IMEX 2026

Smart Monday Education by PCMA

Add our workshops and panels to your IMEX schedule! 

Spark AI Workshop 1: Event Planning & Logistics
Smart Planning with Spark: Streamlining Event Logistics
9:30am – 10:30am | Paula Rowntree  

Behind every successful event is a mountain of planning, coordination, and detail. In this hands-on session, you’ll learn how to use Spark and its more than 100 modules and tasks to simplify logistics and stay ahead of deadlines. From building supplier RFPs and managing run sheets to shaping venue briefs and balancing budgets, Spark transforms time-consuming admin into quick, accurate outputs. You’ll walk away with practical workflows designed for real event challenges—so you can focus less on manual tasks and more on delivering exceptional experiences.   

Spark AI Workshop 2: Data Analysis & Marketing
Unlocking Insights & Amplifying Impact with Spark
10:45am-11:45am | Paula Rowntree

Event professionals know that data and marketing both demand time, attention, and clarity. In this session, you’ll see how Spark’s Data Analysis tools cut through the noise—summarising surveys, highlighting trends, and evaluating feedback in seconds. We’ll then shift gears to explore Spark’s Marketing modules, where you can instantly repurpose content into campaigns, build audience-specific messaging, and create posts, press releases, and sponsorship proposals at speed. Together, these tools demonstrate how Spark’s more than 100 modules and tasks can give you sharper insights and stronger outreach without the manual workload.

From Event Execution to Strategic Leadership: Mastering Data-Driven Communication for Event Professionals
12:00pm-1:00pm | Anthony Vade | Co-Founder, Strategy Table Pathways Inc. & PCMA Institute Faculty 

In today’s competitive business landscape, event professionals must evolve beyond logistical coordination to become strategic partners who drive measurable organizational impact. This comprehensive session is designed to transform how event professionals communicate their value, align with business objectives, and influence key stakeholders through compelling, data-driven narratives. 

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 

• Reframe Their Professional Identity: Transition from tactical event coordinators to strategic business partners who understand and contribute to organizational goals 
• Master Data-Driven Storytelling: Develop compelling narratives that translate event metrics into business impact stories that resonate with C-suite executives 
• Implement Strategic Analytics: Leverage technology and analytics tools to track, measure, and report on event performance in ways that matter to senior leadership 
• Deliver Executive-Ready Presentations: Craft and confidently present business-driven event proposals that secure buy-in and resources from executive stakeholders 

From Order-Taker to Strategic Partner: The C-Suite Mindset Every Event Professional Needs
2:30pm-3:30pm | Tammy Moore, CMM, CMP | VP Learning & Professional Development | PCMA Institute 

Tired of being brought in at the last minute to execute someone else’s vision? Ready to earn your seat at the strategy table? This interactive session transforms how you approach your role by teaching you to think like the C-suite about the impact of events on business success. 

Using real business frameworks and practical exercises, you’ll learn to decode what leadership truly cares about and translate your event expertise into executive-level conversations. Master the strategic thinking that separates order-takers from indispensable partners who drive measurable business results. 

This session is designed for ambitious event professionals who want to elevate their influence and become trusted advisors within their organizations. 

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session, you will be able to: 

• Apply business thinking frameworks to evaluate and communicate event ROI in terms of leadership values 
• Position events strategically as drivers of key business objectives rather than standalone activities 
• Identify value creation opportunities within your current role to increase organizational impact 
• Develop proactive partnership strategies that transform you from a reactive executor to a trusted business advisor 

Bridging the Design Gap: Aligning Business Objectives with Human Experience
3:45pm-4:30pm | Devon Montgomery Pasha | DMP Creative & PCMA Institute Faculty

Many events fail because there’s a gap between what organizations want to achieve and what participants actually experience. This session explores how to bridge that gap using event design thinking. Participants will learn how to align business objectives with participant needs, creating experiences that deliver measurable impact and lasting value. 

