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August 2026 PMI Austin Lunch & Learn  

Project Management in an Emerging AI World, How Project Managers Can Prepare for What’s Next

Understand the shift. Strengthen human skills. Build your AI action plan.

PMI Austin Lunch & Learn 

Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. CT | Virtual 

Earn 1 PDU (0.5 Business Acumen, 0.5 Power Skills) 

Open to members and nonmembers

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future trend—it's actively reshaping how projects are planned, managed, and delivered. From generative AI tools that streamline everyday tasks to the emergence of agentic AI capable of reasoning, planning, and executing complex workflows, project managers are entering a new era of leadership. This Lunch & Learn explores what these advancements mean for the future of the profession and, more importantly, how project managers can prepare for what's next. Rather than focusing on AI as a replacement for project managers, this session examines how AI is transforming the role and increasing the value of uniquely human capabilities such as leadership, strategic thinking, communication, ethical decision-making, and stakeholder engagement. Attendees will gain an understanding of today's AI landscape, the impact of emerging technologies on project management, and practical steps they can take to build AI literacy while strengthening the skills that technology cannot replace. The session will also introduce a variety of learning resources, including professional certifications, micro-credentials, AI-powered tools, and executive education programs, that can help project managers confidently navigate this rapidly evolving profession.

Whether you are just beginning to explore AI or looking to stay ahead of the next wave of innovation, this session will provide practical insights and a roadmap for leading projects and teams in an emerging AI world.

You’ll learn how to:

• Differentiate between generative AI, agentic AI, and traditional automation, and describe at least one way each technology is influencing the project management profession. ·
• Identify three uniquely human skills that will become increasingly important as AI capabilities continue to evolve and explain how those skills contribute to successful project leadership. ·
• Develop a personal action plan by selecting at least two professional development resources or strategies they can begin using within the next 30 days to improve their AI literacy and prepare for the future of project management.

Key takeaways:

• A clear understanding of how artificial intelligence—including the emergence of agentic AI—is transforming the project management profession and why this technological shift differs from previous advancements.
• A practical framework for identifying the uniquely human leadership skills that will become increasingly valuable as AI capabilities continue to evolve.
• An AI Readiness Roadmap outlining actionable next steps to build AI literacy, responsibly integrate AI into daily project management practices, and remain competitive in an evolving profession. 
• Increased confidence in evaluating professional development opportunities, tools, and educational resources that support long-term career growth in an AI-enabled workplace.
• A renewed perspective that AI is not replacing project managers; it is redefining how project managers create value by enabling them to focus more on leadership, strategy, collaboration, and decision-making.
• About the speaker

Devyn Perez, PMP, is director of pre-construction and development at Repipe Specialists, where she leads pre-construction strategy, project controls, process improvement and operational initiatives for complex multifamily construction projects across the United States.

A former U.S. Army Engineer Officer, Devyn combines military leadership experience with practical project management to help organizations deliver projects more effectively while embracing innovation. She serves as Military Outreach Chair for the PMI Austin Chapter, helping active-duty service members, veterans and military-affiliated professionals translate military leadership into civilian project management careers.

Devyn was selected by PMI Austin to attend Caltech’s AI for Executives: A Rapid Blueprint for AI Adoption program. She has presented practical applications of artificial intelligence in project management and construction, with a focus on practical solutions that Project Professionals can apply to improve project outcomes.

 
Cost: $8 Members | $13 Nonmembers 

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Questions? please email our Lunch & Learn Committee Chair at LunchNLearn@pmiaustin.org.