Akshar Patel, vice president of conventions for AAHOA and one of this year’s PCMA Groundbreaker Award nominees, shares how COVID-19 has allowed him to “learn and sharpen” his skillset as an events executive.
Kimberly Lewis, board chair of clean energy nonprofit Groundswell, spoke with Convene about finding her calling, uplifting diverse communities into leadership roles, and making events people-centric.
Visit Baltimore President and CEO Al Hutchinson is grateful for the opportunities he has had in the travel and tourism business. At the same time, he’s seeking ways to make CVBs — and the communities they serve — more equitable, diverse, and inclusive.
Melissa Cherry has made a career out of telling destinations’ often overlooked stories of diverse communities. In her new role with Miles Partnership, she’s using her 25 years of tourism experience to help organizations make DEI part of every conversation.
After stumbling into association management, Mason turned barriers into opportunities and used her platform to elevate others who are underrepresented. She now leads ASAE as president and CEO.
PCMA Groundbreaker Ashlee Ammons, president and co-founder of event tech company Mixtroz, on how she and her mother found funding — and their way — in a white, male-dominated industry.
The path to the top doesn’t always follow a straight line. For ASPEN CEO and PCMA Groundbreaker Wanda Johnson, it’s what she did with what she learned along the way that’s made all the difference.
After 30 years in the travel and meetings industry, Elliott Ferguson, president and CEO of Destination DC and a PCMA Groundbreaker, is carving a path for a new generation of leaders to follow.
Carol Wallace, recipient of the inaugural PCMA Groundbreakers Award, talks about her 35-year career that included 24 years as president and CEO of the San Diego Convention Center Corporation.