Summer is a time to recharge our batteries, reconnect with family and friends, and return with renewed energy and fresh perspectives. I hope you are enjoying a well-deserved break and taking the opportunity to reflect on the year so far. 

While many of us are embracing the summer holidays, our volunteers continue working enthusiastically behind the scenes to prepare an exciting second half of the year. Together, we are building initiatives that strengthen our profession, our Chapter, and the value we bring to every member. 

PM Fair 2026 – Our Flagship Event 

Preparations for PM Fair 2026 are progressing exceptionally well. Our dedicated project team is working hard to create an inspiring event that offers valuable insights, meaningful networking opportunities, and practical takeaways for every participant. 

I am delighted to share that our three keynote speakers have confirmed their participation. Together, they will explore different dimensions of leadership and project excellence, all aligned with PMI's culture, values, and our M.O.R.E. principles. 

Saskia Van Uffelen will inspire us to think bigger, aim higher, and embrace the opportunities of tomorrow. Jurgen Ingels will share his entrepreneurial perspective on leading projects with ownership, accountability, and the mindset of an innovator. Lucila Dotto will demonstrate how sustainability principles can be integrated into project management to create lasting value and deliver successful outcomes. 

To encourage organizations to invest in the development of their project professionals, we are also introducing an exclusive Corporate Package. PM Fair is much more than an event—it is an investment in people, professional growth, and the future of project management within every organization. 

One of the highlights of PM Fair will undoubtedly be our executive panel discussion, moderated by Wim De Vilder, exploring the question: 

"What do CEOs expect from project managers in 2030?" 

This discussion is closely connected to PMI Global's Talent Gap study, which highlights one of the most significant challenges facing our profession. As experienced project managers retire, organizations need a new generation of professionals who are ready to embrace project leadership and continue developing the skills required in an increasingly complex world. Understanding executive expectations today helps us prepare for the future of our profession. 

 

Expanding Our Partnerships 

Building strong partnerships remains one of the strategic priorities of PMI Belgium Chapter. 

I am pleased to announce our collaboration with the Brussels Chamber of Commerce (BECI). Since PM Fair takes place at The EGG in Brussels, this partnership was a natural next step and creates exciting opportunities for both organizations. 

I am honoured that Thierry Geerts will officially open PM Fair together with me and contribute his insights during our executive panel discussion. This collaboration also introduces PMI Belgium Chapter to BECI's broad business network while allowing our members to participate in many of the professional events BECI organizes throughout the year. 

Our partnership begins immediately. In September, we will organize our first joint event at BECI together with two of our valued Chapter sponsors, Cplace and Agile-Aligned. We look forward to bringing together project professionals, business leaders, and our partners for an evening of learning and networking. 

We have also initiated discussions with VOKA (Flanders) and ACTE (Wallonia) as we continue exploring opportunities to collaborate with organizations that share our commitment to professional excellence and innovation. 

Shaping the Future of Our Chapter 

As we enter the third quarter of 2026, we also begin preparing for an important milestone in the life of our Chapter: the election of our future Board Directors. 

As announced during the General Assembly on 15 June 2026, we are introducing a new tandem transition period between outgoing and newly elected Board Directors. This approach will facilitate knowledge transfer, ensure continuity, and provide new Board members with the support they need during their first months. 

To make this possible, we have advanced the elections for the 2027–2028 Board. The process follows the same transparent approach as in previous years: announcement of the open Board positions, call for candidates, validation by the Election Committee, member voting, and, hopefully, the introduction of our newly elected Board Directors during PM Fair 2026. 

Our Chapter thrives because members choose to step forward and contribute their time, expertise, and passion. If you have ever considered becoming more involved, I warmly encourage you to take that next step. New ideas, fresh perspectives, and new energy are essential as we continue shaping the future of PMI Belgium Chapter. 

Learning and Growing Together 

Our successful collaboration with the IIBA Belgium Chapter continues in September with another joint event exploring the theme "Preventing Project Failure." 

Through our M.O.R.E. principles, we strive to maximize project success and elevate our world. At the same time, it is equally valuable to reflect on why projects fail and even challenge us to define what project failure actually means. 

By bringing together the perspectives of project managers and business analysts, this interactive workshop will encourage participants to identify early warning signals, anticipate risks, strengthen collaboration, and ultimately contribute to better project outcomes. 

Our Community of Practice Life Sciences is also preparing another outstanding event. Together with Argenx, we will organize the third edition of the R&D PPM Day, dedicated this year to the theme Project Innovation. 

Innovation is at the heart of the life sciences sector, and project management plays a critical role in transforming scientific discoveries into tangible benefits for society. The project team at Argenx has developed an excellent programme featuring expert speakers who will share their experiences and perspectives on what project innovation means in today's research and development environment. I am confident this event will once again become an inspiring platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration. 

Looking Ahead 

As I look ahead to the coming months, I am filled with optimism. PM Fair 2026, our expanding network of strategic partnerships, the Board elections, and the many learning opportunities offered by our Communities of Practice all demonstrate the strength and ambition of our Chapter. 

None of these achievements would be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, sponsors, partners, and members. Thank you for your continued trust, your enthusiasm, and your commitment to our profession. 

I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful and relaxing summer. Take the time to recharge, enjoy the moments that matter most, and return with renewed energy. I look forward to meeting many of you at our upcoming events as we continue to strengthen our community and shape the future of project management together. 

With smiling greetings, 

Anja Vandenbergh, PMP 
President, PMI Belgium Chapter