From Spreadsheets to Strategy: Melissa’s Takeaways from the Unanet Champions Conference 2025

At BMA, we know that the tools we use, and the people who use them, are what truly drive our success. That’s why we were thrilled to send Melissa Powell, our dedicated Project Controller, to this year's Unanet Champions Conference 2025 in Atlanta, GA. Held annually, the conference brings together thought leaders, product experts, and professionals from across the project-based business world for an immersive experience of learning, networking, and innovation.

Melissa returned energized, armed with new insights, and eager to implement best practices that align with our company’s growth and compliance goals. We sat down with her to get the inside scoop on what she learned and how it's shaping her role, and our team’s success.

We asked Melissa how the role of a project controller has changed in today’s environment. Her response cuts to the heart of how our industry is evolving:

"A successful project controller looks like someone who can effectively bridge the accounting part of the business with the program side of the business. Five years ago, the project controller's task was to load project funding into a spreadsheet. Today, this role has turned into the piece between accounting and program management."

When it came to conference content, Melissa found the most value in the sessions led by fellow Unanet users:

“My favorite sessions were the ones held by actual Unanet users. I felt like I could relate to the speaker right out of the gate. Streamlined Revenue Forecasting: Managing Opportunities at Every Stage was my most useful session.”

One of Melissa’s key takeaways was how the way we set up contracts and projects can impact both compliance and program success:

“Using Unanet allows us at BMA the freedom to set up projects based on our bids. We bid with compliance as a key component in our success. We can transfer the required information in one place to continue down our path towards excellent program execution.”

Melissa also reflected on the balance between automation and control, a topic on many leaders’ minds:

“This all starts with BMA’s goals for the year. We want to create a more automated process, but it’s important that we clearly define what automation can and should accomplish.”

When asked what advice she would give to someone new in project controls, Melissa highlighted the power of mentorship, and the importance of taking initiative:

“I’m personally a product of great mentors so I will have to share what has made me successful up to this point. All the information is in front of you, it’s what you can do with that information that will make you successful.”