The 2025 World BRMConnect® Conference | Speakers & Agenda
The World’s Largest BRM Event is Coming to Kansas City, Missouri
The 2025 World BRMConnect Conference
September 22-24, 2025
Speaker Sessions

Brandon Reese
Business Relationship Manager, Purdue University
Keynote Details
The Flywheel Effect: Turning Influence and Reputation into Momentum
In a role without formal authority, how do BRMs become essential to success? They build momentum. They start small. They lead without permission.
Explore how everyday efforts, intentional and strategic communication, and trusted relationships create a compounding effect, where your influence and reputation begin to generate opportunities on their own. Understand how this inertia can shift your role from reactive support to proactive, recognized leadership. Gain insight into how BRMs can lead with presence—even when they’re not in the room.

Glenn Remoreras
Chief Information Officer, Breakthru Beverage Group
Keynote Session
BRMs Reskilling with AI
Details Coming Soon!

Victoria Harness
Manager of Customer Demand, Virginia Information Technologies Agency
Keynote Session
YOU- Positively Leading for Value
Victoria leads attendees through discovering the power of authenticity in leadership in this powerful BRMConnect session. Explore your skills, identify how they directly impact your role and learn to leverage those skills to deliver meaningful value for your team and organization. This session is perfect for professionals in any leadership role or aspiring to- BRMs, project managers, C-suite leaders and beyond.

Michael Campbell
Head of Partner Success, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
Session Details
Design for Value- a BRM Superpower
Execution is paramount to a product’s success. Even more important is the thought put into the product’s design. In this interactive session, we’ll discuss how BRMs are perfectly positioned to keep a partner’s needs and wants centric to design. And how use of this BRM “superpower” can make the difference between a smash success… and just a smash.

Andrea Pence
Director of Business Relationship Management IT, Exact Sciences
Master of Ceremonies, EMCEE
Andrea will be the official EMCEE for BRMConnect!

Dr. Nate Crews
Enterprise Strategist, CalTech Center of Technology
Session Details
Maximizing BRM Value with IoT Technology: Navigating Success Through the Sailing Ship Metaphor
In the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology, the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies has become a cornerstone for driving innovation and maximizing value. This presentation explores how Business Relationship Managers (BRMs) can harness the power of IoT technologies—such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, blockchain, quantum computing, sensor networks, edge computing, and real-time data analytics—to align business objectives with cutting-edge technological solutions. Using the metaphor of a sailing ship, participants will journey through the interconnected roles of BRMs and IoT technologies, examining how the “crew” (stakeholders and systems) and the “wind” (data-driven insights) propel the “ship” (the organization) toward its strategic goals. This storytelling approach will provide actionable insights for leveraging IoT capabilities to create sustainable value, optimize operations, and navigate the complex waters of the digital age. By the end of this session, attendees will understand how to align IoT advancements with organizational strategies for long-term success.

Mike Hutley
Senior BRM, State of Oregon
Session Details
BRM Unleashed – Why Personal Growth Matters.
Description: In this Storyteller session, We will engage in conversation to understand why BRM’s are challenged to achieve personal growth, and how we can understand how Failure, Self-Awareness, and Embracing change can lead to personal growth. In addition, we will understand the personal growth process and how it can provide structure for learning to achieve our potential as BRM’s, and in turn, share that knowledge with our coworkers and communities.

Jeannine McConnell
Session Details
The Four “Love Languages” of a BRM
The ” languages” of a Business Relationship Manager (BRM) can be expanded refer to the four key communication styles or ways to effectively interact with different stakeholders, which are: “Words of Affirmation,” “Quality Time,” “Acts of Service,” and “Gifts,”; essentially mirroring the concept of “The Five Love Languages” developed by Gary Chapman, where the focus is on understanding how people best receive appreciation and define value. Being attuned to your partner’s ‘frequency’ can deliver better outcomes in satisfaction, engagement, productivity and trust development. Creating actionable measurable ways to not only tailor the BRM experience to meet your partners ‘language, but thinking bigger about experience metrics (XLAs) can revolutionize relationship health and measuring the value of the BRM experience.

Leanne McGiveron,MBRM
Sr. Business Relationship Manager, Enterprise Community Partners
Session Details
BRM: The Strategy to Closing the New Digital Divide
We all see it, hear it and experience it … digital disruption. We needed digital transformation during the COVID pandemic and were grateful for it. However, the digital world seems to be experiencing more disruption than transformation today. The continued, fast expansion of AI, Internet of Things, Smart homes, etc., has managed to catch people unaware. People are skeptical, frustrated and often walking away from emerging technologies. As BRMs, we are strategically positioned to help close the new divide by using or adapting the BRM frameworks and models. Join me as we put a different lens on the situation (hint: it isn’t about the technology, it’s about the business) and explore how you and your team can begin to close the divide.

