Best PCMA Convene Magazine Podcasts (2025)

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Convene Talk: Inside Convene’s Covers: How Illustrations Bring Ideas to Life 30:29

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19h ago30:29

30:29

Every issue of Convene opens with an illustrated cover — a long-standing tradition that captures ideas, not just images. In this behind-the-scenes conversation, the editorial team shares how those covers come to life, from concept to collaboration with artists around the world. Hear how illustration shapes storytelling, why abstract art sparks curi…

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Convene Series: David Allison on Why Values Beat Demographics in Event Design 49:59

1d ago49:59

49:59

This season has been kindly sponsored by Visit Spokane. Go to VisitSpokane.com to learn more. David Allison joins the Convene Podcast to discuss why relying on demographics leads event planners 90 percent astray — and how understanding attendees’ values instead can transform engagement, loyalty, and community. From defining Power Values like employ…

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Convene Article: How This One-Day Festival Creates an Engaged Community Year-Round 4:53

23h ago4:53

4:53

Organizers of the Creative Bureaucracy Festival have kept up a digital initiative from the COVID years to extend the festival’s reach globally and to keep the community connected. Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief at Convene. Read the Article: How This One-Day Festival Creates an Engaged Community Year-Round: https://www.pcma.or…

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Convene Talk: Do We Still Need Event Swag? Sustainable Giveaways That Build Connection (and Ditch the Waste) 18:48

8d ago18:48

18:48

Is swag still worth it—or just landfill with a logo? In this Talk, the Convene editors debate whether business events need giveaways at all, and what actually delivers value when they do. From “no-swag” charitable gifting and local-maker gift cards to consumables, thoughtful keepsakes, and scent-driven memories, the group shares smart ideas for red…

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Convene Series: Seth Godin on Making Events Magical: Leadership, AI, and the Future of Work 25:32

9d ago25:32

25:32

This season has been kindly sponsored by Visit Spokane. Go to VisitSpokane.com to learn more. Seth Godin joins the Convene Podcast to challenge how we plan, lead, and measure events. In the first episode for Season 9, he unpacks why events are acts of leadership (not management), how AI should free us from tasks so we can create connection and make…

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Convene Article: 3 Smart Ways to Reduce Food Waste and Cut Carbon Emissions 5:19

1d ago5:19

5:19

From “Meatless Mondays” to “ganging” menus, easy ways to cut the carbon emissions of F&B at events from international science society planner Bel Hanson. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene. Read the Article: 3 Smart Ways to Reduce Food Waste and Cut Carbon Emissions: https://www.pcma.org/3-smart-ways-to-reduce-food-waste/ …

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Convene Talk: Networking, Rebuilt: What Attendees Want vs. What Organizers Deliver (Freeman’s XLNC Deep Dive) 17:40

15d ago17:40

17:40

Freeman’s latest XLNC report reveals a major mismatch: attendees want organizers to curate subject-matter experts and set purposeful topics for networking—while many planners still default to open “white space,” receptions, and chance encounters. In this Convene Talk, we unpack how to architect serendipity with intention (think BrainDate-style prob…

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Convene Article: 8 Ways to Organize Your Workday 5:48

9d ago5:48

5:48

We pair advice from a time-management expert shared during a recent PCMA EMEA virtual Meet-Up with recommendations based on research about AI use. Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief at Convene. Read the Article: 8 Ways to Organize Your Workday: https://www.pcma.org/8-ways-organize-workday/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.li…

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Convene Talk: Travel’s Talent Crunch: How Events Can Help Close a 43-Million Worker Gap 18:38

22d ago18:38

18:38

The travel industry is booming—but a World Travel & Tourism Council report warns of a 43 million-person workforce shortfall in the next decade. What does that mean for meetings and events? The Convene team digs into where the pinch is already showing, why service roles can’t be automated away, and how pipelines—student outreach, paid apprenticeship…

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Convene Article: An Early Adopter’s Approach for Reining in AI 9:44

24d ago9:44

9:44

When it comes to using AI-generated tools, discipline and focus are powerful things, says entrepreneur and speaker Princess Castleberry. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene. Read the Article: An Early Adopter’s Approach for Reining in AI: https://www.pcma.org/reining-in-ai/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com…

