A recap of the PMISC Virtual Networking Pilot

Thank you to everyone who joined our Design Together Virtual Networking pilot for the PMI Space Coast Chapter! Whether you logged in from across Brevard County, out of state, or from the next building over, you helped shape what this new monthly virtual networking series will become.

Why we ran a “design together” pilot

Instead of launching a fully-baked series and hoping it landed, we used this pilot to co-create the format with members. The intent was simple:

• Make networking more accessible across our very long county
  
• Offer an evening option for those who can’t always make lunchtime events
  
• Create more touchpoints that feel human, interactive, and genuinely useful — not “just another Zoom.”
  

We kept the format informal and camera-on-where-possible, with ground rules around respect, concise sharing, and making space for newer or quieter voices.

Because our live attendance was smaller than registrations, we skipped breakout rooms and stayed in one big circle, which turned out to be a gift — it gave everyone more time to talk and dig into what they really wanted from this series.

Who was in the (virtual) room

We had a diverse mix of attendees, including:

• Senior project and program managers from Florida Tech and other local organizations
  
• Leaders overseeing multiple business units and auxiliary services
  
• New PMPs looking to get more involved and “come out from under the rock” of heads-down life and parenting
  
• Professionals pivoting into project management from roles at Kennedy Space Center and other technical environments
  
• Members connecting in from out of state, including DoD program and project managers exploring relocation to the Space Coast
  

In other words: a small but mighty cross-section of our chapter.

A special visit from past President & CCTS Chair, Nimisha Vyas

One of the evening’s highlights was a surprise drop-in from Nimisha Vyas, past President of PMI Space Coast and current Chair of the Canaveral Council of Technical Societies (CCTS).

Nimisha shared what worked when she ran virtual networking events during COVID:

• Members brought their own dinner and joined online trivia nights
  
• Trivia pulled from PMI topics and general knowledge, using online tools that auto-scored winners
  
• They offered small prizes like $50 Amazon gift cards, which helped draw 30–40 people per session and kept things fun and competitive
  

Her big message: mix meaningful conversation with play. Talk about a topic, then shift into a game or challenge where people can relax, laugh, and connect.

Nimisha also spotlighted CCTS’s broader networking events, which bring together 20+ local technical societies — from IEEE to the Air Force Association — and give PMI members a chance to connect well beyond our usual circles.

What members said would make this series “worth it”

We ran a quick word-cloud poll asking:

“In one word or short phrase, what would make this series worth it for you?”

Your answers were incredibly consistent. Themes included:

• Making connections
  
• One practical takeaway you can use immediately
  
• Learning something new and applicable
  
• Exposure to new ideas, tools, and people
  
• Collaboration, interaction, and convenience
  

In other words: if you leave with at least one nugget of value and a new connection, the hour is well spent.

That echoed what people shared in conversation: a good virtual networking session is interactive, gives you tangible takeaways, helps you meet someone new, and (ideally) earns you a PDU or two along the way.

Topics you’d 100% show up for

We also asked:

“Drop one topic you’d 100% show up for in the next 3 months.”

Between live discussion and the poll, we heard strong interest in:

• Leadership & stakeholder management
  
• Leadership development and real-world leadership challenges
  
• Stakeholder engagement and how to “cut the fluff” when pitching to sponsors and executives
  
• Tools, techniques & PMBOK in practice
  
• Tools and techniques to stay organized
  
• How to actually use templates in different environments
  
• Overviews when new versions of the PMBOK come out, with clear “what changed and why it matters” explanations
  
• Governance, risk & PMO topics
  
• PMO maturity analysis
  
• Governance development, compliance, and monitoring & controlling
  
• Risk management (including methods like Monte Carlo) in a practical, hands-on way
  
• Career & employer connections
  
• Career networking sessions that bring in consulting firms, placement firms, and local employers (yes, including defense and aerospace) to talk about what they’re hiring for and how to stand out
  
• Collaboration in hybrid/remote teams
  
• Techniques for keeping distributed teams productive and connected
  
• Ways different industries (construction, operations, federal, tech) adapt PM principles to their world
  

Oh, and yes — AI made the list too.

What makes this feel like time well spent

When we asked what makes a session feel like a good use of time, you shared:

• Multiple practical takeaways you can apply at work the next day
  
• Real interaction, not just sitting through slides
  
• Meeting at least one new person or deepening a relationship with someone you only knew by name before
  
• The ability to earn PDUs while learning and connecting
  

Several folks also pointed out that virtual events help bridge the north–south distance in Brevard County — especially when an event in Melbourne or Palm Bay might be a stretch on a weeknight.

What’s next for the series

Here’s how we’ll use all of this:

• Synthesize the poll input, chat, and discussion
  
• Build a member-driven roadmap of topics and formats for 2026
  
• Pilot formats that blend:
  
• Short, focused learning segments (for PDUs and takeaways)
  
• Interactive elements (breakouts, challenges, games, trivia, scenarios)
  
• Space for real networking and conversation
  

The plan is to run these virtual networking sessions on the first Thursday of each month, slotted between our in-person events. We’ll skip January (since the first Thursday falls on New Year’s Day) and pick back up in February. Keep an eye on the weekly newsletter and events calendar for dates and registration details.

Thank you again

To everyone who showed up, shared a win or challenge, brainstormed topics, wrestled with polls from their phones, or just listened and took notes — thank you. You helped us move from “what if” to a concrete, member-shaped vision for this virtual networking series.

If you missed the pilot but have ideas, topics, or format suggestions, we’d still love to hear from you. And if you’re interested in helping deliver or facilitate future sessions, don’t forget there are volunteer roles (with PDUs!) available via volunteer.pmi.org.

See you online at the next session — and here’s to building a virtual networking space that feels energizing, practical, and uniquely Space Coast.