UNLOCK YOUR LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL WITH PCMA

Cultivate meaningful connections and boost your professional journey by volunteering with PCMA. Through unique opportunities for both professional and personal growth, you’ll discover hidden talents and showcase your leadership potential.

WHY VOLUNTEER WITH PCMA?

🚀 Leadership Opportunities: Take the lead and shape the future of your industry. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, PCMA offers a platform for you to develop and showcase your leadership skills within a safe and trusted network.

🤝 Network with Purpose: Forge lasting connections with like-minded individuals who share your passion for business events. Volunteer positions provide the perfect setting to build a powerful network that goes beyond professional development.

🔧 Skill Enhancement: Sharpen your skills and stay on top of industry trends. Volunteer opportunities are designed to enhance your PCMA experience by developing new skills that you can bring to your organization.

🏆 Recognition: Be recognized as an industry leader through your commitment to your professional organization. Volunteers are often recognized through special event invitations, member spotlights, and elevated committee positions.

📩 Get Involved Today! Complete the volunteer form on this page and a member of the PCMA team will contact you to discuss the best fit for your skills and experience.

Please contact Madeline Schimeck with any questions at [email protected].

CHECK OUT OUR NEW CIRCLES AND COLLECTIVE PROGRAMS!

Circles: Communities of event organizers based on industry sector. Examples include: Medical Event Organizers, Corporate Event Marketers, Tradeshow or Exhibit Managers.

Collective: Communities based on location. A gathering of business events industry professionals in cities outside of Chapter hubs. These are small groups of professionals based in a similar location who gather regularly for conversation on hot topics and to make local industry connections.

As part of our volunteer program, you can either sign up to participate or to lead one of these groups. Complete the form and we will connect those who are interested.

OPEN VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Description: The Membership Task Force is charged with supporting the PCMA Community Team in attracting new members and retaining existing members. Building upon the work of the 2023 task force, the task force will support and promote the value of PCMA membership, recruiting new members in their networks and beyond, and identifying prospects. The Membership Task Force will act as a sounding board for key recruitment and retention marketing messages.

Responsibilities:  Task Force members will be asked to serve as PCMA ambassadors, seeking ways to convert prosects to members and engage new members in the PCMA community. The Task Force will use messaging provided by PCMA to spread the word about the value of PCMA.

Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per month reaching out to prospective new members, assisting with engagement activities and outreach as needed. Calls will take place every other month, or as needed. A total 5-6 calls in 2024.

Description: Previously known as Community Conversations, the PCMA Circles program aims to connect PCMA event organizer members with their industry sector groups. Circles meet virtually once a month and may plan meet-ups at in-person events as schedules permit. Circles are informal best-practice sharing forums with a group of your industry peers. The monthly calls often include event organizers sharing their successes, challenges, event outcomes or best practices with the group.

Responsibilities: PCMA Circle Leaders will orchestrate the monthly calls, planning discussion topics, hosting calendar invitations and keeping the group engaged. Circle Leaders will have quarterly calls with other sector leaders to learn from other groups and share information. Format has been templated and will be shared with leaders to help in execution.

Time Commitment: 2 hours per month. 1 hour planning discussion topics, sourcing members to share specifics about their events.

Description: Previously known as Community Conversations, the PCMA Circles program aims to connect PCMA event organizer members with their industry sector groups. Circles meet virtually once a month and may plan meet-ups at in-person events as schedules permit. Circles are informal best-practice sharing forums with a group of your industry peers. The monthly calls often include event organizers sharing their successes, challenges, event outcomes or best practices with the group.

Responsibilities: Participate in monthly calls. Share your thoughts and ideas with the group.

Time Commitment: 1 hour per month on the call.

Description: City Meet-Ups (soon to be branded PCMA Collective) aim to expand the PCMA Community by engaging business events industry professionals residing outside the hub city of the PCMA regional chapter. These smaller programs, focused on specific conversation topics, will foster meaningful connections to create a platform to exchange ideas, network and collaborate.

