PCMA Convene Podcast

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/neurodivergence-event-design-differently-wired-minds/ Foll...

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 you rethinking how to partner with the travel inf...

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://www.pcma.org/award-ceremony-increase-audien...

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 Events After a Natural Disaster: https://www.pc...

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.   Links: ·       8 Ways to Organize Your Workday: http...

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://alexcarterasks.com/ iBreathe App - https://apps.ap...

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 :  Meetings in Flux: https://www.pcma.org/meeting...

In this Convene Talk episode, we unpack how the “hidden tax” of cognitive ambiguity is eroding leadership clarity — and what to do about it. From time-blocking your stress to reframing internal narratives, the team explores practical, research-backed strategies to help meeting professionals stay focused, calm, and present — even amid global disruptions and information overload.   Links: ·       Ho...

In this Season 7 episode of the Convene Podcast, we are joined by Sherron Washington — a global speaker, author, marketing and communication strategist, and CEO of The P3 Solution — for a bold and insightful conversation on how organizations can foster meaningful communication across generations and identities. Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/   Instagram:...

Business events have long been designed with this one-off/single-use mentality. How can we adopt more of a reduce, reuse, recycle approach? Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief at Convene . Read the Article :  Building a Circular Economy in Events: How Two Major Meetings Reimagined Sustainability: https://www.pcma.org/circular-economy-meetings/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://ww...

In this episode of the Convene Podcast, sustainability leader Thiago Araujo makes a compelling case for Latin America’s vital role in the global events industry’s journey to net zero. From carbon offset strategies to rethinking economic and social impact, discover practical steps event professionals can take—wherever they are. Follow Convene: Website:        pcma.org/convene LinkedIn:        linke...

In this episode of the Convene Podcast, we sit down with Deanna Nwosu, a 25-year industry veteran and internal events strategist at REI, to explore what it really takes to grow a meaningful, purpose-aligned career in the fast-changing world of events. From breaking into the industry to becoming a confident leader, Deanna shares candid insights on mentorship, collaboration, strategic thinking—and w...

How technology tools are helping organizers wrap their arms around participants’ emotional responses to their events. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene . Read the Article :  Using Emotional AI to Track Attendee Sentiment in Real Time: https://www.pcma.org/using-emotional-ai/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www....

In this Convene Talk episode, our editors unpack how new U.S. border policies, rising visa wait times, and shifting international perceptions are dampening event attendance and travel. Discover what planners are doing—and not doing—to address the growing uncertainty impacting global participation at major U.S. events.   Links: ·       An Increasingly Bleak Travel Forecast for the U.S.: https://www...

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 leadership, purpose-driven work, and why soft skills...

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 excerpts from the original interview with Imani Ell...

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 Productive—and Less Motivated: https://hbr.org/2025...

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/showcase/pcma-convene/   Instagram: https://www.inst...

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, senior editor at Convene . Read the Article :  Measurin...

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 three themes — Blend, Innovate, and Craft — with ses...

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://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/   YouTube: htt...

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://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/   Instag...

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 captioning and flexibility, this discussion unpacks t...

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 Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcas...

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, flexibility, and changing destination choices are s...