IT Project Management Research Symposium 2026
Advancing IT & Engineering Project Management
26 November 2026
Level 6, WZ Building, AUT City Campus
Join us at the Auckland University of Technology on Thursday, 27 November 2025 for a day dedicated to cutting-edge research and collaboration in IT and Engineering Project Management.
The IT Project Management Research Symposium brings together academics, practitioners, and students to share insights on emerging methods, technologies, and practices shaping the future of project delivery. Featuring two inspiring keynote speakers (to be announced), parallel presentation tracks, and opportunities to network with peers, the symposium is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about project management.
Paper submission deadline: 12 October 2026
Location: Level 6, WZ Building, AUT City Campus
The symposium will feature three specialised tracks:
- Agile Methods, Frameworks and Practice: Research on Agile methodologies, hybrid delivery models, and scaling Agile in complex environments.
- Digital Transformation and Innovation in IT Projects: How IT project management enables organizational change, digital adoption, and innovation.
- People, Teams, AI and Leadership in IT Projects: The human organizational dimensions and human-AI of IT project management.
These tracks showcase emerging research, methods, and practices relevant to their respective domains.
Programme – 26 November 2026
12:00pm – 1:00pm: Registration and Hot Lunch and Poster Showcase
1:00pm – 2:00pm: Welcome and Keynote Speaker – Youssef Mourra
2:00 – 2:30 – Keynote Speaker 2 – Damon Kelly
2:30pm – 3:30pm: Parallel Sessions
3:30pm – 4:00pm: Break – Afternoon tea and the Official Poster Showcase
4:00pm – 5:15pm: Parallel sessions
5:15pm – 5:30pm: Presentation of Prizes for Top Posters and Top Papers
5:30pm – 6:15pm: Panel Discussion – “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Technology Project Management: Transforming Work, Leadership, Practices, Organisational Structure and Roles”
6:15pm – 6:30pm: Close
6:30pm – 7:00pm: Networking with Refreshments Canapés
For Authors – Submission and Review Process
We welcome original research papers of up to 10 pages (including references). All papers undergo a double-blind peer review to maintain the highest standards.
Submission Process
- Prepare your manuscript (max 10 pages not including references) or A1 poster in pdf format.
- Submit posters to pmro@aut.ac.nz by 12 November 2026.
- Submit manuscripts to pmro @ aut.ac.nz by 16 November 2026.
- Receive decision by 17 November 2026.
- If accepted, revise your paper according to reviewer comments.
- Prepare your final print-ready paper.
- Register to attend the symposium.
- Present your paper at the symposium on 26 November 2026.
Download a Manuscript Template here.
Download a Poster Template here.
Publication:
Accepted papers will be published in the proceedings and shared in printed form at the research symposium. Authors retain copyright and may later republish their paper elsewhere.
Prizes:
There are three prizes totaling $1,000 for the best posters to be presented at the research symposium.
There are prizes of Microsoft Surface Laptops and stylus pens valued at $2,259 for the best three papers to be presented at the research symposium.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Partner with AUT’s Project Management Research Symposium and connect with leading academics and practitioners in IT and Engineering Project Management.
Sponsorship provides:
- Visibility to a targeted project management audience
- Opportunities to support emerging research
- Recognition in all symposium materials
For details, please see our Sponsorship Prospectus or contact us at pmro@aut.ac.nz.
Keynote Speakers
Innovators Driving the Future of Project Management
We are excited to announce the Keynote Presenters:
Youssef Mourra
Founder, Principal P3M Consultant
Nonsuch
Youssef Mourra
Youssef is an experienced consultant, trainer, and presenter with expertise in portfolio, programme, and project management. He has delivered training worldwide, helping organisations achieve their strategic goals. Known for turning complex topics into accessible learning, Youssef works with all levels, from staff to board members, across various sectors and countries. He has developed a great reputation for training and presenting material in a manner that many people find engaging and occasionally entertaining.
Damon Kelly
Founder and CEO
Enlighten Designs
https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonkellyenlighten/
Damon Kelly is the Founder and CEO of Enlighten Designs, a technology services leader known for pioneering AI-driven digital solutions and transformative customer experiences. With a deep passion for people, business, and technology, Damon founded Enlighten in 1998, not in a Silicon Valley garage but uniquely in a caravan in his New Zealand backyard.
Under Damon’s visionary leadership, Enlighten Designs has evolved into a cutting-edge technology partner, blending creativity, strategic thinking, and advanced AI capabilities. Damon champions using artificial intelligence to drive meaningful business innovation, frequently sharing insights and expertise online and at conferences as a recognized thought leader on the future of AI in enterprise settings.
Our keynote sessions will challenge assumptions, explore innovation, and inspire new thinking in project management practice and research.
Tickets
Presenters with an accepted paper are free.
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