How do we lead with heart in a world of constant change and generational diversity? In this episode of the Convene Podcast, Anushka Polius, Director, Marketing Operations at GES, joins us to explore how trust, empathy, and authentic communication can close the gap between younger professionals and seasoned leaders. Tune in for a conversation on lea…

This episode has been kindly sponsored by Visit Phoenix. Learn more at visitphoenix.com/meetings. How entrepreneur Imani Ellis — who will speak this afternoon in a fireside chat — has built a first-of-its kind community for Black creative professionals by focusing on connection. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene, with exc…

Is AI making us better—or just busier? In this episode of the Convene Podcast, we explore surprising research on how AI boosts productivity but drains motivation. From ethical use to emotional impact, the team shares insights for event professionals navigating AI in a rapidly changing landscape. Links: · Research: Gen AI Makes People More Productiv…

What does it really mean to choose yourself—and build a business from it? In this candid episode of the Convene podcast, DeShawn Wynn shares her path to entrepreneurship, how she developed a "winning mindset," and why success requires internal clarity, external support, and the courage to pivot. Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/sh…

While meeting organizers understand the primary role that emotional engagement and experiential factors play in their events, they find those things difficult to measure. We’ve set out to explore how to define, design and how to quantify emotional engagement and make meaningful improvements as a result. Written and read by Jennifer N. Dienst, senio…

This episode has been kindly sponsored by Louisville Tourism. Learn more at GoToLouisville.com/meeting-planners/. In this episode of Convene Talk, we unpack what’s ahead at PCMA’s edUcon 2025 — from deeper learning tracks to inclusive programming and immersive local experiences. Held in Louisville, aka Bourbon City, this year’s event focuses on thr…

In this episode of the Convene Podcast, Bill Reed shares practical advice on career advancement, mindset, and the discipline behind leadership. Learn how to grow beyond your role, identify what truly motivates you, and prepare for your next move with purpose. Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https…

DEI expert Ritu Bhasin shares seven tips for creating authentic, inclusive, and emotionally resonant event experiences. Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief at Convene. Read the Article: How to Make Belonging the Centerpiece of Your Events: www.pcma.org/how-make-belonging-centerpiece-your-events/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://w…

In this episode of Convene Talk, the team explores how medical associations like the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retina Specialists adapted during COVID-19 and continue to evolve. From virtual education and subject-matter expert access to hybrid programming, cost-saving strategies, and the growing importance of cap…

Organizational behavior expert Andrew Brodsky on why it’s worth your time to think more deliberately about how you use technology to communicate. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene. Read the Article: Expert Tips for Better Virtual Communication: https://www.pcma.org/expert-tips-for-better-virtual-communication/ Follow Conv…

In this episode of Convene Talk, the team explores how external disruptions — from global tariffs to political chaos — seep into even the most elite events. Using insights from TED 2025, they reflect on the increasing pressure planners face to create immersive experiences while attendees juggle external crises. Plus, they unpack how space design, f…

A new expo hall design used experiential zones to take attendees on an architectural journey. Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief at Convene. Read the Article: Rearchitecting a Trade Show: https://www.pcma.org/rearchitect-trade-show/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.i…

In this episode of the Convene Podcast, the team unpacks a new research report from Destinations International and Future Partners that explores how perceptions around safety, politics, and social issues are increasingly influencing destination choices. Hear how planners and attendees are reacting to shifting societal pressures, weather risks, and …

The most commonly wasted foods are bread, pastries, and fruit — a great place for planners to begin developing food-waste prevention practices. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene. Read the Article: Addressing ‘Prolifically Problematic’ Food Waste at Meetings: https://www.pcma.org/prolific-food-waste-at-meetings/ Follow Con…

Are trade shows still relevant in the digital age? In this episode of the Convene Podcast, the team explores how trade shows are evolving beyond transactional exchanges to deliver meaningful, data-informed, and emotionally engaging experiences. From AI-powered matchmaking to facial recognition technology and immersive booth design, learn how organi…

This episode has been kindly sponsored by Louisville Tourism. Learn more at GoToLouisville.com/meeting-planners/. Over this past year, representatives from major hotel brands and housing services providers met for three PCMA roundtable conversations to discuss housing booking challenges — and potential solutions. Written and read by Michelle Russel…

As climate-related disasters grow more frequent, event organizers face difficult decisions: Should you still host your event in an affected area? In this episode of the Convene Podcast, we explore how planners can support recovery efforts—ethically and effectively—through respectful communication, timing, and community engagement. Links: · https://…

CodeMash’s move to make the tech conference more accessible and affordable led to a family-friendly event that spawned the spin-off KidzMash just for attendees' children. Written and read by Jennifer N. Dienst, senior editor at Convene. Read the Article: The Secret to This Tech Conference’s Exponential Growth: https://www.pcma.org/secret-codemash-t…

