PMI Central Indiana Chapter Blog

Serving, Supporting, and Hosting

This year, in addition to serving on the Speaker and Agenda Subcommittee and the Event Communications Subcommittee, I was asked by our Chapter President, Kelly Sandstrom, if I would host the lunchtime Fireside Chat with Patrick Talty, President of Indiana Sports Corp.

It was an honor and one of the most thrilling experiences of my professional year.

Patrick and I met for about 30 minutes a little over a week before the event to shape the outline of our conversation. He is exceptionally clear about ISC’s long-range vision and the value outcomes they are working to deliver. Every question and prompt was crafted as a gateway for attendees to see what strong strategic leadership looks like up close and how essential hospitality, coordination, and project professionalism are to executing the events that define Indiana’s sports identity.

It did not matter that people were getting up to grab lunch or settling back in with their plates. The room stayed engaged. Patrick and I could have easily continued for another hour. If someone had set a beer in front of us, we might have continued for two.

I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity and even more grateful for the feedback that confirmed our objective was met.

A Quote That Stayed With Me

One quote from the day has been sitting with me ever since. It came from our opening keynote, Ethan Schwaber, and I only caught it because I happened to walk past the screen while checking on things around the venue, greeting speakers, and grabbing a bite of breakfast.

It was tucked quietly at the bottom of one of his slides:

“If you don’t measure value, don’t expect to be seen as valuable.”

That line has followed me ever since. It is simple, sharp, and deeply relevant to every project professional, regardless of industry, role, or methodology.

I would love to hear what it means to you. Visit our PMICIC LinkedIn Page and share your reflections.

Closing Thoughts

ProDev Day is never just an event. It is a community milestone, a moment where learning, leadership, and connection come together in a way that strengthens all of us. I am proud of what we created this year and I am already looking forward to building what comes next.