1970s

Project managers come together

The project management discipline grows in Australia across multiple industries, leading to the creation of the Project Managers’ Forum in 1976.

Driven by founding chair Bruce Hovey and a group of founding members in New South Wales, Project Managers’ Forum accepted over 250 members in its first year, conducted public forums, and organised a two-day conference. The organisation extends to Victoria in 1978 and officially registers as a non-profit limited liability company and an association.

The Project Managers’ Forum becomes the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM™) in 1978, with over 500 members.

1980s

Networks form

The project management world begins to develop the standards that underpin professionalisation today, as management of megaprojects comes to the forefront with the building of the Channel Tunnel and the Hong Kong Second Harbour Crossing.

The Project Manager Forum extends across Australia with the creation of chapters in South Australia, Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory. The development of a certification program for project managers begins in the Australian Capital Territory in 1987.

1990s

The National Office is established

The AIPM™ constitution, the National Competency Standards for project management, and a national support office are established in 1991.

The Western Australian Project Management Association (WAPMA), an independent organisation, joins AIPM in 1997, and a Northern Territory Chapter forms in 1999.

2000s

Organisational maturity and professional recognition

Project management grows and matures as a discipline, as does the AIPM™, which becomes known as the peak body for project management in Australia.

During the early 2000s, project-driven organisations grow across Australia, and the rigour of project management increases with the value of competent project managers.

The AIPM introduces the Project Management Achievement Awards (PMAA™) to recognise, honour and promote outstanding achievements in program and project management. The Tasmanian chapter forms in 2001, establishing the AIPM™ in every state and territory across Australia.

2010s

Project management is seen as a profession

The AIPM™ celebrates its 40th Anniversary in 2016 growing to thousands of members across Australia.

No longer a sub-domain of construction, production, and IT, project management becomes a domain, with the emergence of undergraduate project management degrees in Australia.

Qualification and RegPM™ certification now become essential in some industries to securing a role as a project manager.

The AIPM™ welcomes special interest groups initiatives and introduces a Mentoring Program and organisation packages.

2020s

Leading project management

As the leading project management association in Australia, the AIPM™ drives professional excellence and thought leadership in the project arena and brings people and ideas together for Australia’s success.

As project management becomes an essential skill in all industries, the AIPM™ looks to expand to a wider audience, seeking to raise the capability of project leaders and welcomes all project professionals to be part of the community.