The Business of Events 2025 – April 15, 2025

Tuesday, 15 April 2025

DAY TWO:
APPLIED LEARNINGS & INSPIRATIONS

The Business of Events (BOE) 2025 converges the dual pillars of leadership within an intergenerational workforce: mastery and intellectual prowess. Building on BOE 2024’s exploration of the duality between Unlearning and Relearning, BOE 2025 unites experienced and emerging leaders for real-time connections. Participants will delve into crucial dualities — Skill and Strategy, IQ and EQ, Personal and Professional Growth, alongside Broad and Deep Exploration — essential for navigating today’s complex business landscapes with Inspirational and Aspirational Imagination.
 
With MASTER. MIND. still at the heart of our discussions, Day Two expands the conversation with 12 PCMA Labs—supercharging applied learning through hands-on experiences. Complementing these deep dives are two compelling plenaries: an unfiltered industry reflection on real-world opportunities and a riveting closing session on endurance, leadership, and survival—drawing lessons from 537 days stranded in Antarctica.


Join an energising session curated by Oscar Cerezales that bridges global insights with real-world opportunities. Through candid conversations, live audience interactions, and dynamic storytelling, Oscar and guest commentators will connect AI, strategy, sustainability, and leadership takeaways with actionable pathways—what’s in it for you, and where PCMA can help. Expect controversy, fun, and fresh perspectives!

Oscar Cerezales, MCI

#1.1 Technology
Bots or Buzz?: Are Robotics the Next Innovation in Experiential?

Session Info

James Bennett, Project Worldwide

Dr. Yanliang Zhang, Weston Robot

#1.2 Creativity
The Power of Purpose: Creating Meaningful Content for the Next Generation of Corporate Events

Session Info

Taylor Smith, BCD M&E

#1.3 Creativity
Journey Mapping to Create Events that Influence and Inspire

Session Info

Georgie Stayches,
Fetching Events & Communications

#1.4 Strategy
Beyond ROI: The New Metrics of Event Success

Session Info

Olinto Oliveira, MCI

#1.5 Humanity
Energy Forecasting (THRIVE – a mental fitness experience)

Session Info

El Kwang, BEAMexperience

Karu Nanithi, Marina Bay Sands

#1.6 Technology
From Ideas to Execution: AI-Powered Event Planning with Spark

Session Info

Chantal Sturk-Nadeau, PCMA

Paula Rowntree,
The Business Events Network
& The Australian Psychological Society

Keerat Singh, Gevme

#2.1 Technology
Unlocking ROI at Events: The Power of Business Matchmaking​

Session Info

Errol Lim, Jublia

#2.2 Creativity
How to Empower the Creativity of Your Team and Direct It Towards Common Event Outcomes

Session Info

Nigel Collin, Nigel Collin Creative

#2.3 Creativity
Leaders, Mind Your Meetings

Session Info

Mike van der Vijver, Orange Gibbon

#2.4 Humanity
It Ain’t Woke: Commercially Smart Event Experiences and Businesses

Session Info

Winitha Bonney Oam, Winitha Pty Ltd

#2.5 Humanity
Empathy Mapping (THRIVE – a mental fitness experience)

Session Info

El Kwang, BEAMexperience

Karu Nanithi, Marina Bay Sands

#2.6 Technology
Unlocking AI-Human Synergy: Transforming Events with Spark

Session Info

Chantal Sturk-Nadeau, PCMA

Paula Rowntree,
The Business Events Network
& The Australian Psychological Society

Keerat Singh, Gevme

Enduring Leadership
Drawing on his incredible experience leading an Antarctic Expedition during the COVID-19 Pandemic which saw his team’s stay on the ice extended far beyond their original plan, David talks about the importance of balancing personal vulnerability with effective leadership. Discussing the challenges of maintaining mental health and resilience in extreme isolation, David highlights how acknowledging one’s own vulnerabilities can strengthen team cohesion and trust. He also advocates for embracing risks to expand personal and professional horizons, sharing insights on how stepping beyond comfort zones fosters growth and adaptability. His story underscores the importance of creative leadership, adapting to unforeseen challenges, and the profound personal development that arises from daring to take risks. 

David Knoff,
Antarctic Expedition Leader
& Author of 537 Days of Winter
Brought to you by Saxton Speakers Bureau


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