Reported by Jouko Vaskimo in Helsinki

The project team for the 23^rd IPMA World Congress in Helsinki, Finland has announced that the Polish company Polimex-Mostostal S.A. has become a congress "Partner". Polimex-Mostostal is one of the biggest manufacturers and exporters of steel products in Poland, and is a major projects developer and contractor. The 23^rd IPMA World Congress on Project Management will be held in Helsinki during 15-17 June 2009. Other partners previously announced include ASTROSOFT, INNOTIIMI, IXONOS, POYRY, WARTSILA and CITEC. Information at http://www.refresh09.com/.

Polimex-Mostostal S.A. is a leader in the Polish engineering and construction sector. The company offers a wide range of construction and installation services and is a general contractor in the following sectors: power engineering, environmental protection, chemical, petrochemical, industrial, housing and general construction. As a prominent project developer, Polimex-Mostostal constructs houses and apartments in the largest industrial areas in Poland. The company is also active in the roads, rail and communal infrastructure sectors. A strong capital group supports the company, enabling Polimex-Mostostal to complete the biggest and most complex investment projects in Poland and abroad. Polimex-Mostostal S.A. was created as a result of the merge of Polimex-Cekop and Mostostal Siedlce in 2004 and takes advantage of its 60 years' experience. The company is listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange and employs more than 13 000 people. Additional information can be found at http://www.polimex-mostostal.pl/

The theme for the 23^rd IPMA World Congress on Project Management in Helsinki next year will be "Refresh Yourself" The event will be aimed at regenerating one's professional career, organization and personal development. Congress website is http://www.refresh09.com/?index.

Providing a unique opportunity for project-based organizations and suppliers of project management products and Services, Congress Partnerships are offered for the 23^rd IPMA World Congress in Finland. As a Partner, participating companies will be exposed to thousands of practitioners of project management from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.

According to congress organizers, the top five reasons for becoming a partner are (1) An outstanding opportunity to enhance your organization's brand familiarity as a Project management and business professional;(2) An excellent opportunity for networking with the leading persons and experts in the projects world during the event; (3) The Congress provides a great opportunity for making new contacts and relationships and opens a venue for recruitment;(4) Broad marketing visibility via the seminar programme both nationally and internationally; and (5) Opportunity to state your own expert opinions and research results.

The event will bring together highly targeted top managers and professionals from all fields in emerging and leading economies. Exclusively designed networking opportunities will connect partners to decision makers, leaders and senior management and all levels of delegates, while helping expand contacts in a "Refreshing" atmosphere. Congress partners can participate in a partner exhibition or sponsor specific activities at the Congress. Four partner levels are offered: Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. Interested companies should visit http://www.refresh09.com/partners for benefits and pricing information.

The local host of the 23^rd IPMA World Congress on Project Management in Helsinki will be Project Management Association Finland (PMAF), based in Espoo, Finland. PMAF is the national membership body for Finland in the International Project Management Association (IPMA). The general manager of PMAF is Jyry Louhisto, who is also the project director for the 23^rd IPMA World Congress. For further information, visit www.pry.fi.

Founded in 1967 and registered in Switzerland, the International Project Management Association (IPMA) is the world's oldest project management professional organization. IPMA is an international federation of 45 national PM societies in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. IPMA's Annual World Congress is one of the largest and most important gatherings of project management authorities and leaders each year. The president of IPMA for 2009 is Brigitte Schaden. Additional information about IPMA is available at www.ipma.ch.

Jouko Vaskimo    International Correspondent - Finland Based in Helsinki Jouko Vaskimo is an International Correspondent for PMForum and PM World Today in Finland.  He is also Projects Director at Ixonos PLC, a major Finnish IT consultancy.  Mr. Vaskimo graduated from Helsinki University of Technology in 1992.  Since then he has held project and PM related assignments with increasing levels for responsibility at Sinebrychoff, the oldest brewery in Scandinavia; Kemira Engineering Ltd, a major chemicals company; DNA Finland Ltd, a major Finnish mobile phone operator; and for Nokia. At Ixonos PLC since 2006, Jouko is responsible for project management methodology and competence development within the Ixonos group and at Ixonos clients. Jouko holds the IPMA Level C (Project Manager) and Level B (Senior PM) certificates and is an IPMA assessor for Project Management Association Finland (PMAF). He is a member of the PMAF Board of Directors and a founding member of PMI Finland Chapter.  He received the PMP certificate in 2003.  Since October 2007, Jouko has been head of the Finnish delegation to ISO for creation of the new ISO 21 500: Project Management: Guide to project management - standard.  Jouko resides in Helsinki, Finland and can be contacted at jouko.vaskimo"at"ixonos.com.  Additional information about Jouko Vaskimo can be found at http://www.pmforum.org/pm%20forum%20team/index.htm.