Steve Kitowicz
EPMO Project Manager, Madison Area Technical College
Session Details
Navigating Conflict: Utilizing Interest Based Problem Solving and Other Tools for Conflict Resolution
Conflict is an inevitable part of collaboration, but when approached with the right mindset and tools, it can become a catalyst for stronger partnerships and better decision-making. In this session, let’s explore practical tools and techniques for managing disagreements, fostering an open dialogue and transform conflict from a roadblock- into a powerful tool for growth.

Tyeasha Harris
BRM, Wolters Kluwer
Session Details
From Growth to Greatness: A BRMs Journey in Building a Community of Practice
This session will share the story of a BRM’s career development and the creation of a community of practice. Tyeasha will share her personal insights, experience and expertise as she shares why community is essential for professional development and where to start for those who are new BRMs.
Three Key Takeaways from this session are
- Career Development Strategies- Learn practical approaches for growth as a BRM
- Building a Community of Practice- Understand the steps and best practices involved in creating and nuturing a Community of Practice within an organization.
- Leadership and Collaboration- Gain insights into effective leadership and the importance of collaboration in driving the success of a supportive community.

Christina Blincoe, MBRM
Business Relationship Manager, Black & Veatch
Session Details
What’s Your Next Strategic Move?
Go First. Lead Boldly. Influence Strategically.
In this high-impact session tailored for experienced BRM leaders, you’ll walk away with:
- Tools that elevate your voice at the executive table
- Practical applications for communicating with senior leaders and gaining trust
- An actionable Influence Blueprint to guide your next bold move and elevate your leadership
- A proven strategic framework for aligning BRM work with enterprise priorities
Whether you’re ready to shift from trusted partner to transformational leader—or need clarity on how to make your influence visible—this session is your launch point. It’s time to go first—because your next strategic move matters.

Mark Corradi
Business Process Lead, Bristol Myers Squibb
Session Details
Enhancing Cell Therapy Supply Chain for Patients with Cancer
Team stories from a cutting-edge perspective on fighting cancer. This panel will focus on five short stories about delivering more for our patients through CAR-T therapies. Please join us for this incredibly powerful panel.

Dr. Charlene Livaudais, MBRM
Consultant
Session Details
Mastering the BRM Competency Model: Translating Theory into Transformational Practice
In this engaging session, you’ll discover how to move beyond theoretical understanding of the BRM Competency Model to create real organizational impact. Whether you’re new to BRM or a seasoned professional, this presentation will equip you with practical strategies to:
- Master coaching as a transformative BRM competency to elevate team performance
- Develop the full spectrum of BRM competencies in yourself and your team
- Apply the BRM Competency Model to solve complex business challenges
- Leverage coaching techniques to navigate organizational change
- Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your BRM capabilities and connect with fellow professionals dedicated to driving business value through relationship excellence

Suresh GP, MBRM
President, TaUB Solutions
Workshop Details
Entrepreneurship DNA – Power to leverage for BRMs
Being an Entrepreneur for the last 10 years, I have seen some distinct resemblances of characteristics that have made me an effective BRM with my Business Partners. The experience of key entrepreneurial trait and scenarios of BRM journey is discussed with some pragmatic strategies to implement at the workplace.

Barbara Trotter
Business Relationship Manager
Session Details
Bridging Strategy & Intuition: NEW Transformative Leadership for BRMs
This presentation explores how Business Relationship Managers (BRMs) can revolutionize their roles by integrating intuitive insights and empathetic leadership with strategic practices. Drawing from personal experience and real-world examples, it demonstrates how the often-overlooked power of intuition—grounded in pattern recognition and emotional intelligence—can create stronger connections, foster trust, and drive measurable value across organizations. Attendees will learn actionable strategies to align professional goals with human-centric leadership, empowering teams, inspiring collaboration, and enhancing all four core BRM competencies. This session is designed to challenge traditional leadership norms and inspire BRMs to embrace a bold, purpose-driven approach that bridges the gap between the tangible and the intangible for long-term success.

Rajesh Rajagopal
BRM, Franklin Templeton
Session Details
Beyond Comfort Zones: Empowering Business Relationship Managers for Peak Performance
Growth doesn’t happen by standing still—and neither does excellence in Business Relationship Management. In this interactive session, we’ll explore the power of pushing past personal and professional comfort zones to unlock new potential as a BRM. Through personal stories and insightful interviews with BRMs across multiple organizations, we’ll dive into:
- Identifying comfort zones and their impact
- Strategies to go beyond your comfort zone
- Developing new skills and building confidence
- Measuring success and achieving growth

Mart Rovers
President, INTERPROM
Workshop Details
How to Build a Value Plan
Session Description Coming Soon!

