IIR's Project Management Forum to be chaired by Alan Patching

He will also facilitate two one-day workshops, Essential Skills for Managing Project in Organisations and Strategies for Leading High Performance Project Teams.

If one word can be used to describe Alan Patching, that word is 'credibility'. He was formerly Project Director, responsible for managing and overseeing the design and construction of the largest Olympic stadium ever built for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. He has personally managed or directed development projects worth over AUD 6 billion and negotiated several huge property transactions including the largest property deal in Australia's property history (over AUD 1.2 billion) and the country's largest ever commercial lease.

Alan's passion and international reputation guarantee his presence at project management conferences around the globe. Says Elaine Kelly, Conference Director at IIR, " We are thrilled to have Alan back again. He has the unique ability to entertain and educate delegates, a rare talent in this industry. Delegates like Ajit Damodaran, Project Manager, NCR wrote, "Alan has great knowledge to explain all aspects of project management." S.D. Salman, Project Manager, DUBAL says
Alan lives up to his reputation".

"Alan also facilitates our highly successful Master's Certificate in Project Management run in conjunction with ESI and George Washington University in the States." Says Clare Agrotis, Event Director at IIR. " The courses have attracted such an overwhelming demand, we have had to book larger rooms and close certain modules. "

The Project Management Institute (PMI) is the world's leading non-profit professional association in the area of Project Management. The Arabian Gulf Chapter has over 600 members with regional representatives in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait.

With membership soaring to nearly 90 000 from 74 000 a year ago, in around 120 countries, PMI estimates there are around 12 million project managers world wide.

Project Management Professionals (PMPs) are now able to earn professional development units ( PDUs) by attending training events and conferences with the Institute of International Research. " We are delighted to be the first training company in the region to become a Global Registered Education Provider with PMI." Comments Elaine Kelly. " By attending our forum in March, PMPs can earn up to 24 PDUs toward maintaining their professional status with PMI.