The uninformed, accidental, figurehead, or completely-inexperienced-with-projects Sponsor can kill a project faster than just about anything. This presentation will focus on what to look for in a Project Sponsor (or what to do if you are one), what you should (and shouldn't) expect from a Sponsor, and how to work with a Sponsor effectively, including:

• How much does a Sponsor really need to know about project management?
• How do you know if you've got the 'right' Sponsor?
• Warning signs: is this project on your Sponsor's performance review?
• What an effective Sponsor should (and shouldn't) be concentrating on
• Demanding Sponsor accountability - carefully

Ken has been an IT and Program Management Director and Principal in a number of large organizations, focusing on IT organization, strategic portfolio management, technology and strategy, business alignment, advanced project management practices, and teaching and training on program and project management tools, processes, and competencies. He has a Masters degree in Engineering (Project Management) from the University of Calgary.

Ken has expanded his skill set by lecturing on effective leadership, IT organizations, and project management, and by continuing to teach in the Graduate Management and Engineering programs at the University of Calgary. He is also a guest lecturer on project management for the Queen’s MBA in Science and Technology, Royal Roads University, and the Executive MBA program at the University of Alberta.

• 5:00pm - 6:00pm - Networking
• 6:00pm - 7:00pm - Dinner
• 7:00pm - 8:00pm - Dinner and Speaker