CONVENING LEADERS 2026 MARKS A DEFINING MOMENT FOR THE GLOBAL BUSINESS EVENTS COMMUNITY

Miami to Host Convening Leaders 2027

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – PCMA’s Convening Leaders 2026 (CL26) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania delivered a powerful celebration of leadership, legacy, and the future of business events—bringing together the global community at a moment of reflection and renewal. Philadelphia is where it all started for PCMA – 70 years ago in 1956 – now known as Convening Leaders. Returning to PCMA’s founding city – as America celebrates its 250th anniversary – is both celebratory and a call-to-action to reshape what’s possible for the next generation of the global business events community.

CL26 official total registration landed at 4,211, representing 43 countries and over 1,000 first time participants. As CL26 concluded, Sherrif Karamat, CAE, President & CEO, PCMA and CEMA, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to advancing the business events community as a catalyst for economic and social transformation—uniting a global community dedicated to making history, together. Across all initiatives, PCMA remains focused on its 2030 vision—growing a more connected, inclusive, and future-ready global community while positioning business events as a powerful catalyst for economic and social transformation.

“Convening Leaders 2026 was a powerful reflection of who we are and where we are headed as global community,” said Karamat. “As we honored our legacy, elevated new voices, and celebrated those shaping what’s next, one message was clear — business events are not just about convening—they are about leadership, trust, and solving complex challenges that advance us all. We are committed to challenging conventional thinking, innovation, immersive learning, experimentation and real business connections that propel people, organizations and communities forward.”

A Refreshed PCMA Brand
CL26 was the final rollout of PCMA’s integration of its various brands into a fully refreshed brand, reinforcing its role as the global platform for the business events industry. From Main Stage storytelling to immersive on-site experiences, the brand came to life through a clear focus on leadership, innovation, inclusion, and impact—setting the tone for the association’s journey toward 2030. Spoken word artist, Amara Gabriëla van der Elst translated PCMA’s refreshed brand into poetry from the Sunday Main Stage.

The Monday afternoon Main Stage revealed the official PCMA tartan, designed by Kinloch Anderson, kiltmakers to the royal family since Queen Victoria, in celebration of PCMA’s 70th anniversary. Neil Brownlee, outgoing PCMA Chair and VisitScotland’s Head of Business Events, Gregg Caren, President & CEO, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau and PCMA Board member, and Sherrif Karamat appeared on the Main Stage wearing the branded kilts. PCMA owns an official certificate from Scottish Register of Tartans, which certifies that the PCMA tartan is registered and cannot be replicated. The thread count includes the numbers 70, 20 and 26 to reference PCMA’s 70th anniversary and CL26, and the palette reflects PCMA’s new brand colors.

2026 Board Chair Award | Board Leadership Transition
Ben Goedegebuurre, the first non-North American, first European PCMA Board member, was celebrated by outgoing Chair, Neil Brownlee and presented with the 2026 Chair Award on the Tuesday Main Stage.

Neil Brownlee’s outgoing Chair remarks acknowledged Chairs that preceded him as he celebrated PCMA’s Board for a sense of fellowship, a sounding board, a place to feel appreciated, to realize others have the same challenges. Neil concluded by stating “I am honoured and very proud to have been your Chair, everyone’s Chair this past year. I leave you with a truly global organisation, talking the talk and walking the walk. Do not let it go! I am delighted to be handing over to Kelly Ricker.”

As PCMA continues toward its 2030 vision, incoming Board Chair, Kelly Ricker, committed to maintaining what PCMA does best – leaning into change, lifting one another up, and creating spaces where every voice feels heard and every person can see a path forward. Each year, the Global Student Competition reiterates investment into emerging talent is critical. Creativity, strategic thinking, and passion are demonstrated, ultimately reinforcing confidence in the next generation of business events leaders. The winning team from Johnson & Wales University was recognized and celebrated on the same Main Stage.

Convene Magazine Celebrates 40 Years
CL26 also marked its 40th anniversary of Convene, PCMA’s award-winning publication. Honoring four decades of thought leadership and industry storytelling, the milestone celebrated Convene’s enduring role in documenting the evolution of business events while continuing to shape the conversations that define what comes next.

Always A Leader: Honoring PCMA’s Legacy
The Always A Leader platform took center stage, honoring the leaders, volunteers, and visionaries who have shaped PCMA over its 70-year history. This tribute underscored the association’s deep commitment to leadership continuity—recognizing that today’s progress is built on the shoulders of those who came before us.

Leader members who were recognized on the Monday morning include: David DuBois, Nancy Elder, John Folks, Leonard Hoops, Susan Iris, Desirée Knight, Charlotte St. Martin, Gregory O’Dell, Jean O’Donnell, Kirsten Olean, David Olender, Michael Payne, David Peckinpaugh, Kati Quigley, Angie Ranalli, William Reed, Stuart Ruff-Lyon, Mickey Schaefer, Claire Smith, Charles Starks, Valerie Sumner, Gregg Talley, Tina Wehmeir, Johnnie White, Jr. and Leigh Wintz.

