This year marks a pivotal turnaround to life as we know it –COVID-19 forced a quick and complete review of business planning and execution. Elaborate well thought through plans became obsolete within weeks. The impacts on society are as remarkable. Assumptions on fundamental human rights, such as religious gatherings, education and social support, are being tested to the core. COVID-19, a minuscule dictator; at some stage shut down, two-thirds of the world.

The disruptive and fast-paced 4th industrial revolution pushed the boundaries of three-year strategic plans, to yearly or bi-annual strategy reviews. However, in a matter of weeks, COVID-19 managed to engage world leaders as active project participants.

Throughout  “IR4”,  IR5“, “Lean”, “Agile”, “SAFe”, “Hybrid” and “DevOps” to name a few transitional phases over the last decade, project managers had to adapt. But we managed because adapting is what we do best. Being able to navigate uncertainty, change, risks, and the impacts on people form the basis of what we do. As a close-knit community, we remain anchored in growing and sharing with our peers. PMSA has been a vital enabler to project managers in South Africa throughout this journey.

In line with the realities we are facing, the 2020 PMSA conference focusses on expanding our value to society and the economy while taking into consideration sustainability. Guided by the restrictions, regulations and norms dictated by COVID-19, we need to collaborate in finding new best practices rooted in “virtual connections.”

While so much has changed, some fundamental constants remain—the perfect balance between technology, process, people and culture is the vital enabler. As project managers, we need to stay anchored and give our stakeholders the stability they seek in these uncertain times. We have the experience, skills and knowledge. This conference provides a platform to reframe our purpose and to establish our newfound value.