HELP & FAQs

General Issues & Inquiries

If you have a question that isn’t answered by the FAQs below, here’s how to contact us.

How many CEs or Clock Hours can I earn for Convening Leaders/EduCon?
Approximately 18 clock hours are available at Convening Leaders. Around 8 clock hours are available at the Education Conference. The numbers of clock hours offered are subject to change.

How may I obtain a list of all the CEs I’ve earned through PCMA?
1. Click here or
2. Visit “sign in” to log in in the top right of this site or “my pcma” if you are already logged in. Click on CE Transcript.

Select the time frame you would like with Start and End Date. To print out a certificate click on “print transcript” and you may print or select save to pdf to download a copy.

I attended an event or session and it isn’t on my transcript.
Complete this form and a member of our team will contact you within 24 hours.

How can I earn CE or Clock Hours with PCMA?
Events, webinars, and courses. Events like Convening Leaders offer a way where you can focus at a F2F event and earn many hours over 2-3 days. If you are looking for a way to earn them from your desk, we offer several EIC approved webinars throughout the year and on demand. Finally, with our CMP Online Prep Course, you can earn up to 25 Clock hours as you take it, and 14.5 with the PCMA Business Event Bootcamp.

I want to speak at a PCMA event. How can I submit my information?
Our education team reviews content submitted via this form on an as-needed basis and will contact you if your topic is applicable to a program under development. Note: the only program for which PCMA actively solicits presentations is Convening Leaders through an official call each spring.

Do you have to be a member to attend PCMA events?
Everyone is welcome to join us at PCMA events, however, members receive special discounts.

What other events does PCMA offer aside from Convening Leaders and EduCon?
View all PCMA events here.

With which currency can I pay my dues?
All membership dues must be paid in U.S. dollars.

Are membership dues tax deductible?
PCMA dues are not deductible as a charitable contribution for federal tax purposes, but may be deductible as a business expense (check with your accountant for more information).

I can’t update my company information online.
All company update requests must be made directly through Member Services.

We paid for an employee to be a PCMA member and want to transfer that membership. What do we do?
PCMA membership is applied to an individual vs a company or organization. Transfers are not allowed with less than 90 days remaining on the membership. A $50 non-refundable administrative fee will be charged to the new member.

I recently switched jobs. Will I lose my membership?
Switching jobs will not result in a loss of a PCMA membership unless the employment contract specifically indicates otherwise. If you’ve recently switched positions be sure to log-in to your PCMA account and update your contact information.

If you’re a member experiencing economic loss because of the COVID-19 outbreak, PCMA is here to help. E-mail [email protected] to pay just $50 to renew.

Are memberships on a company or individual basis?
All PCMA memberships are awarded on an individual basis regardless of who pays dues per the PCMA Bylaws.

How can I determine when my membership is up for renewal?
Visit “My PCMA” in the top right of the site and log in to view when your membership is up for renewal. Contact [email protected] for assistance.

Does my membership expire at the end of the calendar year?
Memberships run on an annual anniversary basis. Join and end dates may vary depending upon when payment was initially submitted. Example: John Smith joined PCMA on October 14, 2016. John will remain a member in good standing from November 1, 2016 through October 31, 2017.

What are the benefits to becoming a PCMA member?
View member benefits here.

How do I select my membership category?
If you spend more than 51% of your time in the development, organization and management of meetings, conventions, exhibits and seminars, you are a Business Event Professional.

If you spend more than 51% of your time as a vendor to or supplier for the industry, you are a Supplier Partner.

View membership options here.

PCMA reserves the right to review your membership category. If we have a question, we will contact you for clarification.

What is an associate membership?
To qualify for an Associate level membership, prospective members must provide the name of the PCMA Professional member at his/her company location. Associate members may only attend Convening Leaders at the Associate rate one time.

Do you offer special rates for college students?
Yes. PCMA Student Memberships are reserved for current students enrolled in at least 6 credit hours at an accredited college/university. At the time of the application students must provide the College/University Name, E-mail, and mailing address. See our current list of active Student Chapters to learn more about events happening on campus. Don’t see your College/University listed? Complete the Annual Application for Student Chapters and submit to [email protected].

How do I qualify for the Next Gen membership?
The PCMA Next Gen membership is a chance for recent graduates and event professionals* who are early in their careers to take full advantage of PCMA’s professional development opportunities at a rate of $120 for Business Event Organizers and Supplier Event Professionals.

