About Us The Professional Development Summit was founded in 2008, as a joint venture of CIPS, IIBA, and CMC.

The Professional Development Summit 2011 is jointly presented by six organizations: Atlantic Association for Software Quality Assurance (AASQA); Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS); Canadian Association of Management Consultants (CMC); International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA); IT Service Management Forum (itSMF) and the Project Management Institute (PMI).  While they have come together for a common Professional Development goal, they have distinct and individual visions:

Atlantic Association for Software Quality Assurance (AASQA)  AASQA is an organization that focuses on promoting the value of professional software testers in Atlantic Canada.  We advocate and facilitate sharing knowledge specific to testing tools, techniques and best practices as well as certification and networking opportunities.


Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) CIPS Nova Scotia is a dynamic organization focused on IT excellence through its work on public policy, setting standards within the profession and providing IT support to its community.

Canadian Association of Management Consultants (CMC) To advance the practice and profile of management consulting in Canada through education and certification of consultants, promotion of ethical standards and professional competency, and advocacy for the profession in public and government settings.

International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) The mission of IIBA® Halifax is to develop and maintain standards for the practice of business analysis and for the certification of its practitioners. Our vision is to be the leading worldwide professional association for Business Analysts.

IT Service Management Forum (itSMF) itSMF Atlantic is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and facilitating the recognition and growth of our members in Service Management. We promote the certification, adoption, and application of best practice frameworks and standards, such as ITIL, ISO20000, CobiT, and many others. We provide the vital and vibrant network of peers, mentors, and industry experts needed by our growing community of IT Service Management professionals.

Project Management Institute (PMI) PMI, Nova Scotia Chapter has a mission to advance the practice, science and profession of project management in a conscious and proactive manner in order that organizations will embrace, value, and utilize project management and attribute their success to it.