Reflecting on PM Agora 2024

A Hub for Project Managers’ Wellbeing and Connection

After months of anticipation and preparation, PM Agora 2024 has finally come to a close, leaving us with incredible memories and invaluable insights. Organized by the Academy of Entrepreneurship, T-hap, and InnoEUsphere, in collaboration with the City of Athens, this year’s event brought together 90 participants from 10 countries for two days of learning, connection, and a deep dive into wellbeing for project managers.

A Warm Welcome from Our Hosts

The event began with inspiring words from our organizers and esteemed partners, including:

Andreas Grammatikogiannis, Deputy Mayor of the City of Athens
George Stefas, Head of EU Programmes of the Athens Development Company SA
Andreas Stefanidis, President of the Academy of Entrepreneurship
Alessandro Carbone, Founder & Director of T-hap
Christina Achilleos, Founder & CEO of InnoEUsphere

Their support and vision helped create a space where project managers could connect, learn, and grow in the heart of Athens.

Day 1: Professional Insights and New Connections

Day 1 kicked off with a Networking Session that encouraged participants to break the ice and engage in speed networking, forging new connections right from the start.

The icebreaking activities at PM Agora 2024 created an atmosphere of creativity and connection.

Icebreaker: “Plot Twist: Your Journey as a Movie” invited participants to reimagine their professional journeys as movie plots, complete with genres, titles, and unexpected plot twists. This playful storytelling exercise revealed the surprises and challenges of their careers, while also setting a fun and relaxed tone for the event.

Speed Networking followed, offering a fast-paced opportunity for participants to introduce themselves, discuss challenges, and explore potential collaborations. In just a short time, many made valuable connections that would shape the rest of their experience at the event.

The highlight of the day was a panel discussion featuring seasoned EU project managers, who shared their insights on the future of the profession, AI’s impact, and the evolving role of project managers. Our panelists included:

Petra Katana – Project Manager, Head of the Department for EU Projects in Adult Education Institution Dante
Spiros Voulgaris – Innovation Manager, Co-founder of Innovation Hive
Maciej Markowicz – Head of Project Management at Danmar Computers
Djordje Djokic – Founder & Chief Research Officer in Privanova
Konstantina Karameri – Senior Project Manager and Researcher at Stimmuli for Social Change

The Panel Discussion on the first day featured two sessions, with all speakers contributing to an in-depth exploration of key themes around project management and well-being.

The first session focused on balancing well-being with human-centric approaches and the growing role of technology in project management. Discussions covered effective time management, the impact of AI tools on team dynamics, and strategies to maintain a positive and supportive work environment. Speakers also shared insights into fostering emotional intelligence and maintaining human connection despite the increasing use of technology in managing projects.

The second session turned to the integration of AI in grant application processes. The conversation explored how to balance technical demands with the well-being of teams, emphasizing ways to reduce stress during intensive grant cycles. Participants discussed the role of AI in streamlining tasks while maintaining the human element, ethical considerations, and best practices for supporting team members throughout the grant writing process.

Together, these discussions provided attendees with valuable insights into creating a healthier balance between professional performance and personal well-being in a tech-driven environment.

The first day of PM Agora 2024 wrapped up with a dinner at the rooftop of The Artist Athens hotel, with breathtaking views of the Acropolis. This setting offered a relaxed space for participants to network and connect after a day full of insights and discussions, making for a perfect close to the day’s activities.

Day 2: A Deep Dive into Wellbeing and Balance

The second day was dedicated to exploring wellbeing and work-life balance, offering a range of sessions that addressed these critical themes. It began with a workshop titled “What is Wellbeing?”, led by Aimilia Markouizou-Gkika, where participants examined the fundamental aspects of wellbeing and shared strategies to foster a healthier work environment.

The workshop was a highly interactive and engaging session, with a strong focus on team-building activities. Participants explored the essence of wellbeing through discussions and exercises that encouraged them to reflect on their personal and professional lives. A key outcome of the workshop was the realization that “The project is you”, emphasizing that project managers must prioritize their own wellbeing in order to effectively lead and support their teams.

The Discussion Panel on “Wellbeing as a Holistic Concept” was a key highlight of Day 2, offering valuable insights into the complex relationship between project management and personal wellbeing. Moderated by Mariaelena Romanini, the panel featured experts who brought diverse perspectives to the table:

Alessandro Carbone: Presented key findings from the Project Managers’ Wellbeing Research, which identified common stressors such as high workloads, time pressures, and challenges in maintaining a work-life balance. The research emphasized the need for targeted wellbeing strategies in the project management profession.
Vassia Manika, Wellbeing Innovator – Founder of Wellbeing Innovations
Aspasia Dania, Assistant Professor, Physical Education Teacher Education Director of Sport Pedagogy Pedagogy Laboratory School of Physical Education and Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Greece
Aimilia Markouizou-Gkika, Psychologist,MA-Systemic Family Psychotherapist- Adult Trainer – Drug Addiction Counsellor
Maria Papazoglou, Career Coach and Executive Coach Corporate Trainer NLP Master Practitioner

The panel discussion delved into the importance of fostering a healthy work environment, sharing practical strategies for balancing performance with personal wellbeing, and exploring the future of wellbeing in project management.

Following this, the Wellbeing World Café emerged as one of the day’s most innovative activities, featuring three hands-on, interactive workshops that aimed to promote mental health through immersive experiences:

Round 1: Reflection Techniques for Personal Wellbeing – Facilitated by Ilias-Michael Rafail, participants explored various reflection methods to enhance their self-awareness and personal growth.
Round 2: The “Disturber”: Friend or Foe? – Led by Alexandra Vassiliou, this workshop invited attendees to confront and rethink disruptions in their lives, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.
Round 3: Coaching for Work-Life Harmony – Guided by Maria Papazoglou, this session focused on using coaching principles to find better balance between professional and personal life.

These sessions encouraged participants to engage deeply, providing them with valuable tools and techniques to support their wellbeing in both personal and professional contexts.

EMPOWERMENT Theater – A Transformative Experience with BO Maria Daskalova

At the close of the event, participants had the option to join the EMPOWERMENT Theater – Laboratory led by BO Maria Daskalova. This optional activity, inspired by the “Theater of the Oppressed,” offered a unique, therapeutic experience through the medium of theater. Attendees were invited to explore personal and collective challenges, expressing themselves in a safe and creative space. The session allowed participants to reflect, connect, and find empowerment through this transformative process, making it a fitting and introspective end to the event.

A Heartfelt Thank You & See You in Larnaka!

We extend our deepest gratitude to all the speakers, facilitators, the City of Athens, and each of you who participated in PM Agora 2024. Your energy and insights made this event a resounding success.

And as one chapter closes, another begins: PM Agora 2025 will be held in Larnaka, Cyprus, on the 2nd and 3rd of October 2025. Mark your calendars—we can’t wait to see you there for another enriching and inspiring event!

Stay tuned for updates, and let’s continue this journey of growth and connection together!