After a January winter storm forced a last-minute reschedule, 39 dedicated industry professionals had waited two extra months to finally join us in Austin, TX. We hope that for this year’s AIPM students, last week was worth the wait! We are grateful for all the enthusiasm and energy they brought to the classroom – a critical component to making MCAA’s Advanced Institute for Project Management (AIPM) a memorable and impactful learning experience. So, to AIPM Class 22: thank you – and congratulations!
Designed for Senior Project Managers, Project Executives, Operations Managers, and those leading teams and large-scale work, AIPM is a program for those with some battle scars. Don’t let the name fool you; this program isn’t just about managing projects—it’s about managing people, risk, operations, and the complex, often unpredictable challenges that define the industry’s biggest jobs. Through a blend of discussion-driven sessions, scenario-based exercises, and real-world problem solving, participants engaged directly with the kinds of “big, nasty problems” they face every day.
Like all MCAA educational programming, the AIPM is ever-evolving to keep pace with the needs of our members. One of this week’s standouts was the debut of a new session led by legendary sports broadcaster and “Voice of the Baltimore Ravens” play-by-play announcer Gerry Sandusky. The session was an immediate hit, offering participants a fresh perspective on leadership presence; representing your company in the best possible light; and the power of delivering a message with clarity and impact.
So, what did the participants themselves have to say about their AIPM experience?
- “A fantastic experience, with an incredible combination of peers and instructors. If you don’t take a dozen lessons away from it, you weren’t trying.”
- “Wonderful experience that opens your eyes to how you can improve as a manager of people and on the project, as well as giving insight into how the struggles you face are the same as others… and a great opportunity to understand how others face those struggles.”
- “Great experience overall. It was wonderful getting to meet and talk with folks from across the industry as well learn that we all have the same struggles regardless of location. Course content was also relevant, current, and insightful.”
- “I learned a lot this week – items that I can use for myself, the people I report to, and the people that report to me. I’m confident this will help progress my career.”
- “I really enjoyed the AIPM experience, and I would say the best part is learning from the on-the-job experience of other classmates! Learning from them and having discussions with them throughout the week helped to build on the information being presented and the real-world problems we all face.”
- “This was a tremendous experience and I am thankful for the opportunity to be here. Thank you!”
As reflected in the feedback, the AIPM continues to showcase the value of bringing together the best and brightest in our industry. By learning from one another and from seasoned experts, participants leave better equipped to lead their teams and tackle the challenges ahead.
The AIPM is run once a year. For more details about next year’s program, visit the AIPM course webpage. Registration for the 2027 AIPM will open at noon EST on October 1, 2026.
