
The Next Edge
A Professional Development Experience
Designed for Leaders at Every Level.
This is a day for everyone—whether you're an experienced professional or just getting started. The day kicks off with an inspiring keynote from renowned educator and author Dr. Angela Long, followed by your choice of breakout sessions in either Project Management or Change Management.
A Day of Insight & Action.
Begin with a keynote by Dr. Angela Long, then choose between breakout sessions in Project or Change Management. Enjoy a Power Networking Lunch, followed by a hands-on, gamified workshop full of strategy, collaboration, and friendly competition.
Skills. Strategy. Connection.
Certified project managers and change managers can earn 5 PDU’s in a fun, engaging environment, while those new to the field will gain valuable tools, insight into certification pathways and connections with industry leaders — all at an accessible price point.
Professional Growth, Real-World Value.
Whether you're earning PDUs or just exploring your next step, this experience was built to be accessible without sacrificing impact. For just $30 (PMI, ACMP, or INIE Members) or $35 (Non-Members), you'll walk away with powerful insights, new connections, and actionable skills you can put to work right away.
Your Day at a Glance
Opening Keynote
The Human Element in an AI World with Dr. Angela Long
AI is changing the way we lead, work, and adapt, but the most powerful tool in any transformation is still human insight. In this keynote, Dr. Angela Long explores the intersection of innovation and humanity, offering a visionary take on how change leaders and project managers can help organizations move forward with confidence.
About the Speaker
Dr. Angela Long is a nationally recognized speaker, author, and researcher focused on the future of work and learning. As Chief Engagement Officer at Tallahassee State College, she leads strategic initiatives including the President’s Leadership Institute. Her past roles include Director of Learning and Innovation at the Florida Department of Education and co-editor of Innovative Ideas for Community Colleges. Dr. Long is the creator of the Six Factors theory for nontraditional student success and is currently writing on how AI is reshaping education and workforce development. She co-leads the Future Ready Tallahassee initiative and recently presented at the UN’s AI for Good Summit in Geneva. Dr. Long also holds certifications in the future of work and AI leadership and serves on national advisory boards including the AACC and the Myers-Briggs Company.
Breakout Sessions:
Project Management + Change Management
Chart Your Project Management Path: Strategic Certification Planning for Career Excellence with Michael Black, PMP
Project Management Institute® (PMI®) certifications are among the most respected professional certifications in the world. These certifications validate your project management expertise and open doors to higher-paying career opportunities. This presentation will demystify the world of project management, showcase the diverse career paths available, and guide you through the process of earning a PMI certification that can transform your professional trajectory.
Michael Black, PMP
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Mapping career paths across high-demand industries valuing PMI credentials with salary impact analysis
Reviewing project management fundamentals - 5 process groups, 10 knowledge areas, and methodology comparisons
Selecting optimal certification (PMP®/CAPM®/PMI-ACP®) aligned with experience and career goals
Navigating the application process including experience documentation and best practices in exam preparation strategies
Planning professional development with PDU requirements, renewal timelines, and networking opportunities
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Michael Black, PMP is the Program Management & Oversight Administrator at the Florida Digital Service, where he leads statewide project management standards and oversees major IT initiatives. He began his PM career at the Florida Department of Revenue, managing diverse projects in data, software, security, and change management. Michael holds multiple certifications, including PMP, Certified ScrumMaster®, and PMI-approved trainer credentials. Passionate about professional development, he’s actively pursuing advanced certifications in agile and PMO leadership.
Change Leaders Wanted: Your Roadmap to CCMP® Certification and Career Acceleration with Phillip Johnson, CCMP
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the ability to guide successful change initiatives isn't just valuable—it's essential. Discover how change management professionals bridge strategy and execution, driving successful transformations while engaging stakeholders. Learn about the gold-standard CCMP® certification—a globally recognized credential that validates your expertise and opens doors in this rapidly growing field. We'll explore career opportunities and build your roadmap to professional certification success.
Phillip Johnson, CCMP
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Identifying job roles where change management certification provides competitive advantage and potential for increased salary
Examining change management fundamentals including the ACMP Standard© framework and core methodologies (ADKAR, Kotter's 8-Step)
Articulating certification ROI and compare the CCMP® with other credentials to demonstrate value to employers
Navigating certification requirements including eligibility, application process, exam format and best-practices for exam prep
Creating actionable timeline with study resources, training programs, and immediate next steps for certification pursuit
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Phillip Johnson, CCMP is a certified change management professional with 20+ years of experience leading transformation across public sector programs. He chairs the ACMP Florida Chapter’s Professional Development Committee and leads the ACMP Public Sector Committee in Tallahassee. His background spans workforce development, healthcare, and education, with roles in nonprofit leadership, grants management, and consulting with Ernst & Young and KPMG. An experienced educator, Phillip regularly delivers workshops on change management, WIOA, and public sector innovation.
Power Hour Networking Lunch
Sponsored by
The Project Management Institute
Our purpose is more than a statement. It's our reason for being and the force that guides everything we do. The world needs more projects to succeed. We need Project Professionals to take ownership of project success and successful implementation of critical projects. And we believe we have the unique ability to help. Together, we can impact our world through project success.
The Association of Change Management Professionals
ACMP is dedicated to advancing the discipline of change management through education, certification, and community. We empower professionals to lead change with confidence, drive transformation across industries, and build resilient organizations through proven practices and shared knowledge.
Gamify Project Management Session
Game On! Project Management Meets Play
Join PMI Tallahassee for a high-energy afternoon of game show-style challenges that sharpen your project management skills while keeping the laughs coming. Compete in fast-paced activities like Name That Stakeholder, Risky Business, and Way of Working Bake-Off—no team needed, we’ll pair you up on the spot. You’ll walk away with fresh strategies for estimation, stakeholder management, conflict resolution, and more. This is professional development with a competitive twist—where learning is just as fun as winning.
Reflect. Reconnect. Recharge.
This closing space is designed for meaningful conversations without the pressure of a session or schedule. Reconnect with new contacts, ask speakers your last burning questions, or simply reflect on the insights that moved you most. Whether you’re solidifying a new partnership, trading contact info, or quietly soaking in what the day meant for you, this is your summit moment.