PCMA Convene Podcast

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.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/   YouTube: https://...

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 global sentiment — and what it could mean for the...

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

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 organizers and exhibitors are redefining ROI—return on i...

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 Russell, editor in chief at Convene . Read the Article...

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://nonprofitquarterly.org/an-awp-conference-i...

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-tech-conferences-exponential-growth/ Follow Conv...

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.org/doge-impact-meetings-industry/ ·       ...

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-professionals-offer-advice-meeting-in-heat/ Follow Con...

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 Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/p...

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-diverse-voices/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https...

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. Tune in to learn how event professionals can navigat...

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 learning over generative AI, and how organizations can...

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 title was State of AI in Business Events 2025 report),...

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 staying compliant and ethical. Learn how to protect...

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 member engagement, streamlining operations, and un...

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 overcoming unconscious bias, they share strategies for...

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   Contact Information : For anything podcast-rel...

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 LinkedIn Instagram X Subscribe to our newsletters : p...

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 2025: Meeting and Event ‘Desti...

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 make your next meeting Madrileño at esmadrid.com/...

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 Follow Convene: Website LinkedIn Instagram X S...

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 Junkie: https://www.pcm...

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 business events community. This season has been ki...

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, technology, and the workplace. This year, we took a...