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Convene Talk: Too Many Industry Events? Why Planners and Suppliers Can’t Agree 15:17

29d ago15:17

15:17

As the events calendar fills up with global trade shows, familiar debates resurface: Are there simply too many industry events — or just not enough of the right ones? Convene editors break down insights from a recent article on the topic, discuss how event models may be due for a rethink, and explore why niche, purpose-built gatherings may hold the…

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Convene Article: Science Conferences Bucking the Trend 9:30

1M ago9:30

9:30

Record attendance at two major global scientific conferences — despite domestic funding cuts and travel headaches for international attendees — demonstrates the resilience of the scientific community and strategic thinking on the part of organizers. Written and read by Kate Mulcrone, digital managing editor at Convene. Read the Article: Science Con…

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Convene Talk: 2025 Salary Survey - Pay Gaps, Workload Strain, and Why Agency Drives Satisfaction 19:40

1M ago19:40

19:40

What’s really behind event planners’ pay dissatisfaction, when most still love the industry? In this Convene Talk, we unpack highlights from our 2025 Salary Survey: a persistent gap between compensation and job/industry satisfaction and why agency (taking on added duties by choice) correlates with higher morale. We compare director-level compensati…

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Convene Article: Reaching Your Sustainability Goals Starts With Your RFP 11:18

1M ago11:18

11:18

A panel of experts offer their advice on how to write RFPs that enable planners and their partner venues to collaborate on producing events with a smaller footprint. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene. Read the Article: Reaching Your Sustainability Goals Starts With Your RFP: https://www.pcma.org/reaching-sustainability-go…

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Convene Talk: Quishing at Events - QR Code Scams, Attendee Trust, and Practical Safeguards for Planners 22:56

1M ago22:56

22:56

QR codes make events smoother—but they’re also a growing attack surface. In this Convene Talk, we unpack quishing (malicious QR code scams), from a live “honey pot” demo at a cybersecurity summit to everyday tricks that exploit attendee trust. We share easy fixes planners can deploy now—like printing the full destination URL next to every QR code—p…

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Convene Article: How the Society of Women Engineers Earned a Gold Award for Events 6:30

1M ago6:30

6:30

This 50,000-member association designed a record-breaking annual conference by focusing on inclusivity and safety. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene. Read the Article: How the Society of Women Engineers Earned a Gold Award for Events: https://www.pcma.org/society-of-women-engineers-is-embracing-diversity/ Follow Convene: …

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Convene Talk: SXSW 2026 Without a Convention Center: Neighborhood “Villages,” Constraints, and Smarter Brand Activations 21:41

2M ago21:41

21:41

How do you reimagine a city-wide icon when its central venue is gone? In this Convene Talk, the team unpacks SXSW 2026 and its pivot to badge-specific neighborhoods across Austin. We dig into why constraints spark creativity, what “villages” mean for brand activations and attendee flow, how to balance strategy vs. serendipity, and whether asking at…

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Convene Series: How LA Tourism Champions DEI: Adam Burke on Empowering Small Businesses and Inclusive Growth 22:55

2M ago22:55

22:55

This season has been kindly sponsored by Visit Anaheim. Go to VisitAnaheim.org/meetings to learn more. What does it take to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion into the DNA of a destination? In this episode of the Convene Podcast, Adam Burke, President & CEO of Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, shares how LA is leveraging its diversity to …

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Convene Article: What Planners Need to Know About Using AI in the Hiring Process 9:15

2M ago9:15

9:15

Both employers and job candidates are using AI resources to streamline the hiring process — but sometimes this can backfire. Written and read by Kate Mulcrone, digital managing editor at Convene. Read the Article: What Planners Need to Know About Using AI in the Hiring Process: https://www.pcma.org/using-ai-in-hiring-process/ Follow Convene: Linked…

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Convene Talk: Why Bleisure (Done Right) Sparks Better Ideas and Better Events 18:23

2M ago18:23

18:23

Is packing every minute of a business trip actually killing creativity? In this Convene Talk, we unpack the “leisure boom,” why adding white space to work travel and conferences fuels breakthroughs, and how design tweaks—like serendipity paths and simple sticky-note walls—unlock engagement. We also sanity-check the headline stats, discuss ROI vs. r…

