BRMConnect 2017: Unlike Any Conference You’ve Ever Been To

Posted | Category: BRM Community | Contributed

If you weren’t able to attend BRM Institute’s third annual BRMConnect conference in Washington, D.C., hear what some of our attendees, storytellers, and award winners had to say about their experience.

Every year, our attendees, storytellers, and award winners say it again and again: the World BRMConnect conference is unlike any conference you’ve ever been to.

Whether you’re a CIO, seasoned BRM, or just beginning to explore the career path of a business relationship manager, BRMConnect holds immeasurable value for professionals at all levels—and surpasses their expectations every time. This year’s World BRMConnect conference was no different.

Held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Washington, D.C., business professionals from varying industries, professional backgrounds, and countries around the world came together for an unforgettable learning and networking experience—and left with new industry connections, valuable skills, and a fresh understanding of their role and goals within their organizations.

Whether you’re hoping to see what you missed, decide whether to attend next year’s conference in San Diego (we hope you do!), or relive this year’s experience, here’s what your colleagues had to say about the World BRMConnect 2017 conference.

The Experience

“BRMConnect 2017 in Washington, D.C. was enjoyable, educational, and an acceleration of my own growth as a BRM leader.  The open dialogue and willingness of experienced industry leaders to share not only in the sessions, but outside of the events, created an empowered sense of community and networking strength beyond most conferences.”

Jim Brusnahan

Director, IT BRM, Global Manufacturing and Engineering Excellence, Johnson Controls

“I invested one week of my time and a trip to go from Sweden to Washington, D.C., and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made for me and my business. I met so many wonderful people and learned a lot of new, great stuff from BRM Institute, colleagues, and presenters. I think this was—no, let me correct that—I KNOW this was the best conference I’ve ever been to.”

Leif Andersson

BRM Trainer, Consultant, and Facilitator, Illumineight

“The 3rd annual BRMConnect Conference was an absolute success! I enjoyed meeting all the new faces, hearing new experiences and successes, and catching up with colleagues. The people with the role and skills of a BRM are truly unique and special people—it’s an honor to contribute to where they can network and share experiences through the BRM Council.”

Stephanie Walsh

Senior Director, Relationship and Product Strategy, AmerisourceBergen

“Thank you so much to BRM Institute, our wonderful storytellers, and the unbelievable panel of guest speakers! I left BRMConnect 2017 in awe of the talented and driven individuals I’m proud to call my colleagues and with renewed energy to break through the barriers and achieve greatness!”

 

Lee Reiff

Business Relationship Manager, Larimer County, Information Technology Division

Sessions & Storytellers

“I’m not sure I’ve been to many conferences where I struggled because there were simply too many good sessions to attend. Loved all the storytellers, and that goes for those who shared their stories with me in breaks and evening events. You simply cannot find better people, stronger content, and more inspiration for those on the journey to strategic partnership.”

Kip Fanta

Principal, Kip Fanta Group

I quickly realized that my CIO needed to be in that room! The storytellers were one of the best elements of the conference, sharing their perspectives and answering questions regarding real-world application of BRM techniques/tools. The presenter’s feedback gave me the ability to return with a game plan for building the BRM role and capability, even within a challenging organizational culture.”

David Prater

IT Business Relationship Manager, Hillsborough County

“The bulk of the storytellers were practicing BRMs, rather than the usual conference pattern of consultant/vendor presenters. Back in 2015, it was difficult to get BRMs to lead sessions—not so this year. While the consultant/ vendor presentations are polished and packed with useful information, there’s nothing like a conference for BRMs by BRMs!”

Vaughan Merlyn

Principal, The Merlyn Group

I liked the diverse options of subjects to attend, interaction, and pragmatic approach to many of the topics.  This wasn’t a place to come sit down and watch PowerPoint presentations; it was an engaging, relevant, and motivating discussion.  I walked away with many ideas and new approaches to current situations, as well as new contacts who have experience in what we’re working on.”

Jim Brusnahan

Director IT BRM, Global Manufacturing and Engineering Excellence, Johnson Controls

The BRM Community & Networking

All conferences promote networking, but BRMConnect delivered. Networking opportunities were available with industry colleagues, presenters, and BRM thought leaders. I had multiple conversations around organizational obstacles; all were eager to have the conversation. The conference was impactful to both my professional and our organizational growth.”

Leanne McGiveron

Associate Director, Business Relationship Management, Purdue University

“The BRM is the only position that has the view from both sides of the fence, but is often isolating whilst attempting to reflect both business priorities and demands against the constraints and complexities of delivering technology needs. BRM Institute has provided a great space to develop strategic partnership, allowing a share of views and concepts with like-minded people.”

Simon Matthews

Cunard Technology Business Partner, Carnival UK

“I have benefited immensely from the BRMConnect Forums, Online Campus, and BRMConnect Conferences, which have all enhanced my knowledge and helped me connect with a network of global BRMs. The most gratifying aspect for me is the ability to give back in the form of mentor, leader, and fellow BRM practitioner and see this community grow. Proud to be a part of the global BRM community!”

Suresh GP

Managing Director, TaUB Solutions Pte Ltd

“I greatly enjoy working with my BRM Institute peers through the BRM Council to learn and contribute to the betterment of the BRM practice. I have also enjoyed meeting everyone in this wonderful community, whether in person, on the phone, or through the Online Campus. I look forward to continuing my journey with the great BRM Institute community. Thank you!”

Jason Ruiter

Business Relationship Manager, Wholesale Manufacturing, Agrium IT

2 Responses

  1. Sandy Stor says:

    I’m looking for the entire Agenda and list of workshops that were available for the BRM Conference in 2017 please. I will use it to support my request within my Organization to attend the 2018 conference.
    Appreciate you sharing this asap. I can’t seem to locate that or the materials from the 2017 conference on your website. 🙁

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