Responsibilities: PCMA Collective City Leaders will orchestrate the small group events, using the templated documents from PCMA (invitations, email text, potential attendee list). Once the group of 5-10 attendees is formed, the city leader will serve as the facilitator, onsite (with hot topics provided by HQ). This position will be considered a volunteer leadership position and can be noted as such on resumes and profiles.

Time Commitment: 1 in person meeting a quarter (or monthly – group can determine frequency) 1 hour to 90 minutes in length. Additional, 2 hours of time sending email invitations, collecting RSVPs, selecting conversation topics (from list), and determining meet-up spot. We suggest a coffee shop, lunch spot or in someone’s office.

Description: City Meet-Ups (soon to be branded PCMA Collective) aim to expand the PCMA Community by engaging business events industry professionals residing outside the hub city of the PCMA regional chapter. These smaller programs, focused on specific conversation topics, will foster meaningful connections to create a platform to exchange ideas, network and collaborate.

Responsibilities: Participate in monthly or quarterly meet-ups as available. Invite industry colleagues and introduce them to PCMA.

Time Commitment: 1 in person meeting a quarter (or monthly – group can determine frequency) 1 hour to 90 minutes in length.

Active: Jan – Dec – The Awards Committee is charged with reviewing and selecting award recipients for the Lifetime Achievement Honorees, Professional Excellence Awards, and other awards developed by the PCMA Foundation based on criteria provided.

Time Commitment: Avg 2-3 hr volunteer work per month, most active Nov/Dec

Communication Type: 4 video calls, and email

Opportunity for: PCMA Members to lead a conversation on our new Community platform
Description: Sign up to be a Catalyst Community Ambassador. Engage in our new online platform by creating content! Post a discussion once a week, reply to conversations, and connect with other members!
Responsibilities: Once a week, curate a post to either Ask the Community a question, start a discussion thread in Conversations or share information about a member under Community News.

Opportunity for: A variety of industry professionals who can judge student proposals without bias
Description: This group will be charged with approving the project theme for the year and then reviewing and scoring proposals, according to a provided rubric, in order to narrow down the submissions to the five finalists who will compete in the live pitch presentation.
Responsibilities: Participation in overview/orientation and finalist selection calls. Scoring an assigned number of proposals, which will be determined by the number of submissions received, according the the rubric
Positions Available: 10
Time Commitment: 6-12 Hours between October and November 2023.
Communication Type: 2 Phone/Video Calls

Opportunity for: A variety of industry professionals passionate about student member engagement who can assist in planning PCMA University at Convening Leaders 2025.

Responsibilities: Participation in 4-6 planning calls leading up to the event, outreach to potential industry speakers for the event.

Positions Available: 8

Time Commitment: 12 hours

Communication Type: Phone calls / Zoom

Active: April – October – This subcommittee supports the Auction to meet or exceed budgeted revenue
goals. 2024. The Dream Big Auction will travel with us to our 2024 Events, beginning at EduCon, through
Partnership Summit.
4-6 calls | Avg 2 hrs volunteer work per month

Active: Jan – June – This subcommittee helps meet the fundraising goal for Visionary Awards. Each committee member is assigned a list of prospective table and ticket purchasers for personal outreach.

4-6 calls | Avg 2 hrs volunteer work per month

Active: Jan – Dec – This committee is tasked with sourcing nominations for the Visionary Awards, and individuals to nominate them. Complete necessary follow up to ensure the nominations are completed.

2 calls | Avg 1 hr volunteer work per month, most active June – Oct

Active: Jan – Dec – This committee reviews grant applications. The committee approves applications for funding, rejects based on criteria, or postpones for more information. Grants above the approved annual corpus spending policy are subject to final approval by the Board of Trustees.

3-4 calls per year | Avg 2 hrs volunteer work per month

Opportunity for: PCMA members to review and score applications for the 20 in Their Twenties Class of 2025.

Description: This committee will review and score the applications received for the 20 in Their Twenties Class of 2025.

Responsibilities: Select the 20 in Their Twenties Class of 2025 based on the review and scoring results of the application and supporting materials submitted.

