Why I'm So Excited to Host AM:PM

I've spoken at conferences for years. I've helped organize them, build communities around them, and watched countless people leave with new ideas and lasting friendships. But, I've never hosted one that was truly my own. Well…that's changing this fall.

On September 29–30, Jenny Plant and I will host AM:PM in Atlanta, Georgia, a 1.5-day conference for account managers, project managers, and agency leaders navigating growth, delivery, AI, and the operational realities of modern agency life.

What makes this especially meaningful is that AM:PM isn't a brand-new event.

It was created more than a decade ago by David C. Baker, who recognized something that still rings true today: the healthiest agencies don't treat account management, project management, and leadership as separate conversations. They work best when those groups learn together.

Over the years, David invited Jenny to become the voice of account management at the event. More recently, I joined to represent the project management side of the conversation.

Now David has entrusted Jenny and me with carrying AM:PM forward as the next stewards of the event. That's both exciting and humbling. Even better, David will be joining us as our featured speaker, sharing the perspective and wisdom that have influenced agency leaders around the world.

Why this event matters now

The agency world has changed dramatically.

Clients expect faster delivery. Teams are stretched thin. Account managers are balancing relationship-building with delivery oversight. Project managers have become operational leaders. Agency owners are still stepping into client situations they hoped their systems would solve.

And then AI showed up and changed the conversation again.

The challenges agencies face today rarely belong to one department. That's why AM:PM brings everyone into the same room. This isn't an account management conference, and it isn't a project management conference. It's an agency operations conference designed for the people responsible for helping agencies grow, collaborate, communicate, and deliver better work.

What we'll be talking about

Over a day and a half together, we'll explore topics like:

• Creating healthier partnerships between account management and project management
• Building operational systems that support growth
• Navigating AI without losing the human side of agency work
• Improving communication across teams
• Strengthening client relationships while protecting your people
• Leading agencies through change with clarity and confidence

There will be practical sessions, interactive discussions, leadership Q&A, and plenty of opportunities to connect with other people who understand what agency life actually looks like.

I'd love to see you there

This conference means a lot to me, not only because it's the first event Jenny and I are hosting together, but because we have the opportunity to continue something that has helped agency leaders for years while shaping what it becomes next.

If you're an agency owner, account manager, project manager, or operations leader looking for practical ideas and honest conversations, I hope you'll join us.

AM:PM
September 29–30, 2026
Monday Night Brewing Garage
Atlanta, Georgia, USA

I'd love to welcome you there.