*To qualify, you must be either an Event Organizer or Supplier Professional and a maximum of 30 years old at the time of joining/renewing to receive the rate.

How do I renew my membership?
You can navigate to “Renewals” in your profile, then click “Manage” to process your renewal via credit card. Should you have any trouble, contact [email protected].

Can I pay my membership dues via credit card?
Absolutely! You can navigate to “Renewals” in your profile then click “Manage” to process your renewal via credit card. Should you have any trouble, contact [email protected].

Can I pay my membership dues via ACH?
Yes, for an invoice to pay via ACH, please contact [email protected].

Can I pay my membership dues via check?
Yes, for an invoice to pay via check, please contact [email protected].

Which membership category do I belong to?
If you spend more than 51% of your time in the development, organization and management of meetings, conventions, exhibitions and seminars, you are a Business Events Professional. You are a Supplier Events Professional if you provide the infrastructure that brings a plan to life: lodging, venues, equipment, catering, transportation and more.

What is the associate membership?
You may qualify for an associate membership if your company already has one PCMA Member at the $485 or $360 rate *and* you both work from the same location. You can only attend one Convening Leaders as an associate member.

Do you have a group membership rate?
We are happy to extend 10% off for groups of 5 or more within the same organization each at the full membership rate. Please email [email protected] for an invoice.

How much to renew my Business Event Professional membership?
The cost to renew a Business Event Professional membership is $360.

How much to renew my Supplier Event Professional membership?
The cost to renew a Supplier Event Professional membership is $485.

Can I transfer my membership?
Your membership may be transferred if these requirements are met: there must be at least 90 days remaining in the membership, both the current member and the new contact must sign an agreement provided by Membership, and a $50 transfer fee must be completed by the new contact. To inquire about a transfer, please email [email protected].

Why won’t it give me the option to renew my membership?
This means your membership is set to auto-renew. Your membership will automatically renew on the 1st of the month following your membership expiration. Feel free to contact [email protected] to manually renew.

How will watched webinars appear on my PCMA transcript?
Any watched webinars live will be automatically added onto your PCMA transcript which you are then able to turn into the EIC. Any on-demand webinars watched need to be manually added onto your transcript by logging into your profile, navigating to CE Transcript, and clicking “Create CEU”. Once the on-demand credit is added, our education team will need to verify the credit for you. This can be done by contacting them at [email protected].

How do I upload my PCMA transcript to my EIC profile?
Download your PCMA transcript from your PCMA profile. Next, log into your EIC portal and go to the home page. Click the Add/Edit Continuing Education button at the bottom of the screen. From there, click the green + sign to add credit details. Insert session details and attach PCMA transcript.

How many credit hours is the Digital Event Strategist (DES) course worth?
The DES course is worth a total of 14.5 credit hours that are approved by the Events Industry Council (EIC) for application toward becoming a Certified Meeting Planner (CMP). Approval of these credit hours for any other certification is dependent on that organization’s requirements. Credit hours are logged in your PCMA transcript: PCMA.org > My Profile > CE Transcript

How many credit hours is the Introduction to Digital Events course worth?
The Introduction to Digital Events course is worth a total of 2 credit hours that are approved by the Events Industry Council (EIC) for application toward becoming a Certified Meeting Planner (CMP). Approval of these credit hours for any other certification is dependent on that organization’s requirements. Credit hours are logged in your PCMA transcript: PCMA.org > My Profile > CE Transcript

What do I need to do to recertify as a Digital Event Strategist (DES)?
To recertify your DES certification, you are required to attain 20 clock hours of educational content related to digital/hybrid events in the 2 years since certification (or your last recertification). After submitting these hours, recertifying is $150 USD. To learn more about how to attain these hours please visit our recertification page here.

I’m having trouble logging in to my course/clicking Access Now on my course isn’t working.
If you are running into a pcma.talentlms.com page prompting you to log in again AFTER selecting Access Now instead of being taken directly into the course, note that your PCMA log in credentials won’t be recognized here. If you see this screen, you may select Log In with SAML 2.0 at the bottom of the window to get in.

Can I pay for PCMA products in multiple payment installments?
Our payment system currently does not allow for payment in multiple installments for our products. We are working toward making that system enhancement in the near future.

(DES-SPECIFIC) Can I pay for DES in multiple payment installments?
Our payment system currently does not allow for payment in multiple installments for our products. We are working toward making that system enhancement in the near future. We occasionally have scholarships available for the DES course. Check out our scholarships page here!