20 in Their Twenties Program Spotlights Emerging Talent
PCMA continued its investment in the next generation through its 20 in Their Twenties program, celebrating rising professionals who are already driving meaningful change across the global business events community. The class of 2026 represents organizers and suppliers from several PCMA countries, including Australia, Austria, France, Germany, Malaysia, Scotland and the United States. Supported by the PCMA Foundation and Experience Columbus, the 2026 class was introduced immediately following Always A Leader on the Main Stage.

Scholarships
The future of the global business events community is intentionally built – by expanding access, investing in talent, and opening doors that may have once felt out of reach.

That belief comes to life through the individuals and programs Holly Ransom, CL26 Main Stage Host, recognized and celebrated from the Sunday evening Main Stage.

Those highlighted include: Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), Legacy Society Scholars and PCMA Foundation Scholars, all of whom represent the power of long-term commitment—where philanthropy becomes a bridge to opportunity and where potential is met with possibility. These scholars are not just entering the global business events community – they are shaping its future with new perspectives, experience, and bold ambition.

PCMA Gives Back to the Philadelphia Community
Blood Drive – In partnership with the American Red Cross, a first-time blood drive was activated during CL26. Thirty-four units were collected, surpassing a goal of 32, to help 102 patients in need. Philadelphia holds a proud place in transfusion history. In 1795, a physician in the city performed one of the first human transfusions in the U.S., and later, Philadelphia helped establish one of the earliest donor service centers.

Pathways to Housing PA — More than 140 volunteers supported Pathways’ mission to end homelessness by sorting donated items, assembling furniture, and preparing essentials for those transitioning into safe, stable homes. The PCMA Foundation also contributed $10,000 to Pathways to Housing PA. Do Good Feel Good is sponsored by GES, Maritz, and Visit Virginia Beach.

American Cancer Society — More than 100 volunteers gathered to assemble 350+ care packages to support the Society’s mission to ensure everyone has a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. The packages will be distributed to AstraZeneca Philadelphia Hope Lodge. Sponsored by Shepard.

Cradles to Crayons — More than 60 volunteers gathered to assemble 350+ care packages to ensure children from birth through age 12, living in homeless or low-income situations, have the essential items they need to thrive – at home, at school and at play. These items are free of charge to them by engaging and connecting communities. Sponsored by Shepard.

Heroes of Hospitality – The PCMA Foundation, in partnership with the Above and Beyond Foundation, recognized and celebrated two of Philadelphia’s workforce members with a $5,000 check for each. Through generous support from GES, also the Party with a Purpose presenting partner, $10,000 was committed to the Heroes of Hospitality program. These awards are bestowed to front-line workers that demonstrate positive values and embody the heart of hospitality through an extraordinary single act of service and/or consistent job performance that is truly “above and beyond”. The 2026 recipients are Andree Alexander with Hilton Garden Inn and Calathea Pacifica with the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Education & Innovation
PCMA will continue to expand its future-ready education portfolio with enhancements to the Professional Meeting Management (PMM) program, progress toward the Business Events Strategist (BES) certification, and ongoing cohorts of the Executive Leadership Fellowship programs designed to prepare senior leaders for complex, global challenges. At the same time, PCMA will accelerate innovation through its AI-powered platforms, Spark and Destinator, equipping business events strategists, destinations, and partners with smarter insights and data-driven tools.

PCMA and IAPCO Formalize Two-Year MOU
PCMA and the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) formalized a strategic collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The two-year MOU establishes a structured framework for collaboration between the two global organizations, aligned by a shared commitment to advancing professionalism, insight, and long-term capability across the global business events community.

Visionary Awards Lifetime Honorees and Finalists Revealed
The 2026 Visionary Awards Lifetime Honorees and Finalists were revealed, recognizing individuals and organizations redefining excellence, leadership, and impact within the global business events community. The awards highlight bold thinking, purpose-driven leadership, and transformative contributions shaping the industry’s future. The Honorees and Finalists list are available here.

PCMA 2026 Events
CL26 served as a launch point for PCMA’s 2026 global event portfolio, highlighting a year of experiences designed to connect, educate, and elevate the global business events community. Upcoming events include Convening APAC, Convening LATAM, Business Events Industry Week, Business Events Summit (previously edUcon), CEMA Summit, Convening EMEA, Convene 4 Climate, along with a range of regional conferences, leadership forums, and community-driven programs—each advancing PCMA’s mission to foster innovation, leadership, and meaningful impact across markets.

Convening Leaders 2027
Miami is the host destination for Convening Leaders 2027 January 10–13. David Whitaker, President & CEO, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Carol Motley, Senior Vice President Convention Sales & Service, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Freddie Peterson, General Manager, Miami Beach Convention Center took to the Wednesday (closing) Main Stage to kick off the next several months of planning and to deliver what participants can expect. To close out this Main Stage, Miami’s own Nicole Henry, international jazz, soul and contemporary artist, delivered a resounding “Get Here.”

PHOTO CREDITS : Whatever Media Group