News
WORLDWIDE – PCMA’S CONVENING LEADERS CONFERENCE BRINGS TOGETHER OVER 4,200 PROFESSIONALS IN PHILADELPHIA
PCMA’s flagship conference, Convening Leaders, has just wrapped up a strong edition, bringing together 4,211 professionals from 43 countries in Philadelphia to celebrate leadership, legacy and the future of business events.
PCMA President and CEO Sherrif Karamat reaffirmed the association’s commitment to “advancing the business events community as a catalyst for economic and social transformation.” PCMA continues to pursue its Vision 2030, aimed at building “a more connected, inclusive and future-ready global community that positions business events as a powerful catalyst for economic and social change.”
Karamat emphasized that “business events are not just about bringing people together, but about leadership, trust and solving complex challenges. We are committed to challenging conventional thinking, fostering innovation, immersive learning, experimentation and meaningful business connections that empower individuals, organizations and communities.”
Celebrating emerging—and established—talent
Emerging talent was recognized in multiple ways. As every year, the Global Student Competition celebrated creativity, strategic thinking and passion among young professionals. PCMA also continued investing in the next generation through its ‘20 in Their Twenties’ program, which recognizes rising professionals in the industry. At the same time, long-standing leaders and volunteers were honored through the ‘Always a Leader’ program, and finalists for the Visionary Awards Lifetime Honorees were announced, recognizing individuals and organizations that redefine excellence, leadership and impact.
Opening opportunities and strengthening society
PCMA works to foster inclusion by supporting individuals and communities that may have previously felt excluded, such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Legacy Society Scholars. Through the PCMA Foundation, scholarship programs enable young professionals to participate in PCMA activities.
The conference also featured strong social impact initiatives: a blood donation drive; 140 volunteers supporting Pathways to Housing by organizing donated goods, assembling furniture and preparing essential items; 100 volunteers assembling care packages for the American Cancer Society; and 60 volunteers preparing aid kits for Cradles to Crayons, supporting children experiencing homelessness or living in low-income conditions.
Education and innovation, including AI-powered tools
PCMA announced an expansion of its educational offerings, with enhancements to its Professional Meeting Management program, evolving toward the Business Events Strategist certification. Scholarship programs will continue to prepare leaders to address complex challenges. Innovation will also be driven through AI-based platforms such as Spark and Destinator, providing data-driven insights and tools for professionals.
Collaboration with IAPCO
PCMA and the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) formalized a collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding, establishing a framework for cooperation between the two organizations. In Spain, PCMA already collaborates with the Event Manager Association on training initiatives.
Convening Leaders 2027 will take place in Miami from January 10 to 13.