PCMA increases education, outreach opportunities in Europe


Programming for 2019 includes sessions in U.K., Spain, Belgium and Switzerland

PCMA is significantly expanding education opportunities throughout Europe in 2019 as the respected association of business events professionals continues its commitment to be the global platform for the business events industry.

In addition to its annual European Influencers Summit and Knowledge Exchange programme, PCMA will continue collaborating with other industry associations as education partners. PCMA is organizing, for the third consecutive year, education sessions for the European Association Summit (EAS) 28 Feb. to 01 March in Brussels.

“We have a long-standing reputation of delivering high-quality educational content and networking opportunities that business events professionals seek so we are excited to offer even more programmes throughout Europe in 2019,” said Luca Favetta, regional business director for PCMA’s EMEA region. “Our program will continue PCMA’s efforts to educate, inspire and listen to EMEA’s business events industry by demonstrating how to build business strategy, enhance skills and develop event engagement experience.”

Together with efforts in Asia Pacific and Americas region, PCMA aims to demonstrate how business events including — meetings, conferences and incentive travel — can drive global economic and social transformation. Chicago-based PCMA is dedicated to providing relevant programs and services to help professional and personal growth of business events professionals.

2019 PCMA European Influencers Summit
More than 200 business influencers and event strategists are expected to attend the third European Influencers Summit scheduled 22-24 Sept. in Barcelona. This unique, invitation-only program gathers leaders and executives from associations and corporations, as well as industry professionals who don’t traditionally convene at one event.

“This is the type of platform that differentiates from other events, as it enhances education complemented by quality personal interaction,” said Annalisa Ponchia, CEO, European Society for Organ Transplantation (ESOT), an EIS 2018 participant.

Christoph Tessmar, director of Barcelona’s Convention Bureau, said EIS will coincide with his city’s annual La Mercè celebration, providing a “perfect backdrop for additional engagement and experience” for participants.

Knowledge Exchanges
PCMA is extending its Knowledge Exchange program to seven European cities based off its successful 2018 sessions. The intimate, invitation-only regional events are free one-day education programs with industry leaders to spark innovation, connections and enhance learning. Previous Knowledge Exchanges have focused on crisis management, brand purpose, experience design and disruptive technologies.

London Knowledge Exchanges are scheduled for 12 April, concurrent with ICE Talks, and 26 June, concurrent with The Meetings Show. Other Knowledge Exchanges are planned throughout 2019 for Ireland, Spain and Switzerland.


For media queries from the Americas, APAC, EMEA, and requests for interviews with Sherrif Karamat, please contact: Meghan Risch, PCMA Chief of Staff, Vice President, Corporate Communications

About PCMA

PCMA, PCMA Foundation and CEMA educate, inspire, and listen, creating meaningful experiences where passion, purpose and commerce come together. We are the world’s largest community for Business Events Strategists, providing senior-level education, networking, and market intelligence for the global business events industry. Our mission is to drive social and economic progress through business events. Headquartered in Chicago, IL PCMA has 17 North American Chapters, regional communities in APAC, EMEA and LATAM, and members in 59 countries. The Corporate Event Marketing Association (CEMA), a PCMA subsidiary, advances strategic event marketing and marketing communications for senior-level event marketers and industry professionals. Visit us at pcma.org.

About PCMA Foundation

The role of the Foundation of PCMA is to support the mission of PCMA through fundraising and grant-giving focused on scholarships, education and research that will advance the business events industry. Annually the Foundation funds over $700K in impact, and since 1985 has funded over 2,500 scholarships, 100 research studies and education programs, and $2.7M in charitable giving.

About CEMA

The Corporate Event Marketing Association (CEMA) is the eminent community for senior event executives, association peers and industry partners and is an integral component of the Professional Convention Management Association’s (PCMA) brand collective. CEMA promotes professional networking opportunities, facilitates peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and drives industry standards. Through strong relationships with strategic partners, CEMA fosters both finding innovative solutions to business issues and continuous focus on members’ career growth. For more information, please visit http://www.cemaonline.com.

Become a Member

Get premium access to provocative executive-level education, face-to-face networking and business intelligence.

Join PCMA