The PCMA Museum in The District captured eight decades of meetings history in a series of objects — including some of our favorite Convene covers. Photo by Jacob Slaton / Whatever Media Group

It’s a Wrap!

We hope Convening Leaders 2026 gave you plenty of opportunities to learn, meet colleagues in the industry, and form some lasting memories. We’re sharing a few things the Convene team heard — or overheard — these past few days that have stuck with us. Safe travels home!

The First Timers Experience was held on Sunday in the Pennsylvania Convention Center’s dramatic Grand Hall, which was created by renovating the historic Reading Terminal Trainshed.

Convening Leaders 2026 Kicks Off

We’re thrilled to welcome you to Philadelphia, the place where PCMA got its start 70 years ago, and kick off three days of learning from and connecting with the brightest minds in the events business. Convene checked in with Convening Leaders first-timers to see what they’re most excited about this year.

Jay Kiew will open his session by breaking down what it truly means to lead in an era where digital disruption and AI move at supersonic speed.

Jay Kiew on Navigating Change

The Convening Leaders 2026 Main Stage keynoter will help attendees understand new ways to transform disruptions into opportunities.

Jahkini Bisselink bridges generational gaps by converting Generation Z values into actionable strategies that help organizations prepare for and lead in the future.

Setting the Stage for Jahkini Bisselink

Here’s a preview of what the Gen-Z expert will share on the Convening Leaders Main Stage this morning and later this afternoon in a Master Class on how organizers can better engage this next-gen cohort — and why wellbeing is the most important metric for events for all participants, regardless of age.

With an unparalleled meetings infrastructure and cultural roots spanning three continents, New Orleans is an ideal destination for groups of all sizes.

Why New Orleans Is Built to Host

With an unparalleled meetings infrastructure and cultural roots spanning three continents, New Orleans is an ideal destination for groups of all sizes.

The 2025 Association of Zoos & Aquariums Annual Conference in Tampa contributed to coastal restoration by helping remove CO₂ from the atmosphere.

Meeting the Moment in Tampa Bay

This Florida city is ideally suited for groups who want to meet in style while making a meaningful impact on the local community.

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