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session, you will be able to: 

• Identify the most common gaps between business goals and event delivery. 
• Apply design thinking to close those gaps with practical tools. 
• Learn how to measure success in terms that matter to both business leaders and participants. 

PCMA Institute Education Sessions at the PCMA Booth (F441)

Are you a P.A.R.T.N.E.R. to Leadership?
10:00am-10:30 am | Tammy Moore 

Back by popular demand, this session explores the P.A.R.T.N.E.R. Framework – your roadmap from service provider to strategic partner. With 48% of companies experiencing C-suite changes last year, event professionals must elevate their approach to remain indispensable. 

Learn the seven elements: Position yourself as a trusted resource, Actively listen, Recommend strategic solutions, Transparently communicate, Navigate challenges proactively, Evaluate and demonstrate impact, and Refine your approach. Through self-assessment and practical application, you’ll identify development areas and create an action plan to strengthen leadership partnerships. 

Learning Objectives: 

• Apply the P.A.R.T.N.E.R. Framework to current relationships 
• Identify personal development priorities 
• Create actionable steps for strategic partnership building 

Behind the RFP: Building Better AV Partnerships for Modern Events
10:45am-11:15 am | Bill Mott 

The AV RFP process can make or break your event. With evolving technology, hybrid formats, and venue complexities, it’s essential to ask the right questions, evaluate the right metrics, and choose the right partner. 

Join Bill Mott with Pinnacle Live for a practical, future-focused session on creating smarter AV RFPs. Learn how to budget, navigate in-house AV, and avoid common pitfalls so you can align with the right vendor and deliver exceptional experiences. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Structure AV RFPs that reflect your event’s vision, from creative to production. 
• Evaluate proposals using clear, measurable criteria. 
• Understand pricing trends and find cost-saving opportunities. 
• Work effectively with in-house AV without sacrificing quality. 
• Explore emerging AV technologies to shape your next RFP 

Say Less, Connect More: Simple Communication That Influences Action 
11:30 am-12:00 pm | Sherron Washington

Your words have power—but your time is limited. Whether you’re pitching a venue, engaging a client, or welcoming a crowd, you’ve got seconds to spark connection and build trust. This high-energy micro-session teaches you how to make your communication sharper, smarter, and more human. Walk away with real-world strategies to get people to listen, feel, and act—fast.  

Walk away with:  

• The 7-Second Impact: Make your first words count (and ditch the fluff) 
• The One-Sentence Rule: How to clearly communicate your brand or value in under 12 words  
• Micro-Messaging Makeovers: Upgrade everyday phrases that sound generic or scripted 

Spark Presentation
12:00pm – 12:30pm | Anca Platon Trifan

Beyond the Demo: Spark in Real Life
Spark is built for event professionals—but how do you actually make it work in real planning scenarios? With 20+ years in event technology and as host of the Events: Demystified podcast, Anca Platon Trifan will show you how to move beyond the demo and apply Spark where it matters most. In this 25-minute PCMA Main Stage session, you’ll explore practical ways to use Spark to streamline planning, repurpose event content into new formats, and uncover insights that drive better decisions. Expect clear examples, candid strategies, and a no-nonsense look at how Spark can become part of your everyday workflow.

Wow to How: Turning 2026 Event Tech Trends into Strategy
1:00 pm-1:30 pm | Brian Monahan 

The event tech world is overflowing with ways to wow — from immersive LED environments to AI-driven personalization. But audiences are becoming wow-fatigued, and without a clear strategy, even the most impressive tools can fall flat. This session explores the top 2026 event tech trends and shows you how to move beyond the novelty, integrating them with purpose to create meaningful, lasting impact across the attendee journey. 

2 Truths and a Lie: AI & Data Privacy
1:45 pm-2:15 pm | Nick Borelli 

In this fun and fast-paced session, you’ll be challenged to put your knowledge of event technology and data privacy to the test. We’ll present three statements about AI and its role in your events, but only two of them are true. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to figure out which one is the lie! 

