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Get to know PCMA Member Marshall Nayer, Director, Meetings Experience, American Society of Hematology.
What initially led you to becoming involved with PCMA?
I joined PCMA quite late into my career, only just recently in 2023, but have been in the industry for over 20 years. There are several factors which really drove me to join and become involved. The first was my professional growth at the time. I had recently been promoted and recognized the need to develop my peer network in conjunction with my continued and new responsibilities. Secondly, and just as important, I have been fortunate to work with colleagues who are longstanding PCMA members and volunteers – they have been instrumental in unlocking the personal and professional connections I truly value as a member of this community. Lastly, I recognized that our industry is built on shared experiences, experiential learning, and quality volunteer opportunities. While I was looking to simply expand my knowledge in the industry in 2023, my actual experience with PCMA has motivated me to stay involved and contribute in many ways.
How has your career developed as a result of being a PCMA member?
I think PCMA has only scratched the surface in impacting my career, but there are two distinct paths that I’ve benefited from. The first is the PCMA community. I’ve met many people – planners, suppliers, PCMA leadership, etc. – and as I’ve cultivated those relationships, I’ve been both encouraged and self-motivated to seek out opportunities to volunteer. My participation in reviewing education content for CL, serving on the North America and Canada Advisory Board, and revising the PMM publication have been recognized by my organization’s leadership and staff. The second path has been the education PCMA has provided. Attending CL and local (Capital!) chapter education events for only a few years has provided me with a roadmap for what I should be seeking in my professional development and career. I check in with what is being presented and tailor my participation based on what I want or need to learn more about. It’s priceless when I can bring ideas back to my team and leadership that make a difference!
Why would you tell others it’s important to be involved in PCMA?
Why wouldn’t I?! It takes genuine honesty and humility to recognize what you may be missing or lacking in your professional career. It takes guts and discomfort to walk into a loud, boisterous reception where most people in the room have been networked for years, even decades. I was that person only a few years ago, and my involvement in PCMA disrupted my status quo. The initial encouragement from colleagues and my continued intention to become more involved has provided satisfaction as well as professional and personal growth, confidence in my ability as a business events leader, and the opportunity to think about “what else?”
What do you like to do in your free time?
I admit much of my free time is dictated for me! My wife, Allison, and I have two boys – Max (16 this month) and Wes (11) – and they are involved in a multitude of activities which absorb my free time. Baseball gets top billing in our home and consists of driving to/from and watching/cheering for both boys 7 days a week – near and far! When I have the opportunity, I love playing golf, experiencing live entertainment – music or comedy, and spending time with people close to our family. Free time is the product of healthy work-life balance – I encourage our industry to seek more of it, even though mine could be reclassified as “work-baseball-life balance!”