Finding Solutions to Social Justice Issues from Human Trafficking to Homelessnes

As an industry we can come together to make a difference on social justice issues — it's simply a matter of awareness. We'll kick off the session by taking an in-depth look at the human trafficking epidemic, discussing the warning signs that someone is being held against their will and what to do if you see a suspicious situation. Then we'll shift gears to discuss the homelessness issue that often affects where we plan our events and the experiences our participants have while attending events. Learn what solutions event organizers at a hackathon in Glasgow developed, and how we can begin helping cities solve for the homelessness epidemic.

Increase Data Privacy & Elevate Experiences with Blockchain

Most companies fiercely guard their data facing the challenge of keeping it secure and compliant with privacy laws all alone. Cutting-edge industries are embracing blockchain technology as a way to optimize and safeguard their data across shared networks. Blockchain evangelist Sam Radocchia will share how this has transformed the business world before discussing its impact on business events with an esteemed industry panel.

Build Ground-breaking Communities with Behavior-Changing Experiences

The Berlin-based Falling Walls exemplifies this notion of creating a forward-looking international community and an atmosphere that encourages participants to join in tackling the “next walls to fall”. You'll take away lessons from this unique conference on how to create experiences that inspire meaningful exchange and enable breakthroughs in any industry.

Secrets To Crafting Extraordinary Experiences

The College of Extraordinary Experiences “is a designed experience journey that aims to equip participants with the mindset, insights, and network to step in the Experience Economy and design something truly extraordinary.” University professors, retailers, game developers, filmmakers, artists, storytellers, marketing agencies, and event planners all have participated in the four-day workshop at the college, which is housed in a castle in Poland. In this session, two experience designers will share what they learned at the college’s workshop to help participants craft their own extraordinary event experiences.

Innovate Your Business Model to Achieve Growth

Business event strategists and suppliers have massive potential to drive changes that increase revenue, decrease risk and contain costs for their organization. It comes down to being familiar with business challenges and applying innovative thinking to create more value and growth.

Beyond the Spend: Does Your Event’s Economic Impact Matter?

The Events Industry Council and Oxford Economics reported meetings, conventions, and trade shows collectively contributed $845 billion in business sales and $104 billion in federal, state, and local taxes to the U.S. economy in 2016. The power of the industry is clear, but evaluating the contribution of an individual event poses a challenge for many business event strategists. This session will define the economic impact of events and provide suggestions for how business event strategists can use this data to drive both internal and external communications.

Heard Around PCMA Convening Leaders Day 1

PCMA Press Conference Covers Changes, Looks Forward

At a PCMA press conference Jan. 7 at Convening Leaders, a panel discussed changes in the organization and the road map for the next three years.

5 Trends to Watch for the Future of Business Events

Marriott and PCMA partnered on a study that takes a deep dive into how consumer and market forces will change business events.

Experience Design, Sponsorships Among Hot Braindate Topics at CL19

All Convening Leaders participants were automatically registered for the Braindates platform for peer-to-peer networking. As the conference got underway Jan. 7, approximately 68 one-on-one and 51 group meetings had been scheduled, and more than 138 topics had been offered.

Make Change Happen: Seth Godin Stresses Importance of Innovation

Do work that matters for people who care. Create change. That’s the role of business events professionals, according to marketing guru Seth Godin. Godin captivated the crowd Monday at Convening Leaders Main Stage presentation, “You Can’t Be Seen Until You Learn to See.”

Meetings Mean Business Coalition: Tackling Industry Turbulence

The Meetings Mean Business coalition’s 2019 agenda includes international expansion, influencer marketing campaigns, and a plan to deal with travel bans and boycotts.