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Convene Series: From Compliance to Inclusion: Frank M. Wächter Explains the European Accessibility Act 17:02

2M ago17:02

17:02

This season has been kindly sponsored by Visit Anaheim. Go to VisitAnaheim.org/meetings to learn more. Accessibility isn’t just about ramps and elevators anymore — it starts long before attendees arrive onsite. In this episode of the Convene Podcast, Frank M. Wächter breaks down what the European Accessibility Act (EAA) means for event professional…

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Convene Article: Can Work Be Fun? 9:21

2M ago9:21

9:21

Bree Groff’s book Today Was Fun explores how maximizing joy at work leads to a team culture that fosters intentionality, care, and courtesy. Written and read by Kate Mulcrone, digital managing editor at Convene. Read the Article: Can Work Be Fun?: https://www.pcma.org/can-work-be-fun/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma…

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Convene Talk: Fyre Festival 2 Fizzles: Lessons in Trust, Influencers, and Why Events Need Professionals 20:01

2M ago20:01

20:01

Remember Fyre Festival? It tried to make a comeback. In this Convene Talk, the team breaks down the short, doomed saga of “Fyre Festival 2”—from phantom venues to a surprise eBay fire-sale—and what it reveals about influencer hype, ethics, and the critical role of professional event planning. We contrast Fyre’s spin with Burning Man’s radical trans…

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Convene Series: How Radical Joy Shaped the WorldPride Human Rights Conference 40:27

2M ago40:27

40:27

This season has been kindly sponsored by Visit Anaheim. Go to VisitAnaheim.org/meetings to learn more. What does it take to design an event that is both unapologetically political and profoundly celebratory? In this episode of the Convene Podcast, Natalie Thompson, Valerie Sumner, and Roberta Sumner share how they created a safe, inclusive, and joy…

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Convene Article: CSR Professionals Survey the Political Landscape for DEI 3:45

2M ago3:45

3:45

A recent survey reveals how corporate citizenship professionals are adjusting to DEI backlash while remaining true to their company’s commitment to its values. Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief at Convene. Read the Article: CSR Professionals Survey the Political Landscape for DEI: https://www.pcma.org/csr-professionals-weigh-in-…

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Convene Talk: When Weird Works (and When It Doesn’t): Lessons From the World’s Wildest Science Conference 18:36

2M ago18:36

18:36

What happens when researchers trade lecture halls for campgrounds, five-minute rhymed papers, and walk-up songs? In this Convene Talk, the editorial team unpacks a recent Nature article on the “Woodstock of Biology” — a freewheeling festival near Prague that pushes the boundaries of what a scientific conference can be. From playful formats and outd…

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Convene Series: How Events Can Foster Belonging in Divided Times: A Conversation with Cameron Curtis 29:20

2M ago29:20

29:20

This season has been kindly sponsored by Visit Anaheim. Go to VisitAnaheim.org/meetings to learn more. In this powerful episode, Cameron Curtis, Executive Director of the LGBT Meeting Professionals Association, joins the Convene Podcast to unpack the tangible ways that inclusion, safety, and allyship show up in real-world event planning. From confr…

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Convene Article: ‘We’re Not Changing What We Do’: Standing Strong Amidst DEI Backlash 9:18

2M ago9:18

9:18

How DEI is embedded in Minneapolis’ DNA and blueprint for future growth and why other destinations — and the events ecosystem — need to better convey the business case for diversity. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene. Read the Article: ‘We’re Not Changing What We Do’: Standing Strong Amidst DEI Backlash: https://www.pcma.…

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Convene Talk: Inside Create & Cultivate: How Women-Only Business Festivals Are Reinventing Networking and Events 18:13

3M ago18:13

18:13

The women-focused festival Create & Cultivate has grown into one of the largest business events of its kind, blending celebrity keynotes, AI-powered networking, and brand activations that wow attendees and sponsors alike. In this episode of the Convene Podcast, the team unpacks what makes the event so successful, the debates around women-only space…

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Convene Series: Designing for Belonging with Devon Montgomery Pasha: How Empathy, Data, and Values Drive Better Events 38:48