Step away from the typical lecture format and lean into a session designed for interaction and critical thinking. We’ll subvert what you might think you know about AI, data collection, and consent, proving that some common assumptions are just plain wrong. 

You’ll walk away with: 

• Actionable insights into how to responsibly collect and manage attendee data using AI. 
• Clarity on the difference between necessary data collection and privacy-invasive practices. 
• Confidence to ask the right questions of your event tech vendors regarding their data handling policies. 

Are you ready to separate fact from fiction and become a more informed, AI-savvy event professional? Join us and find out! 

Inclusive by Design: Turning Metrics into Meaningful Practices
2:30 pm-3:00 pm | Zoe Moore 

Inclusion can’t live in mission statements alone—it must be measured, managed, and made real. This 30-minute session will show how to bridge the gap between aspirational DEI goals and everyday event practices. Learn how to identify the metrics that matter, translate them into operational strategies, and design experiences where equity and belonging are not just ideals, but outcomes.

Beyond the Budget: From Penny Pinching to Amplified Impact
10:00am-10:30 am | Brian Monahan 

Your AV budget isn’t just a cost — it’s a catalyst. In this session, we’ll uncover the most common budget pitfalls and hidden fees, then show you how to channel every dollar toward engagement, connection, and measurable results. Learn how to make smarter technology choices, align AV spend with event goals, and transform your budget from a constraint into a tool for amplified impact. 

The Experience Bridge: How to Connect Event Strategy with Audience Energy
10:45am-11:15 am | Devon Pasha 

An event’s design sets the direction, but it’s the delivery that makes it unforgettable. In this dynamic session, Certified Event Designer and professional emcee Devon Pasha reveals how to close the gap between planning and live execution so your audience feels every intended moment. Using her SPARK Method as a guide, Devon will share practical ways to translate strategy into experiences that captivate, energize, and create lasting impact. Whether you’re a planner, producer, or supplier, you’ll leave ready to turn your event vision into a living, breathing experience. 

Three Valuable, Actionable Takeaways 

1. Activate the Design: Transform objectives on paper into moments that inspire and engage in real time. 
2. Harness Audience Energy: Use simple presence and activation techniques to maintain momentum throughout the event. 
3. Create Lasting Resonance: Ensure your event’s message lives beyond closing day with intentional touchpoints. 

Data Karaoke: Remixing Your Event’s Narrative for Impact
11:30 am-12:00 pm | Vinnu Deshetty 

Ever felt like your event data was singing the same old tune? It’s time to hit the remix button! In this fun and interactive “Data Karaoke” session, we’ll take a common event statistic (like “attendance was down 10%”) and collectively re-write its narrative. I’ll show you how to dig deeper than the surface numbers, explore alternative interpretations, and craft a compelling story that highlights true impact and learning, not just raw figures. Get ready to turn your data into a chart-topping hit that resonates with stakeholders and drives meaningful change. 

Spark Presentation
12:00pm – 12:30pm | Nick Borelli

Uncover Strategic Insights with Spark: From Data to Decisions
Discover how Spark can supercharge your event planning process. In this 25-minute demo, we’ll showcase how Spark AI’s analytical capabilities can enhance logistics, boost attendee engagement, and predict industry trends. You’ll get a firsthand look at how this game-changing technology quickly delivers actionable insights, helping you make data-driven decisions that elevate event experiences and maximize ROI. 

Becoming a Mature Event Organization
1:00 pm-1:30 pm | Tammy Moore 

Only 18% of events teams have achieved “leading” status as strategic partners fully integrated into their organizations. With 82% of teams still developing toward best-in-class performance, this session provides a roadmap for accelerating organizational maturity and establishing competitive advantage. 

