PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGIST DR. ELKE GERAERTS TO TACKLE THE BUSINESS EVENTS INDUSTRY’S “CONNECTION CRISIS” AT CONVENING EMEA 2026

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — At a time when business events are under increasing pressure to prove their value, cut through digital noise, and deliver real human impact, PCMA has tapped a behavioral science expert to address what many leaders see as the industry’s biggest blind spot: meaningful connection. Psychologist, bestselling author, and performance expert Dr. Elke Geraerts will headline Convening EMEA 2026, taking place in Lisbon from 13–15 September.

Her keynote lands at a critical moment. As AI accelerates content creation and attention spans shrink, events strategists are being challenged to do more than convene—they must create environments where trust, focus, and genuine engagement can happen. Dr. Geraerts will confront that challenge head-on, exploring why connection has become harder—and more valuable—than ever. Drawing on neuroscience and behavioral psychology, she will offer a practical roadmap for leaders looking to cut through distraction, rebuild focus, and design experiences that drive deeper human engagement.

“Everyone talks about connection, but very few understand what it actually takes to create it in today’s environment,” said Sherrif Karamat, CAE, President and CEO, PCMA and CEMA. “We are operating in a time where attention is fragmented, expectations are rising, and the value of coming together is being questioned in new ways. Connection is no longer incidental to events—it is their purpose. If we are to remain relevant as an industry, we must move beyond designing programs to intentionally designing human outcomes. That means understanding behavior, building trust at scale, and creating experiences that go beyond informing to transforming how leaders think, connect, and act.”

The 2026 program is built around three themes—Connection, Integrity, and Future—but this year’s agenda signals a shift: less inspiration, more application. The focus is on equipping leaders with tools they can use immediately to navigate complexity and deliver measurable impact.

Dr. Geraerts, founder of Better Minds and author of The New Mental, Authentic Intelligence, The Mental Reset, and Focus is the New Gold, is known for translating science into practical strategies that improve performance, resilience, and decision-making. She joins Dr. Poornima Luthra, who will challenge leaders to rethink how they handle disagreement and competing perspectives. Drawing on her book Can I Say That?, Luthra will explore how productive tension—when managed well—can strengthen trust and lead to better decisions.

Together, the sessions reflect a broader shift across the business events industry: from content delivery to behavior change, from participation to impact.

Registration for Convening EMEA 2026 is open, with early-bird rates available through 30 June. The event will take place at FIL – Feira Internacional de Lisboa, alongside curated experiences across the city.