3M ago38:48

38:48

This season has been kindly sponsored by Visit Anaheim. Go to VisitAnaheim.org/meetings to learn more. In this episode, event strategist and inclusion expert Devon Montgomery Pasha shares why designing for belonging goes far beyond accessibility checklists. She unpacks how empathy-based planning, value-driven data, and asking the right questions—no…

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Convene Article: How REI Co-Op’s Events Are Inclusive in Nature 8:10

3M ago8:10

8:10

While some companies are backing off DEI, the outdoor retailer makes inclusivity a through line at its internal events. Written and read by Jennifer N. Dienst, senior editor at Convene. Read the Article: How REI Co-Op’s Events Are Inclusive in Nature: https://www.pcma.org/rei-coop-events-are-inclusive-in-nature/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://ww…

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Convene Talk: From Pledges to Action: What Two Sustainability Reports Reveal About the Future of Events 27:42

3M ago27:42

27:42

In this Convene Talk, the editorial team unpacks the Honeycomb Strategies State of the Sustainable Events Industry: Summer 2025 Trends & Risks Report and the Convene 4 Climate inaugural report, comparing their insights on KPIs, mentorship, supply chain ethics, and the shift toward measuring positive impact. From innovative tools like the Sustainabl…

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Convene Series: Why Fear Fuels DEI Backlash — and What Event Organizers Can Do About It: Conversation With Poornima Luthra 28:17

3M ago28:17

28:17

This season has been kindly sponsored by Visit Anaheim. Go to VisitAnaheim.org/meetings to learn more. What’s really driving the backlash against DEI — and what can we do about it? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Poornima Luthra, a globally recognized educator, speaker, and author, whose work unpacks the emotional root of resistance to inclusi…

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Convene Article: DEI Done Differently 24:01

3M ago24:01

24:01

Diversity, equity, and inclusion remain central to the work of events professionals. You just need to read between the lines of session titles and marketing campaigns. Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief at Convene. Read the Article: DEI Done Differently: https://www.pcma.org/dei-done-differently/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https:/…

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Convene Talk: Standing Their Ground - How the Events Industry Is Navigating the DEI Backlash 24:17

3M ago24:17

24:17

When a recent U.S. executive order labeled diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts “immoral and illegal,” some organizations quietly swapped out the language — while others doubled down on their commitments. In this behind-the-scenes conversation, the Convene editorial team discusses our August cover story on how the events industry is respo…

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Convene Article: Crossing Borders to Address Attendee Safety Concerns 8:51

3M ago8:51

8:51

Two associations have moved their conferences from the U.S. to Canada due to rising sociopolitical tensions — and despite financial consequences. Here is how they arrived at those decisions. Written and read by Kate Mulcrone, managing digital editor at Convene. Read the Article: Crossing Borders to Address Attendee Safety Concerns: https://www.pcma…

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Convene Talk: Did the Pandemic Age Our Brains? What It Means for Events, Well-Being, and Connection 17:21

3M ago17:21

17:21

A new study reveals that our brains may have aged nearly six months during the pandemic—regardless of whether we had COVID-19. In this Convene Talk episode, the team explores what that means for our industry, how meetings support brain health, and why live experiences are more essential than ever. Links: · Pandemic aged our brains – even those who …

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Convene Article: This Medical Meeting Builds Wellness Into the Program 9:55

3M ago9:55

9:55

How a conference for lifestyle medicine practitioners takes a page from its own prescription pad. Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief at Convene. Read the Article: This Medical Meeting Builds Wellness Into the Program: https://www.pcma.org/medical-meeting-build-wellness-program/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/s…

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Convene Talk: The Big Beautiful Bill: What the U.S. Policy Shift Means for the Events Industry 23:38

4M ago23:38

23:38

In this episode of the Convene podcast, the editorial team breaks down the bill’s potential impact on the U.S. events industry — from wins like expanded Pell Grant access and airport modernization, to major concerns over Brand USA’s 80% funding cut. Tune in as we unpack the ripple effects on international attendance, workforce development, global c…

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Convene Article: Will This Be the Greenest Convention Center on the Planet? 9:34