Positions Available: 15-20

Time Commitment: ~ 6 hours, July – October

Communication Type: 2 – 3 video calls and email

Opportunity for: A variety of industry professionals who can judge student proposals without bias

Description: This group will be charged with approving the project theme for the year and then reviewing and scoring proposals, according to a provided rubric, in order to narrow down the submissions to the five finalists who will compete in the live pitch presentation.

Responsibilities: Participation in overview/orientation and finalist selection calls. Scoring an assigned number of proposals, which will be determined by the number of submissions received, according to the rubric

Positions Available: 10

Time Commitment: 6-12 Hours between October and November 2024.

Communication Type: 2 Phone/Video Calls

INTEREST FORM

CLOSED VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Description: Regional Meet-Ups (soon to be branded PCMA Collective) aim to expand the PCMA Community by engaging business events industry professionals residing outside the hub city of the PCMA regional chapter. These smaller programs, focused on specific conversation starter topics, will foster meaningful connections to create a platform to exchange ideas, network and collaborate.

Responsibilities: PCMA Collective City Leaders will orchestrate the small group events, using the templated documents from PCMA (invitations, email text, potential attendee list). Once the group of 5-10 attendees is formed, the city leader will serve as the facilitator, onsite, with hot topics provided by HQ. This position will be considered a volunteer leadership position and can be noted as such on resumes and profiles.

Time Commitment: 1 in person meeting a quarter – 90 minutes in length. 1-2 hours of email leading up to event and 30 minutes of note distribution via email following the event.

Active: Jan – Dec – This committee reviews scholarship applications in conjunction with official
scholarship application deadlines. Programs include Foundation Scholars, Legacy Society, Continuing
Education, Faculty, All Access Pass, University Engagement, Roy B. Evans, Chris Wehking Scholarship,
etc.
3-4 calls per year | Avg 4-6 hrs volunteer work during 2-3 months of the year (April/May and Oct/Nov)

Active: Jan – Dec – This committee helps the Board ensure sufficient financial resources to carry out the Foundation’s mission. The committee is composed of talented and connected fundraisers who focus on core programs like the Legacy Society and PCMA Exhale.  

4-6 calls per year and potential for in-person meetings aligned with PCMA events | Avg 2 hrs volunteer work per month 

Description: Conversation Starters are an opportunity for attendees to come together with other business events industry leaders for topic-based 45-minute discussions. Participants will have a chance to share ideas, challenges and collaborate to find innovative solutions.

Responsibilities: Conversation leaders will be tasked with facilitating discussion with a small group during one of the Conversation Starters. Conversation leaders should be prepared with questions to spark discussion and encourage participation within the group. Collect and gather insights to share back with PCMA.

Time Commitment: 1 hour and 45 mins (30 minutes developing questions pre-event, 45 minutes facilitation at the event, 30 minutes post event recap)

At PCMA, we believe that the first-timer experience sets the tone for the entire event. This is an opportunity to welcome newcomers and provide them with the tools and knowledge they need to make the most out of Convening Leaders. This year, we want to make it even more special by involving our experienced members.

If you have firsthand experience attending CL in the past we would love to have you assist onsite. We invite you to be a part of our team to engage with first-timers and provide tips and tricks to ensure that they have an unforgettable experience.

Commitment: Attend the First Timer Experience Sunday, January 7 3:30-4:30pm

Active: Jan – Dec – This committee is tasked with sourcing nominations for the Visionary Awards, and individuals to nominate them. Complete necessary follow up to ensure the nominations are completed. 

2 calls | Avg 1 hr volunteer work per month, most active June – Oct 

Opportunity for: PCMA members to review and score applications for the 20 in Their Twenties Class of 2024.

Description: This committee will review and score the applications received for the 20 in Their Twenties Class of 2024.

Responsibilities: Select the 20 in Their Twenties Class of 2024 based on the review and scoring results of the application and supporting materials submitted.

Positions Available: 15-20

Time Commitment: ~ 6 hours, July – October

Communication Type: 2 – 3 video calls and email

Opportunity for: PCMA members to review and score applications for the 20 in Their Twenties Class of 2023.

Description: This committee will review and score the applications received for the 20 in Their Twenties Class of 2022.

