and show how you turn ideas into outcomes, lead through change, and build momentum when it matters most.
Submit Your Proposal - opens in a new tab
The Signature Event for Project Professionals

2026 Global Summit Detroit: Built to Move

The world of work is changing faster than ever, and so is the project profession. Those who thrive choose agility over rigidity, moving when it matters most.

This year’s Global Summit explores what it truly means to be Built to Move. We’re inviting speakers who can share real‑world perspectives on navigating change, shaping what’s next, and equipping professionals to stay relevant as the pace accelerates. Be part of that evolution now.

Global Summit speaker
Tyler Norman, Director Strategic Programs

Speaking at PMI events has been one of the most rewarding investments I’ve made in my professional life. It has dramatically expanded my network, connecting me with project leaders, volunteers, and practitioners I never would have met otherwise.

Tyler Norman
Director Strategic Programs

Speaking at PMI events has been one of the most rewarding investments I’ve made in my professional life. It has dramatically expanded my network, connecting me with project leaders, volunteers, and practitioners I never would have met otherwise.

Tyler Norman
Director Strategic Programs
Tyler Norman, Director Strategic Programs
PMI's Focus Areas

Accelerate Career Growth

Developing others through guidance, continuous learning, and access to the right resources creates momentum that strengthens teams, organizations, and the profession.

Why It Matters

Career growth doesn’t happen in isolation.

When people are supported, they are better equipped to progress and take on new challenges. Empower attendees to build skills and move their journey forward.

Key Topics

  • Career Development
  • Skill Building/Development
  • PMI Resources for Development

Example Sessions by Audience

  • Next-Gen Professionals/Students:  "Building Your PM Career: Top Skills and Tools for Early Success"
  • Mid-Level Practitioners:  "Unlock Your Leadership Potential: How to Step into Influential Roles"
  • Senior Leaders:  "Creating Future Leaders: Developing High-Potential Talent in Your Organization"

Get Future Ready

Staying ahead is no longer optional

Helping our community respond to industry shifts and emerging technologies is critical to delivering successful projects and driving outcomes.

Why It Matters

As our environment evolves, so does project complexity.

From AI to shifting market dynamics, project professionals must constantly adapt to navigate change and lead with confidence. Share your insights on what it takes to stay ahead and be Built to Move.

Key Topics

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Agile
  • Hybrid Ways of Working
  • Trends and Innovation
  • Industry/Specialization-Specific Insights

Example Sessions by Audience

  • Next-Gen Professionals/Students:  "AI for Beginners: What Every New Project Manager Should Know"
  • Mid-Level Practitioners:  "Scaling Agile in Hybrid Teams: Lessons Learned from High-Performing Projects"
  • Senior Leaders:  "The Executive Edge: Leveraging AI to Drive Data-Informed Decision Making"
  • Construction:  "Digital Transformation on the Jobsite: How AI and IoT Are Enhancing Construction Projects"
  • Healthcare:  "AI and Data Integration: The Future of Healthcare Project Management Efficiency"

Lead the Way

Great project professionals don’t just manage delivery.

They inspire action, navigate uncertainty, and drive meaningful change, supported by the strategies and insights, needed to lead in today’s complex environment.

Why It Matters

As projects grow in scale and complexity, leadership is defined by the ability to move people and organizations forward.

We’re looking for speakers who can empower others to take action and shape what’s next.

Key Topics

  • Sessions by PMO Leaders for PMO Leaders
  • Strategy & Business Acumen
  • Change Management
  • Organizational Culture
  • Leadership
  • Gigaprojects

Example Sessions by Audience

  • Next-Gen Professionals/Students: "Leading Without a Title: How Newcomers Can Influence Project Success"
  • Mid-Level Practitioners: "Mastering Change Management: Strategies for Leading Transformative Initiatives"
  • Senior Leaders: "Organizational Excellence: Driving Results Through Business Acumen and Culture"

Make an Impact

At PMI, our purpose is clear: maximize project success to elevate our world.

Achieving that means helping our community understand how their work drives outcomes beyond the project, shaping organizations, communities, and the environment around them.

Why It Matters

Project management is a force for good.

Sessions in this area highlight real-world examples of how professionals are solving global challenges, advancing ESG goals, and creating meaningful change.

Key Topics

  • Real-Life Examples of PM as a Force for Good
  • Integrating sustainability and ESG goals into project planning
  • Project success stories that solve complex challenges

Example Sessions by Audience

  • Next-Gen Professionals/Students:"Starting with Purpose: How Young Professionals Can Lead Projects that Make a Change"
  • Mid-Level Practitioners: "Integrating Sustainability Goals: How PMs Can Embed ESG into Project Plans"
  • Senior Leaders: "Driving Global Impact: The Role of Project Leaders in Advancing Sustainability"

Accelerate Career Growth

Developing others through guidance, continuous learning, and access to the right resources creates momentum that strengthens teams, organizations, and the profession.

Why It Matters

Career growth doesn’t happen in isolation.

When people are supported, they are better equipped to progress and take on new challenges. Empower attendees to build skills and move their journey forward.

Key Topics

  • Career Development
  • Skill Building/Development
  • PMI Resources for Development

Example Sessions by Audience

  • Next-Gen Professionals/Students:  "Building Your PM Career: Top Skills and Tools for Early Success"
  • Mid-Level Practitioners:  "Unlock Your Leadership Potential: How to Step into Influential Roles"
  • Senior Leaders:  "Creating Future Leaders: Developing High-Potential Talent in Your Organization"
Preparing Your Proposal

Speakers are selected through a competitive, double-blind review process. Our volunteer reviewers will be looking for sessions that inspire, educate, and deliver practical value.

The Best Proposals:

  • Understand what inspires the audience

    and are tailored to specific professional cohorts based on their career stage, industry, challenges, etc.

  • Align with this year's theme "Built to Move", M.O.R.E. and PMI's focus areas

    which provide a framework to address the essential and evolving needs of Project Professionals worldwide.

  • Help Move Careers

    Inspire other project professionals to grow and move their careers forward.

  • Guidelines for Preparing Your Proposal Submission

    Get important information and guidelines for submitting your Global Summit Series proposal, as well as an understanding of timelines and deliverables for accepted proposals.

    View Guidelines

  • Presentation Proposal Worksheet

    Use this worksheet, with details on what information is needed and how to fill out the online form, to prepare your submission.

    View Guidelines

Key Dates

See the dates and proposal submission deadline:

  • 18 June 2026

    PMI® Global Summit 2026 Detroit: Built to Move

Earning PDUs for Your Presentation

Earn PDUs for Giving Back to the Profession and the time you spend preparing and delivering your Global Summit presentation– 15 minutes equals .25 PDUs, or 1 hour equals 1 PDU.

Just be sure to track your time, so that you may claim PDUs as a self-reported activity.

Check out the certification handbook for more details.

Submission Requirements & Tips

Requirements

Expand All

Submission Tips

Expand All