PCMA Convene Podcast

This season has been kindly sponsored by Louisville Tourism. Go to GoToLouisville.com/meet to learn more. In this Season 12 episode, longtime Editor in Chief Michelle Russell joins the show for a reflective conversation on leadership, curiosity, and the evolving value of face-to-face experiences. We explore curiosity as a leadership skill, the power of asking better questions, mentoring creative t...

At the Strategic Management Society’s annual conference, interaction is not an afterthought — it is how members present research, develop ideas, and build networks. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor of Convene . Read the Article :  Conference Rooms That Talk Back Create New Opportunities for Engagement: https://www.pcma.org/conference-rooms-that-talk-back/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn:...

HubSpot’s annual conference gathers thousands of meeting attendees under one roof. This year, the tech company has redesigned its approach to networking with spaces designed to feel intimate, personalized, and fun. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor of Convene . Read the Article :  This Tech Titan Is Giving Networking a Home: https://www.pcma.org/hubspot-meeting-networking-home/ Fol...

Bringing in big-name speakers doesn’t always translate into engaged audiences or big crowds. Speakers who deliver industry expertise with authenticity make people listen. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor of Convene . Read the Article :  Are You Putting the Right Voices on the Stage?: https://www.pcma.org/putting-right-voices-on-stage/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin...

Ditching generic keynotes for real talk on important topics unlocked a deeper level of connection with the Women in Travel Summit audience. Written and read by Jennifer N. Dienst, senior editor of Convene . Read the Article :  The Surprising Power of Speaking From the Heart: https://www.pcma.org/women-in-travel-summit/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/   Ins...

Event organizers are redesigning their meetings to add the kinds of interactive speaking, learning, and networking experiences that are hard to create online. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor of Convene . Read the Article :  Meetings, Made Personal: https://www.pcma.org/meetings-made-personal/   Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/   Instagram:...

Political backlash and potential legal action continue to be a concern for organizations whose events fall under a DEI umbrella. Here’s what to know from a legal standpoint and how one DEI speaker whose business was decimated is moving forward. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor of Convene . Read the Article :  DEI Under Pressure: https://www.pcma.org/dei-under-pressure/ Follow Conv...

In this interview, CEMA Summit speaker Elizabeth Maxson, Chief Marketing Officer of Contentful, shares how she's built credibility for marketing — and by extension, events — across three very different CMO seats at Quip, Tableau, and Contentful. We explore what it actually takes to earn a seat at the leadership table, how to turn pipeline data into a business case a CMO can't ignore, and why ownin...

PCMA’s new community digital forum helps members to stay continuously connected and grow their professional networks, thanks to its mobile-first design and AI matchmaking features. Written and read by Kate Mulcrone, digital managing editor of Convene . Read the Article :  How the New PCMA Axis Platform Helps Event Planners Deepen Their Industry Connections: https://www.pcma.org/new-axis-platform-d...

An expert who assists in harassment and toxic conflict management for organizations and networks shares some best practices for planners. Written and read by Kate Mulcrone, digital managing editor of Convene . Read the Article :  Beyond a Code of Conduct: How to Plan for Civility at Events: https://www.pcma.org/plan-for-civility-at-events/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcas...

Travel volatility, geopolitics, and safety concerns are changing how meetings are planned. In this Talk Replay episode, the Convene team discusses what it means for planners, destinations, and the future of global events.   Links: ·       Rotary Convention Moves From Honolulu to Dubai to Barcelona:  https://meetings.skift.com/2026/04/15/rotary-convention-moves-from-honolulu-to-dubai-to-barcelona/...

These educators integrate art into teaching strategies, so it’s only natural that their own continuing education program at their society’s annual conference would tap creative expression as a learning tool, too. Written and read by Jennifer N. Dienst, senior editor of Convene . Read the Article :  Learning as an Art Form: https://www.pcma.org/learning-as-an-art-form/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: htt...

Is swag still worth it—or just landfill with a logo? In this Talk Replay episode, 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 reducing waste while deepening attende...

Business and art are considered unrelated disciplines, but artists and event organizers share a common goal, says entrepreneur and educator Nir Hindie: creating meaningful experiences. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor of Convene . Read the Article :  Thinking Like an Artist: https://www.pcma.org/thinking-like-an-artist/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/p...

In this Talk Replay episode, the Editorial 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.org/doge-impact-meetings-industry/ ·     ...

Two conferences — the Joint Mathematics Meetings and Bridges — help mathematicians explore the connection between math and art. Written and read by Michelle Russell, former editor in chief of Convene . Read the Article :  Factoring Art Into Meeting Design: https://www.pcma.org/how-we-process-art/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/   Instagram: https://www.ins...

In this Talk Replay episode, the Editorial team discussed 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 2025: Meeting and Event...

Art lights up social networks in our brains. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor of Convene . Read the Article :  How We Process Art: https://www.pcma.org/how-we-process-art/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/   YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene   Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemaga...

In this Interview, Business Events Summit keynote speaker Jesse Israel shares insights on how event professionals can navigate uncertainty, make clearer decisions, and create environments where both teams and attendees can thrive. From quieting the noise of self-doubt and burnout to fostering stronger connections and more intentional event experiences, this conversation explores why presence is mo...

How Adam Rosendahl’s Late Nite Art workshops use storytelling, music, and drawing to help attendees break down barriers, connect in new ways and unleash creativity. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor of Convene . Read the Article :  The Art of Connecting: https://www.pcma.org/art-of-connecting/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/   Instagram: ht...

In this Interview, Business Events Summit keynote speaker Shasta Nelson, leading expert on human connection and author of The Business of Friendship , explores why friendship may be one of the most valuable—and overlooked—outcomes of business events. Drawing on her research in belonging, trust, and human connection, we discuss why organizations increasingly seek stronger cultures, healthier teams,...

A conference for social impact leaders takes a model approach to its own social impact projects in host destinations. Written and read by Michelle Russell, former editor in chief of Convene . Read the Article :  ‘Every Action Matters’: https://www.pcma.org/points-of-light-social-impact-leaders/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/   Instagram: https://www.insta...

In this Interview, Business Events Summit keynote speaker, author, futurist and economist Shawn DuBravac shares why the most successful organizations aren’t the ones with the best forecasts, but the ones built for adaptability. We explore how event leaders can rethink outdated processes, move beyond simply layering technology onto existing workflows, and embrace AI as a tool for transformation—not...

How the European Society of Radiology used a combination of the latest technology tools to create an immersive digital experience for medical imaging professionals. Written and read by Kate Mulcrone, digital managing editor of Convene . Read the Article :  At the Heart of It: https://www.pcma.org/ecr-25-planet-radiology/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/   I...

In this Interview, CEMA Summit speaker Sarah Reed shares why event leaders must move beyond checklists and start thinking like strategic business partners. Drawing on her unconventional start in global contact centers, she explains how to make decisions with imperfect information, prioritize outcomes over perfection, and confidently say no to misaligned ideas. We explore how emotion and human conn...