May 2018
Does design thinking sound like a warm and fuzzy approach to meeting planning? Warm, yes, because it’s human-centered. But considering our handful of clear strategies, there’s nothing fuzzy about it.
Cover illustration by Selman Design
view digital edition subscribeBehind the Scenes: Diversity, Inclusion, and Intersectionality
How can we distinguish between those three goals for the best possible outcome at business events?
Looking Ahead: 100 Days and Counting
I’ve passed my first milestone as PCMA CEO, and see our work to move the business-events industry forward around the world taking shape.
Derrick Johnson on Continuous Professional Development
‘Technology is changing our jobs, industry, and world. Take time to read, think, and reflect on these changes.’
Why A Popular Tech Gathering Is Heading to Canada
The role that conversations about border walls, travel bans, and economic nationalism in the U.S. played in the decision to move the Collision conference north of the border.
How a Multi-Hub Digital Hub Kept the Human Touch
A global pharmaceutical company introduced a new product to hundreds of physicians in Spain in 18 locations at once using an interactive digital format.
The Good News About Procrastination
Don’t beat yourself up about putting off an important project. Procrastination is a normal part of the creative process, says organizational psychologist and bestselling author Adam Grant.
A Night at the Museum
To mark an important milestone — welcoming Rijksmuseum’s 10 millionth patron — museum leaders turned to event-organizing company Xsaga. The goal? Generating free publicity in a cost-effective way.
How to Tackle Big Issues at Small Meetings
At the Wingspread Conference Center, the Johnson Foundation hosts intimate meetings that make a big difference. (The idea for NPR was hatched here.) What’s the secret?
A Conference That’s Sold on the Benefits of Public Markets
The 10th International Public Markets Conference will bring attendees together around the myriad benefits that developing and preserving public markets brings to communitities.
How Singaporean Students Are Leading the Business-Events Industry
At PCMA’s Convening Leaders 2018, Singaporean students took the stage to propose inclusivity-centered event concepts.
Convene Survey: What You Like — and Don’t Like — About Business Travel
According to our recent survey, three-quarters of event professionals like traveling for work more than they dislike it. But it’s still not all fun and games.
Does Your Meeting Really Need an App?
One conference and trade-show company has scrapped its app in favor of an enhanced website, and is able to capture more data as a result.
Are You Designing for Goosebumps?
Two design-thinking experts talk about an evolving model for high-impact events.
A Teachable Moment for Implicit-Bias Training
Attorney Paulette Brown is a pioneer in training professionals to recognize implicit bias, and working to make sure that everyone has a seat at the table.
Peter Sheahan on “Deselection,” and Taking the Long View
Business-development expert Peter Sheahan knows what we’re up against: We’re expected to manage increasingly complex business challenges with fewer resources while propelling growth. He has some ideas about that, which he’ll be sharing at PCMA’s Education Conference.