Tom Kruse
Director of Story, BRM Institute
Session Details
Yelling at Sidewalks & Screaming into Pillows: Transforming Negativity into Creative Power
In this interactive session, we’ll explore how iconic innovators like Frida Kahlo and Elvis Presley channeled powerful emotions like anger, grief, and hopelessness and into groundbreaking success. These “negative” emotions are often seen as barriers, but in reality, they hold the key to creativity and personal growth.
Through hands-on activities, group discussions, and self-reflection exercises, you’ll learn how to turn emotions like fear and anger into productive energy. In a safe and supportive environment, we’ll dive into shadow work and practical strategies to help you show up as your most authentic, creative self.
By the end of the session, you’ll leave with actionable tools to enhance communication, build stronger relationships, and unlock your full potential for personal and professional growth.

Kip Fanta, MBRM
Principal, Kip Fanta Group
Workshop Details
The Power of Questions: Crafting a Purposeful Narrative
In this session, we’ll explore how the right questions can shape, refine, and amplify a purposeful narrative. As BRMs build relationships, looking to evolve the culture, questions serve as powerful tools to unlock deeper insights, drive engagement, and foster meaningful connections. We’ll examine how to structure questions to guide conversations, challenge assumptions, and inspire action. It’s critically important that you create a pull vs push when driving change. Through real-world examples and interactive discussion, attendees will leave with practical strategies to use inquiry as a catalyst for more compelling and effective narratives.

Elka Schrijver
Leadership Coach, Lead the Pack Consulting
Workshop Details
Rebuilding Bridges: Trust as the Foundation of Relationship-Centered Leadership
Workshop Description:
Trust is the foundation of every successful relationship—but trust can be strained or even broken. In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore the essential role of trust in Business Relationship Management using the Trust Triangle framework (authenticity, logic, empathy) as a lens. We’ll dive into practical exercises to identify trust builders and breakers in our daily work, and engage in meaningful discussions about how to recognize and repair damaged relationships.
Participants will leave with:
- A deeper understanding of how trust impacts collaboration and influence
- Insight into their own trust patterns and how others may perceive them
- Tools for addressing trust breakdowns and taking intentional steps toward repair
- Strategies for fostering trust within complex networks of stakeholders
Whether you’re navigating a difficult relationship or looking to strengthen team dynamics, this workshop offers a safe space to reflect, connect, and build stronger foundations for your BRM practice.

Peter Lijnse, MBRM
Leadership Coach, Lead the Pack Consulting
Session & Workshop Details
Our Brains Work Differently—And That’s a Good Thing for Relationships!
Session: This presentation explores how recognizing and valuing varied ways of thinking, cognitive approaches, processing information, and engaging with others can strengthen Business Relationship Management (BRM). By understanding and adapting to diverse cognitive patterns, communication styles, and problem-solving approaches, through BRM we can build more inclusive and effective relationship networks. These differences are not barriers—they are assets that drive better collaboration, innovation, and results. Creating environments where all thinking styles are acknowledged and supported benefits the entire organization, enabling deeper trust, better learning, and improved performance across the board.
Rebuilding Bridges: Trust as the Foundation of Relationship-Centered Leadership
Workshop Description:
Trust is the foundation of every successful relationship—but trust can be strained or even broken. In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore the essential role of trust in Business Relationship Management using the Trust Triangle framework (authenticity, logic, empathy) as a lens. We’ll dive into practical exercises to identify trust builders and breakers in our daily work, and engage in meaningful discussions about how to recognize and repair damaged relationships.
Participants will leave with:
- A deeper understanding of how trust impacts collaboration and influence
- Insight into their own trust patterns and how others may perceive them
- Tools for addressing trust breakdowns and taking intentional steps toward repair
- Strategies for fostering trust within complex networks of stakeholders
Whether you’re navigating a difficult relationship or looking to strengthen team dynamics, this workshop offers a safe space to reflect, connect, and build stronger foundations for your BRM practice.

Jeff Warren
President, Barkley Consulting Group
Workshop Details
Coming Soon
Coming Soon!

Tina Pomeroy
Business Relationship Manager, Vantive
Session Details
The BRM Guide to Strategic Influence
Are you a new BRM struggling to push back on business demand without damaging relationships? You’re not alone! In this session, you’ll learn how to confidently navigate demand constraints using strategic influence–a critical skill for guiding business priorities without formal authority.
Discover practical strategies to reframe tough conversations, align stakeholders with governance (IT, HR, Finance, etc.), and shift from order-taker to trusted advisor. If you want to strengthen your BRM impact and lead with confidence, this is the session you don’t want to miss!