I’m interested in being a speaker at an upcoming PCMA event. Who do I contact?
If you’re interested in being a speaker at a PCMA event, please fill out the form on the page linked here. Our education team reviews content submitted via this form on an as-needed basis and will contact you if your topic is applicable to a program under development.

Does the $895 USD price of the DES course include the final exam? Are there any additional fees?
The $895 USD price for the DES course includes the course, all materials, and the final exam. No additional fees are required to attain certification.

What time are the live Expert Hours in the DES course?
Our live Expert Hours are generally scheduled on each Thursday of the course from 12 PM – 1 PM CDT. If you are ever unable to attend a live session of the course, these sessions are always recorded for you to view on-demand as well.

How do I create an account if I am not a member?
Click here. If you require additional assistance, please contact Member Services and someone will reach out to assist you momentarily.

How do I reset (or retrieve) my password?
To reset your password simply click here. If you require additional assistance, please contact Member Services and someone will reach out to assist you momentarily.

I can’t update my company information online.
All company update requests must be made directly through Member Services.

How do I get a copy of my payment receipt?
To obtain a copy of your recent membership transaction receipt, please contact Member Services.

For educational products contact the Education Department.

Does PCMA offer any group company discounts?
Not for all products. Companies with at least one full Professional/Supplier member may add additional associate-level memberships. Please contact [email protected] for information on product savings.

Are there any financial assistance programs offered through PCMA?
Yes. PCMA offers relief programs for member dues, including Employment Transition Dues Reduction (ETDR)* and Installment Payment Agreement**

*PCMA Employment Transition Dues Reduction requests reduce payment of dues to $50 USD. The ETDR is reserved for members in good standing for more than 3 years upon recommendation of the PCMA Director, Member Services. Additional requirements pertain.

 **Installment Payment Agreement breaks down member dues into two or three installment payments. Dues will be placed on an automated payment schedule. Please contact Member Services for additional information.

What types of payment methods do you accept?
PCMA accepts all major credit cards, checks, and wire transfers for payment. Please contact [email protected] if you need anything further.

Where should checks be mailed?
To pay by check, please include a copy of the original invoice along with payment and address to: PCMA, 38407 Eagle Way, Chicago. IL 60678-1384

What resources does PCMA offer to help prepare for the CMP?
We offer a number of exam prep opportunities including an online course, textbooks, and a study app. The local chapters offer CMP study workshops. If you would like to purchase our proven study materials, visit click here.

Please contact [email protected] for additional information.

To recertify my CMP, I need a letter verifying my membership with PCMA. How may I request a copy?
Email [email protected] to receive a copy.

How do I apply for my CMP?
The Convention Industry Council awards the CMP designation. Visit their website for additional information. PCMA provides excellent study materials but does not manage renewals or applications.

How do I renew my CMP?
The Convention Industry Council awards the CMP designation. Visit their website for additional information. PCMA provides excellent study materials but does not manage renewals or applications.

How many CE are needed for the CMP? 
The Convention Industry Council awards the CMP designation. Visit their website for additional information. PCMA provides excellent study materials but does not manage renewals or applications.

When are the future dates and locations of PCMA Convening Leaders?
Visit Conveningleaders.org for the most updated information.

How can I exhibit at PCMA Convening Leaders?
PCMA does not have an exhibition at PCMA Convening Leaders. Vendors are invited to register as Suppliers. People have been building strong relationships that last, through our networking and education opportunities. The best networking at our event happens from learning side-by-side with those you want to be in business.

Is there a hosted buyer program for Convening Leaders? If so, when does it open and how can I apply?
Yes. The applications are available in late summer.

Contact [email protected] for more information.

Is there a schedule available for EduCon?
Visit the EduCon site for more information.

What are the hotels and hotel rates for EduCon?
Visit the EduCon site for more information.

Contact [email protected] for more information

What are PCMA’s Community Rules?
We invite our members to use the PCMA Catalyst Forum & Directory as a place to engage in discussion and debate, but all users must abide by the community rules. Read details on PCMA’s community values and standards here.

Do you sell your list or data?
No we do not sell a mailing list to anyone. Our members’ privacy is very important to us. We require that our members sign an agreement that they will not mass communicate with each other.

Following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) set by the  Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI), we will continue developing and enhancing our accessibility features to ensure functionality.

Please note that our website may link to or interface with third-party websites that we do not control— these third-party sites may not comply with WCAG standards.

If you encounter any accessibility issues on our site, please contact us at [email protected] for assistance.

If you do not see the answer to your question here, please contact us.

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