In this episode of the Convene Podcast, the team discusses how recent U.S. policies and funding cuts are disrupting the business events industry. From international travel challenges to scientific censorship and declining attendance, hear what’s changing—and what it means for planners, speakers, and global collaboration. Links: · https://www.pcma.o…

As record-breaking temperatures reach unprecedented levels, event organizers — and their participants — will have to take extra precautions to keep everyone cool, and safe. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene. Read the Article: Events Professionals Offer Advice on Meeting in Extreme Heat: https://www.pcma.org/events-profess…

In this episode of the Convene Podcast, the global leader on the future of AI and business Dr. Ayesha Khanna shares how AI is redefining business strategy—from operational efficiency to imaginative co-creation. Discover how organizations can use AI to unlock innovation, manage risk, and empower their workforce—ethically and effectively. Follow Conv…

Energy Disruptors: UNITE is an immersive energy sector summit that aims to bring together diverse voices — along with an unexpected infusion of the arts — to spark change. Written and read by Casey Gale, former managing editor at Convene. Read the Article: Harnessing the Energy of ‘Unlike Minds’: https://www.pcma.org/energy-disruptors-unite-summit-…

This season has been kindly sponsored by the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. Visit discoverPHL.com to start planning your next life sciences meeting. In this episode of the Convene Podcast, Rory G. Archibald from VisitScotland explores the ethical considerations, data security challenges, and job evolution AI brings to the industry. Tu…

This season has been kindly sponsored by the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. Visit discoverPHL.com to start planning your next life sciences meeting. AI is everywhere, but is it truly driving business transformation? In this episode, Augusto Salvatto explores the gap between AI hype and real-world impact, the importance of machine lear…

This season has been kindly sponsored by the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. Visit discoverPHL.com to start planning your next life sciences meeting. In this episode of the Convene Podcast, Chantal Sturk-Nadeau and Veemal Gungadin break down key findings from the most recent Pulse Check survey (at the time of recording the working titl…

This season has been kindly sponsored by the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. Visit discoverPHL.com to start planning your next life sciences meeting. AI is transforming contract management, but what are the legal risks? In this episode of the Convene Podcast, Jill Blood explores how event planners can use AI for legal insights while st…

This season has been kindly sponsored by the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. Visit discoverPHL.com to start planning your next life sciences meeting. In this episode of the Convene Podcast, we explore with Paula Rowntree, Head of Events at the Australian Psychological Society, the evolving role of AI in associations—how it’s reshaping …

This season has been kindly sponsored by the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. Visit discoverPHL.com to start planning your next life sciences meeting. In this episode of the Convene Podcast, Nick Borelli and Zoe Moore explore how AI can help event professionals design more inclusive experiences. From addressing intersectionality to over…

Honeycomb Strategies has documented the life cycle of swag and its environmental impact. Here are some sustainable alternatives. Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief at Convene. Read the Article: Rethinking Swag at Events Follow Convene: Website LinkedIn Instagram X Subscribe to our newsletters: pcma.org/subscribe-to-pcma-emails Co…

As funding and support for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives decline in the U.S., event professionals consider the consequences for meetings, destinations, and associations. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene. Read the Article: How Is the DEI Backlash Impacting the Events Industry? Follow Convene: Website Linked…

In this episode of the Convene Podcast, we discuss the evolving role of convention centers, from their economic impact on cities to their innovative designs fostering community connections. Links: · Why Are Cities Still Spending Big on Convention Centers? · Convene Talk ep 50 · Trends Report 2025: Help — and Bleisure Time — Wanted · Trends Report 2…

Discover how Convene 4 Climate is shaping the future of sustainable business events. In this episode, Jaimé Bennett shares insights on co-locating events, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and creating actionable solutions for a regenerative economy. This season has been kindly sponsored by Madrid Convention Bureau. Learn more about how to…

Fundraising Con Ganas, a two-day conference geared toward helping small- and medium-sized Latinx-focused nonprofits, addresses an industry inequity and ensures that what participants learn has organization-wide impact. Written and read by Casey Gale, managing editor at Convene. Read the Article: Empowering Latinx Nonprofits in the Fundraising World…

Links: · December 2024 Cover Story: How Events Can Foster Emotional Engagement · Unlocking Us Podcast: Brené with Priya Parker on The Art of Gathering · WeWork: or The Making and Breaking of a $47 Billion Unicorn · RIP Remote Year: Shutting down after nearly 10 years · How the US Is Destroying Young People’s Future | Scott Galloway | TED Get News …

In this episode, Josephin Van Waasen, Head of Content and Community at PCMA EMEA, shares how PCMA EMEA is redefining events through its initiatives. From fostering safe spaces to building audience-centric programs and embracing multigenerational perspectives, learn how these initiatives drive engagement, innovation, and actionable insights for the …

