Close the gap between PM and product leader in 3 days.
Aug 18–20, 2026 | Chicago, IL | AIPMM cert included | 20 seats max
Optimal Product Management in-person training in Chicago with one of the most experienced product instructors in the industry.
Walk away certified, equipped, and ready.
Registration closes August 13. Limited seats available.
Optimal Product Management is in-person Product Management training in Chicago with one of the most experienced product instructors in the industry.
Want to know more? Download the syllabus below.
Chicago. Your Home for 3 Days.
Aloft Chicago Mag Mile 243 East Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611
Right in the heart of the Magnificent Mile. Easy to get to, impossible to be distracted in.
Mass transit is recommended. The area is well-served by CTA bus and the Red Line.
If you’re driving, off-site parking is available at Erie Ontario Garage at 321 E. Erie St.
Valet parking is available at the hotel for $65/day (no in-and-out privileges).
Flying in? O’Hare and Midway are both accessible via the CTA with no rental car needed.
Your Instructor: Dean Peters
Senior Principal Consultant, Productside
Dean doesn’t just teach product management. He cuts through the chaos of it.
A visionary product leader, expert instructor, and frequent speaker, Dean is renowned for his expertise in machine learning, natural language processing, AI, IoT, and mobile solutions. He brings practical, real-world insights to every room he walks into (and the storytelling skills to make them stick).
As a seasoned Agile team leader, Dean has mentored numerous product leaders, transforming intricate concepts into outcome-focused strategies. His engaging ‘Hakawati’ storytelling style has made him a sought-after speaker at industry events worldwide.
Three days with Dean is a reckoning with how you think about product, and a blueprint for doing it better.
What can change in 3 days?
98% of product managers use AI at work. Only 39% received any meaningful training on how to use it well.
And 31% of certified PMs were promoted within 12 months of getting certified.
The gap is strategy, judgment, and the credentials to back it up.
After Optimal Product Management, you’ll leave with:
- A real product strategy (not a prettier backlog)
- Confidence leading cross-functional teams without the politics
- The Productside Product Blueprint and Playbook (20+ templates and guides you’ll actually use)
- The AIPMM Certified Product Manager™ credential: a two-hour proctored exam
- Personalized coaching from a senior instructor in a class capped at 20
- Frameworks to use immediately
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in the $3,800?
Three days of in-person instruction with Dean Peters, the Productside Product Blueprint, the Playbook (20+ templates and guides), and the AIPMM Certified Product Manager™ exam — including the study guide, unlimited practice attempts, and two sittings. Plus a digital certificate of completion. No hidden fees.
Is the AIPMM Certified Product Manager™ exam really included?
Yes, the full exam is included. It’s a two-hour proctored exam, not a quiz. You’ll receive a study guide and unlimited practice attempts before you sit it, and you get two opportunities to pass. Your instructor Dean Peters spends three days making sure you’re ready for it.
What career level is this for?
Optimal Product Management is built for practising PMs, from individual contributors looking to move into more strategic roles, to product leaders who want sharper frameworks and a recognised credential. If you’re shipping features but not yet leading strategy, this course is for you.
Can I expense this through work?
Most attendees do. $3,800 for three days of in-person training, a certified credential, and a toolkit you’ll use for years is a straightforward business case. We’re happy to provide an invoice or supporting materials to help with approval. Just reach out.
Are group rates available?
Yes. If you’re sending two or more people from the same organisation, contact us directly to discuss pricing. We also offer private team workshops if you’d like a custom session built around your team’s specific challenges.
What's the refund or transfer policy?
If your plans change, you can transfer your registration to a future course or to a colleague at no charge, provided you notify us at least 14 days before the course starts. Cancellations made within 14 days of the start date are non-refundable but transferable.
What if I can't attend in person?
This course is designed to be in-person. The small group format, live exercises, and real-time coaching from Dean are what make it work. If Chicago doesn’t work for you, we run Optimal Product Management as a live online, instructor-led course too. Check productside.com for upcoming dates.
Dietary requirements and accessibility
Water and coffee are provided throughout the day. Lunch is on your own, with dining options within walking distance of the venue. If you have accessibility requirements or dietary needs that affect the training environment, please contact us when you register and we’ll make sure you’re taken care of.
Download the Syllabus Now
Self-Study
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$1,500.00
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$1,500.00
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$1,500.00
Live Online
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$2,200.00
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$2,200.00
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$3,800.00
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$3,800.00
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$3,800.00
In Person
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$3,800.00
