Newly opened space at the Palais de congrès de Montréal immerses participants in color, sound, and light.

Convene asked the 2020 and 2021 chairs of the PCMA Board of Directors and Board of Trustees this question: What do you think we’re going to be talking about in our industry a year from now? Here are their responses.

Joining convention centers that have become mass vaccination distribution sites, hotels are offering to do their part to combat COVID-19. The American Hotel & Lodging Association sent a letter to the Biden transition team, sharing why hotels are uniquely positioned to contribute to vaccine distribution efforts. 

Carol Wallace, recipient of the inaugural PCMA Groundbreakers Award, talks about her 35-year career that included 24 years as president and CEO of the San Diego Convention Center Corporation.

Angie Ranalli shares what she is looking forward to in the coming year, both within and outside of her role chairing the PCMA Foundation Board of Trustees.

Convening Leaders 2021 speaker Cameron Bailey explains how organizers turned an international film festival into a record-breaking hybrid event.

The Infectious disease experts share their thoughts on preventing transmission, when travel might really return, and whether organizers should require attendees to be vaccinated.

The way events professionals supported each other in 2020 was “uplifting,” says Kirsten Olean, incoming Chair of the PCMA Board of Directors. Now they need to “embrace that next normal” of digital and hybrid events.

PCMA attendees dove right into Thursday’s sessions and networking activities, participating in chats, engaging with speakers during Q&A, taking part in conversation starters, posting on social media, and listening to great music — from inspiring performances to an upbeat playlist. Check out the buzz from Day 2.

Valerie Sumner, chair of the 2020 PCMA Foundation Board of Trustees, says she is honored to have served when ‘we focused on our strength, our resilience, our power to pave our way to the next normal.’

Hope for a better 2021 surged among business event planners and event participants in the latest installment of the Business Events Compass, although challenges remain.

Change won’t happen overnight, but there are concrete actions that event planners can take to educate themselves about racial equality and equity. Convening Leaders speaker Torin Perez shares his three-step action plan to help individuals achieve a more grounded perspective on race and society.