Swarup Das, MBRM
Strategic Management IT Division, Texas A&M University
Session Details
It’s Loud In Here: Initiating and Sustaining the BRM Culture in a Changing Organization
How to initiate and establish a BRM practice in an organization that is undergoing change. How to focus on areas that bring the most value and results. How to create sustainable and replicable best practices that sustain the momentum.

Chris Ahrens
Business Relationship Manager, City of Austin
Session Details
The BRM Journey at the City of Austin: Transforming from Service Provider to Strategic Partner
Discover how the City of Austin worked to transform strained IT relationships into strategic partnerships. Learn tactics for increasing impact, earning leadership support, and driving meaningful change even with limited resources. Whether you are building a BRM program or trying to level up your strategy, this session offers actionable insights to take back to your organization.

Sonia Ardeel
Business Relationship Manager
Session Details
Coming Soon
Coming Soon

Ken Fanta
Business Relationship Manager, UW School of Medicine & Public Health
Session Details
Building the BRM Plane at 30,000 feet while flying it.
A story about our journey at SMPH-IIT around setting up a new BRM group while also consolidating 18 different IT Departments into one large group. All the while maintaining existing services and due to “politics” not being able to hire extra staff. How the traditional approach to forming a BRM group does not work here.

Ross Pallan
Senior Business Relationship Manager, Argonne National Laboratory
Session Details
Coming Soon
Coming Soon

Torri Smith
Managing Member, TyStar IT Partners, LLC
Session Details
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
This session is delivered virtually with live Q&A

Mohammed Muslim, CBRM
Strategic Business Relationship Manager, Hamad Medical Corp
Session Details
AI Adoption to Manage Business Relationships and Deliver Results
AI is no longer a futuristic concept- it is a powerful enabler of relationship-centered value creation. This session will cover the practical approaches for BRMs adopting AI to strengthen business relationships, drive informed decision making, and deliver measurable outcomes.
This session is delivered virtually with live Q&A

Sid Arya
Business Relationship Manager
Session Details
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
This session is delivered virtually with live Q&A

Ibiere Addey
BRM, Daiichi Sankyo
Session Details
Navigating the AI Revolution as BRM
Is the rise of GenAI spelling the end for Business Relationship Management discipline, or is it a ground breaking opportunity for evolution and growth? Curious? Then join us for an engaging session where we challenge the belief that GenAI could overshadow the BRM discipline. Let’s discuss – How these two forces can converge to create a powerful synergy that enhances strategic partnerships and drives exceptional business outcomes. – How do we ensure that amidst the rapid advancements of AI, the human touch and relational intelligence that define BRM remain at the forefront? Whether you’re a seasoned BRM professional or new to the field, this session should present a stage to discuss/share innovative insights, and envision a future where BRM thrives alongside radical technology. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this transformative dialogue!
Fuel Your Future with Innovation.
Get ready for a game-changing experience at this year’s BRMConnect Conference, where new ideas and non-stop learning ignite the future of BRM. Join industry leaders, innovators, and thinkers from around the globe as they offer strategies, spark innovation, and drive meaningful business impact.
Member Pricing
BRM Institute Professional Members enjoy a discount on their event tickets. The longer you’ve been a member, the better your discount. Keep an eye out in your inbox for your unique anniversary discount code. Don’t forget, you can stack your Early Bird Pricing with Member Discounts for amazing savings.
Early Bird $1895.00 Ends 6/30/25
Member Rate $2095.00
Regular Pricing
Non-members can also take advantage of Early Bird Pricing! We encourage you to register early to maximize your savings. Groups of 5 or more are eligible for a 10% discount so bring your team and share the knowledge! Prices are listed in USD.
Early Bird $1995.00 Ends 6/30/25
Regular Rate $2195.00
“BRMConnect is an amazing experience! The opportunity to engage with like-mind professionals, share real-life stories, and understand the true impact of business relationship management on organization is….invaluable. I walked away with new stratgies and a fresh perspective.”
– Peter Nichol, Data Science CIO
“This conference provided me such a unique and supportive environment of learning and networking. The connections I’ve made here have been instrumental in not only furthering my BRM knowledge but building relationships with peers who are passionate about driving value through relationships.”
– Julie Shingleton, NHS Business Services
“BRMConnect is more than conference; it’s a community of passionate professionals who truly understand that business starts with relationships. The energy, insights, sessions here are incredible, the practical takeaways have transformed how I approach my role as a BRM.”
– Sandra Zoratti
Agenda
Every year at BRMConnect, we design a dynamic program of learning content based on best practices, relevant trends and emerging knowledge.

Let’s get your boss on board.
BRMConnect is the most valuable event in the BRM industry.
More than 96% of attendees say it’s worth the time and investment to attend.
Still need help convincing your boss? Use our template to make your case to attend.
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