CONVENING APAC 2026 TO INSPIRE A NEW ERA OF LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION

“SIGNAL: Mastering Change” Theme to Address Critical Priorities Shaping the Global Business Events Community

CHICAGO, IL — Convening APAC 2026, previously The Business of Events (BOE), will bring together business events leaders and next-generation professionals to explore how the global business events community can lead through accelerating change. Centered around the theme “SIGNAL: Mastering Change,” the program is designed to equip participants with the intelligence and assets to cut through complexity, interpret emerging trends, and act with greater clarity in a rapidly evolving global environment. PCMA’s flagship Asia Pacific gathering takes place 12-14 April at Marina Bay Sands. Registration details are available on the Convening APAC website.

“Convening APAC reflects where our global community is headed,” said Sherrif Karamat, CAE, President & CEO, PCMA and CEMA. “In an environment defined by constant change, leaders must be able to interpret signals and respond with intention. This event is designed to prepare our community with both the strategic clarity and human-centered perspective needed to lead through uncertainty—and to harness the full potential of business events as accelerators towards progress.”

Convening APAC 2026 will address the most critical priorities shaping the industry, including: AI and advanced technologies, human-centered leadership, workforce and skills development, sustainability and legacy impact, and regional growth and global opportunity. A dynamic lineup of keynote speakers with diverse perspectives from across technology, human performance, leadership, and the future of work—reflecting the theme, SIGNAL: Mastering Change include:

Mark Adams, AI insider, Chairman of the AI Leadership Council, and Co-Founder of Vice Media, will explore how leaders can translate emerging signals into strategic action—cutting through complexity to unlock innovation and competitive advantage in an AI-driven world.

Pauline Nguyen, award-winning entrepreneur and founder of Sydney’s acclaimed restaurant, Red Lantern, will deliver a powerful perspective on leadership from within—challenging participants to harness purpose, resilience, and human connection as essential signals for navigating change and building enduring brands.

Natalie Dau, Guinness World Record holder and endurance athlete, will bring a compelling human lens to performance and perseverance, sharing how mindset, resilience, and connection are critical to thriving in an increasingly complex and noisy environment.

Rounding out the keynote lineup, Dr. Sandra Peter and Dr. Kai Riemer, Co-Directors of Sydney Executive Plus, will provide a forward-looking analysis of the forces shaping the next decade—equipping business events leaders with the insights and skills needed to navigate disruption, anticipate shifts, and lead with confidence.

Convening APAC 2026 will feature several new program elements designed to enhance learning, collaboration, and real-world application, including:

• Expanded PCMA Labs, featuring twelve interactive sessions designed to translate ideas into actionable strategies across AI, experience design and leadership
• The Day Zero Challenge and Curated Experiences, created to accelerate peer-to-peer collaboration and address real-world business challenges
• A Multi-Generational Learning Model, bringing together senior leaders and emerging professionals to foster fresh perspectives, mentorship, and innovation