This episode has been kindly sponsored by Visit Phoenix. To learn more about them and the intriguing tagline "The desert made us do it", go to visitphoenix.com/meetings. Our usual approach to Convene‘s Annual Industry Forecast is to cast a wide net, gathering a variety of data related to the business events industry, including travel, lodging, tech…

Links: · Designing Neurodiverse inclusive events: Creating accessible experiences for all · Scott Galloway Tees Up His Predictions for 2025 Get News Junkie: https://www.pcma.org/campaign/news-junkie/ Episode Transcript Meet the Convene Editors: · Michelle Russell, Editor in Chief · Barbara Palmer, Deputy Editor · Jennifer N. Dienst, Senior Editor ·…

In this episode, we explore CEMA’s innovative event strategies. In this episode, Brian Mason, VP of Strategy and Operations, shares insights on integrating AI, fostering collaboration, and creating impactful events. Learn how AI is streamlining operations, explore the risks taken at Summit 2024, and hear about CEMA’s plans for growth and global con…

This episode has been kindly sponsored by Visit Phoenix. To learn more about them and the intriguing tagline "The desert made us do it", go to visitphoenix.com/meetings. With another post-pandemic year under their belts, business event organizer respondents to this year’s Meetings Market Survey seemed to be on steadier ground — dealing with less un…

This episode has been kindly sponsored by Visit Phoenix. To learn more about them and the intriguing tagline "The desert made us do it", go to visitphoenix.com/meetings. Links: · Amal Clooney at Convening Leaders 2025 · Clooney Foundation for Justice Get News Junkie: https://www.pcma.org/campaign/news-junkie/ Episode Transcript Meet the Convene Edi…

In this episode, Carolyn Ray and Kristi Casey share some of the innovative strategies behind PCMA edUcon 2024. From hands-on workshops and creative keynote formats to the choice of session topics, learn how the PCMA team's approaches are reshaping event education and empowering professionals to elevate their skills and leadership potential. This se…

At Convening Leaders 2025, five Main Stage speakers will encourage the audience to expand their own thinking. Convene spoke with Kishore Mahbubani, former UN Security Council President and authority on geopolitical shifts, about using business events as platforms for global understanding and collaboration. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy…

This episode has been kindly sponsored by Visit Phoenix. To learn more about them and the intriguing tagline "The desert made us do it", go to visitphoenix.com/meetings. Links: · Scott Galloway at Convening Leaders 2025 · How the US Is Destroying Young People’s Future | Scott Galloway | TED · CL25 Main Stage Speaker Scott Galloway on What’s Ahead f…

Links: · Kishore Mahbubani at Convening Leaders 2025 · China Books Review: Kishore Mahbubani on “Living the Asian Century: An Undiplomatic Memoir” · Exploring APAC’s Event Evolution with Florence Chua: Unbound, AI Innovation, and Sustainable Connections · How Events Can Drive Climate Action: Paul Dickinson on Sustainable Change, Carbon Offsets, and…

In this episode, we dive into PCMA Labs with Lucio Vaquero, exploring how these innovative workshops empower event professionals with hands-on learning. We discuss the importance of mentorship programs for addressing talent gaps and highlight Convening LATAM 2025 set to transform the region. This season has been kindly sponsored by Madrid Conventio…

How software company Avalara turned networking on its head and delivered business and bonding at its FUSE partner conference. Part three of Convene's September-October cover and CMP series, written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene. Read the Article: Architects of Connection Designing ‘A Beautiful Nesting Ground’ for Deeper Relat…

Links: · Brené Brown at Convening Leaders 2025 · The power of vulnerability | Brené Brown | TED · Maximizing Impact with Michael Bungay Stanier: How Event Planners Can Lead with Curiosity and Coaching · Brené with Michael Bungay Stanier on Dare to Lead Podcast Get News Junkie: https://www.pcma.org/campaign/news-junkie/ Episode Transcript Meet the C…

Discover how PCMA’s APAC team is redefining event design with the Business of Events conference. Gain insights into crafting meaningful connections across diverse regions and how technology shapes the future of events. This season has been kindly sponsored by Madrid Convention Bureau. Learn more about how to make your next meeting Madrileño at esma…

Research shows traditional networking methods don’t work for women. A growing number of female-only events and spaces are trying to get it right. Part two of Convene's September-October cover and CMP series, written and read by Jennifer N. Dienst, senior editor at Convene. Read the Article: Architects of Connection Beyond the Old Boys’ Club: How Wo…

Season 5 is starting this Thursday! This season has been kindly sponsored by Madrid Convention Bureau. Learn more about how to make your next meeting Madrileño at esmadrid.com/mcb. Episode Transcript Follow Convene: Website LinkedIn Instagram X Subscribe to our newsletters: pcma.org/subscribe-to-pcma-emails Contact Information: For any questions, r…