PM Insight - Foster City Virtual Meeting: Simplifying the WBS
PM Insight-Foster City Virtual Meeting:
Simplifying the WBS
- Check your email folders including SPAM/JUNK folders
- Search your email using the event title above
- IF you believe you are not receiving ANY system emails fill out the form linked HERE
Tired of sticky notes and whiteboard sessions? Mind Mapping is used in requirements gathering sessions and the construction of the WBS. Mind mapping has traditionally been presented as a tool for planning and organization, an effective way to develop, organize, and present multiple facets of the project plan. Primarily used for the construction of the WBS, advanced uses of this technique also simplify the complex process of communicating the project plan. When Mind Mapping is coupled with technology it simplifies the process and enhances communication. During this presentation, I will explain the mind mapping theory and how that theory can be applied to BAs and PMs. I will also demonstrate best practice techniques in mind mapping and how it relates to technology. Participants will learn how to simplify the project life cycle and improve communication of a project plan.
Takeaways:
- Participants will learn how mind mapping will help break down complex projects into clear, actionable components—improving scope definition and team alignment.
- Attendees will explore how mind mapping technology supports both Waterfall and Agile approaches, and how its outputs can be exported to Gantt charts, timelines, and MS Project for seamless workflow integration
- Participants will discover how mind mapping helps prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, and boost overall team productivity.
- Attendees will gain insight into how mind mapping supports neurodiverse thinking styles and fosters inclusive collaboration across diverse teams.
- Participants will learn how to use mind mapping's visual outputs to present project plans, and progress in a way that enhances stakeholder engagement and decision-making.
About the Instructor:
Brandon Conrad
Our presenter today is Brandon Conrad from MatchWare Inc. Brandon has a degree in Economics and Psychology from the University of Kansas. Brandon has worked for MatchWare since 2005 as a product manager. In his time there he has focused on mind mapping software and how it relates to project management. Brandon has written articles and given presentations to multiple project management groups in the US and Europe about using mind mapping in project management. His articles have been published in multiple PMI publications. His presentations have been with various PMI chapters and at the PMI Global Congress in 2009.
Meeting Leader: Larry Staley
Online Registration
PMI Silicon Valley Members: $5.00
Non-Members: $5.00
Students & Veterans: Free (Please contact Meeting Leader for the discount code)
Cancellation Policy
This event is a professional society meeting, held for the benefit of its members. The Plan Ahead registration fee paid is based on the registrant's ability to commit to attendance, ahead of time. The Plan Ahead registration fee will not be refunded for any reason, other than event cancellation, after normal business hours (5:00 PM, Pacific) on the registration deadline day. The PMI - Silicon Valley Chapter reserves the right to make last-minute changes to program content and speakers, as circumstances dictate.
Event Properties
| Event Date | 11-19-2025 6:00 pm |
| Event End Date | 11-19-2025 8:00 pm |
| Cut off date | 11-18-2025 10:00 pm |
| Individual Price | 5.00 |
| No. of Business Acumen PDUs | 2.0 |
| Location | Virtual Event |