4M ago9:34

9:34

The Austin Convention Center has set its sights on becoming the first zero-carbon convention center certified by the International Living Future Institute. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene. Read the Article: Will This Be the Greenest Convention Center on the Planet?: https://www.pcma.org/greenest-convention-center-2/ Fol…

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Convene Talk: BookCon’s Comeback and the Rise of Offline Book Communities 19:52

4M ago19:52

19:52

In this episode, the Convene team explores why the beloved book convention is making a comeback, what it says about shifting cultural habits, and how in-person literary gatherings are reemerging as powerful community hubs. Plus, ideas for how event organizers can take inspiration from this trend to better engage younger audiences. Links: · BookCon …

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Convene Article: Taking Library Services on the Road 5:42

4M ago5:42

5:42

At the 2024 Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services (ABOS) Conference, library professionals showcased innovative ways they bring books, resources, and support to communities often left behind — from Alzheimer’s caregivers to incarcerated youth. But funding and recognition remain key challenges. Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor …

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Convene Talk: How Extreme Weather Is Disrupting Events — And What Planners Can Do About It 16:35

4M ago16:35

16:35

In this episode, the Convene team explores new research on the rising number of weather-related disruptions — from storms and heatwaves to wildfires — and the mounting financial and operational risks for event organizers. The conversation offers insights into how planners can strengthen resilience, advocate for data-informed decisions, and turn cha…

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Convene Article: A New Event Embraces Neurodivergence 12:01

4M ago12:01

12:01

The launch of a new event, designed to celebrate and support those who identify as having brains that are wired a little differently, provides insights for designing neurodivergent-friendly meetings. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene. Read the Article: A New Event Embraces Neurodivergence: https://www.pcma.org/neurodiverg…

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Convene Talk: Why Airports and Airlines Deserve a Bigger Role in Business Events 24:24

4M ago24:24

24:24

Airports aren’t just gateways—they can be game changers for event professionals. In this Convene Talk we explore how planners are underutilizing airports and airlines in the event experience. From welcome moments and in-airport meetings to lounge perks and missed group sales opportunities, the team shares practical ideas and examples that will have…

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Convene Article: How ASCRS Rebooted Its Awards Ceremony to Increase Audience Engagement 14:10

4M ago14:10

14:10

The American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery transformed its annual meeting awards program into something far less ceremonial and far more engaging, based on audience insights. Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief at Convene. Read the Article: How ASCRS Rebooted Its Awards Ceremony to Increase Audience Engagement: https://…

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Convene Article: When the Show Goes On: Planning Events After a Natural Disaster 14:24

5M ago14:24

14:24

The rise of extreme weather events means planners are more often going to face the difficult decision of whether to move forward with an event at an affected destination or not. Here’s how some organizers have navigated that dilemma. Written and read by Jennifer N. Dienst, senior editor at Convene. Read the Article: When the Show Goes On: Planning …

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Convene Talk: Time-Smart, Not Time-Stressed: Productivity Habits That Actually Work for Event Professionals 31:50

5M ago31:50

31:50

Is your to-do list running your day? In this episode of the Convene Podcast, the team unpacks the top time-management strategies from expert Max Ohlenschlager—plus their own tried-and-true hacks. Learn how to reframe tasks, avoid burnout, and build focus through mindful planning, buffer zones, and yes—even breaking up with the Pomodoro method. Link…

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Convene Series: How to Negotiate with Confidence: Collaboration, Communication, and Executive Presence with Alex Carter and Anne Marie Nest 37:20

5M ago37:20

37:20

In the last Season 7 episode, we talk with two powerhouse guests — Alex Carter, Columbia Law professor and best-selling author of Ask for More, and Anne Marie Nest, expert in voice, speech, and executive presence. Together, they unpack how negotiation can be reframed as a collaborative problem-solving process — not a confrontation. Links: https://a…

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Convene Article: Meetings in Flux 38:57

5M ago38:57

38:57

Results from our recent pulse survey of event organizers reveal a lack of clarity about what sweeping U.S. policy changes may mean for events, what comes next, and how best to move forward. Here’s what some event industry professionals are seeing — and anticipating. Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief at Convene. Read the Article:…