Learning Objectives
Participants will: 

• Assess their organization’s current maturity level using the four-stage framework (Starting, Growing, Maturing, Leading) 
• Identify the most critical capability gaps preventing advancement to the next maturity stage 
• Apply the six strategic principles that distinguish leading organizations from their peers 
• Develop an action plan addressing their organization’s specific maturity challenges 

What’s Your Risk Personality?
1:45 pm-2:15 pm | Tammy Moore 

Discover how your natural risk tendencies shape your approach to event planning and crisis management. This interactive session helps teams understand their collective risk strengths and blind spots while building more effective crisis response strategies. 

Learning Objectives 

By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 

• Identify their primary risk personality type and how it influences their decision-making 
• Recognize the strengths and challenges of different risk approaches within their team 
• Leverage diverse risk personalities to create more comprehensive event planning strategies 
• Apply risk personality insights to improve team collaboration during high-pressure situations 

AI 201: Beyond Prompting: Building Simple Agents for Big Tasks
2:30 pm-3:00 pm | Nick Borelli 

You’ve mastered the basics of prompting. Now, it’s time to build a truly smart and efficient team. This session moves beyond one-off conversations with AI generalists and shows you how to create your own specialized AI agents. Learn to leverage powerful tools like Gemini Gems and ChatGPT’s GPTs to give yourself access to experts on demand, transforming your AI from an intern into a highly-trained team member.

We will demonstrate how to build custom agents that: 

• Remember Your Brand Voice: Generate on-brand content with a single, simple prompt. 
• Automate Complex Workflows: Go from a single task to a multi-step process with a specialist you build yourself. 
• Scale Your Team: Create a team of virtual specialists for everything from event marketing to venue sourcing, all without writing a line of code. 

This is your chance to stop prompting and start building. Join us to discover how to tackle your biggest event challenges with your smallest prompts. 

Spark and DestinAItor Sessions at the PCMA Booth (F441)

Tuesday, October 7

Wednesday, October 8

Thursday, October 9

Press Conference

Wednesday, October 8th at 1pm 

PCMA Delivers Enhanced Education and Technology for Global Business Events Community

PCMA Board Chair, Neil Brownlee and Sherrif Karamat, CAE, PCMA and CEMA President & CEO will preview two unmatched education offerings with the application process to open during Convening Leaders 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Enhancements to destination and venue research and sourcing platforms continue with Destinaitor and Spark.

Join the IMEX America Wellbeing Challenge

Sponsored by Caesars Entertainment
Powered by Heka Health
In partnership with the PCMA Foundation and Prevue Meetings & Incentives

Participate in a range of wellbeing activities and enjoy some healthy competition with your peers at IMEX America 2025. Earn chances to win amazing prizes for reaching Challenge Goals and working your way up the leaderboard.  

In addition to competing as an individual, you can create your own team or join an existing team. Teams compete against other teams based on average points and you can also see well how you rank against your teammates. 

The IMEX Wellbeing Challenge starts first thing on Tuesday, October 7 (12:01a PT) and ends Thursday, October 9 at noon PT. 

Stop by the PCMA Foundation booth (F441) and take on the hula hoop to earn 1,000 bonus points per day. Earn an additional 2,000 bonus points for every donation to the PCMA Foundation of $25 or more at https://foundation.pcma.org/donate/ 

Networking Receptions

Tuesday, October 7 & Wednesday, October 8 
PCMA & CEMA Member Reception
3:00pm-4:00pm | Booth F441 
Connect with fellow members during IMEX and enjoy networking and industry camaraderie.
Brought to you by Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau and Destination Toronto

Wednesday, October 8
CEMA Pop Up
6:00pm–8:00pm | Pinky’s by Vanderpump, Flamingo Las Vegas 
Enjoy an intimate setting to exchange ideas, meet new peers, and strengthen industry relationships while celebrating IMEX week in style. With support from our partners Caesars Entertainment and Impact XM, this gathering is designed to give you space to recharge, connect, and walk away with meaningful new contacts. Register here »