If I have learned nothing else in my design life, I know that a great project manager can make the difference between a successful, even joyful project and a painful slog to the leaden finish line. It’s rare that project managers of design projects (in the broadest sense of the word “design”) get the support and training they need. The project managers at Adaptive Path decided they would change this and have designed “Managing Design Projects,” a day long conference on February 5th, here in San Francisco.

Here’s what they say about it:

“Whether you call it product management, program management, or project management, it all boils down to managing creative teams. If you are a product manager, program manager, or project manager for creative teams, this is a prime opportunity to join peers for a day of inspiration, education and networking, removed from the hustle and distraction of your working life.”

And some of the topics they’ll cover:

• Facilitation
• Tools
• Client Relations
• Conflict Resolution
• Managing for New Methods & Technologies (including Agile Development, Design Sprints, Rich Internet Applications and Mobile)
• Extreme Scope Change
• Elevating the Practice

Scott Berkun is the keynoter. Julia Houck-Whitaker and I will be presenting some information on facilitation basics and work session planning. Lynn Waldera, a long-time organizational consultant to Adaptive Path, will be discussing conflict resolution. Finally, Brian Cronin will discuss the need to elevate the practice of project management. I am really looking forward to it and am very proud of the organizers!

Here’s more information on “Managing Design Projects.”