Responsibilities: Select the 20 in Their Twenties Class of 2023 based on the review and scoring results of the application and supporting materials submitted.

Positions Available: 15-20

Time Commitment: ~ 6 hours, July – October

Communication Type: 2 – 3 video calls and email

Opportunity for: A variety of seasoned industry leaders who can exercise due diligence with awareness, understanding and appreciation of different perspectives to select future leaders of PCMA.

Description: The Nominating Committee is responsible for building a diverse, strategic and knowledgeable board of Directors and Trustees.

Responsibilities: Review board candidate qualifications in written applications and video interviews to fill Officer and Director/Trustee positions in alignment with criteria established by the Governance Committee.

Positions Available: 10

Time Commitment: May – August | approximately 30 volunteer hours

Communication Type: 2 – 3 video conference calls, 1 3.5 day in-person meeting*

Travel Commitment: *Committee members must be available for and participate in in-person interviews and final deliberations in Chicago between Sunday, August 20Thursday, August 24, 2023.

Click here to view additional requirements and apply

Opportunity for: Event organizers attending Convening Leaders 2020
Description: This group will assist in session prep calls and content development for Convening Leaders 2020. Onsite at Convening Leaders, attend the session and assist as necessary (audience engagement, logistics, etc.). In the Business of Events content area, topics could include (but are not limited to) crisis management, sustainability, food and beverage, contract negotiations, leadership and innovation.
Responsibilities: Assist the PCMA Education team in developing sessions for Convening Leaders and provide onsite support.
Positions Available: 5
Time Commitment: 4-6 hours (2-3 hours pre-conference and 2-3 hours onsite at Convening Leaders)
Communication Type: Phone/video calls and limited outside work

Opportunity for: Event organizers attending Convening Leaders 2020
Description: This group will assist in session prep calls and content development for Convening Leaders 2020. Onsite at Convening Leaders, attend the session and assist as necessary (audience engagement, logistics, etc.). In the Event Strategy & Design content area, topics could include (but are not limited to) designing inclusive events, human-centered event design, infusing creativity into event design, using data and technology to enhance events and innovative trade show design strategies.
Responsibilities: Assist the PCMA Education team in developing sessions for Convening Leaders and provide onsite support.
Positions Available: 5
Time Commitment: 4-6 hours (2-3 hours pre-conference and 2-3 hours onsite at Convening Leaders)
Communication Type: Phone/video calls and limited outside work

Opportunity for: Event organizers attending Convening Leaders 2020
Description: This group will assist in session prep calls and content development for Convening Leaders 2020. Onsite at Convening Leaders, attend the session and assist as necessary (audience engagement, logistics, etc.). In the Lifestyle content area, topics could include (but are not limited to) work/life balance while on the road and in the office, ergonomics, stress management, mindfulness and meditation practices.
Responsibilities: Assist the PCMA Education team in developing sessions for Convening Leaders and provide onsite support.
Positions Available: 5
Time Commitment: 4-6 hours (2-3 hours pre-conference and 2-3 hours onsite at Convening Leaders)
Communication Type: Phone/video calls and limited outside work

Opportunity for: Event organizers attending Convening Leaders 2020
Description: This group will assist in session prep calls and content development for Convening Leaders 2020. Onsite at Convening Leaders, attend the session and assist as necessary (audience engagement, logistics, etc.). In the Audience Engagement content area, topics could include (but are not limited to) engaging current participants and attracting new audiences to your events, how trade shows engage participants, using influencers to expand your event’s reach, repurposing content to extend engagement, social media strategy and podcasting.
Responsibilities: Assist the PCMA Education team in developing sessions for Convening Leaders and provide onsite support.
Positions Available: 5
Time Commitment: 4-6 hours (2-3 hours pre-conference and 2-3 hours onsite at Convening Leaders)
Communication Type: Phone/video calls and limited outside work

Opportunity for: Event organizers attending Convening Leaders 2020
Description: This group will assist in session prep calls and content development for Convening Leaders 2020. Onsite at Convening Leaders, attend the session and assist as necessary (audience engagement, logistics, etc.). In the Diversity & Inclusion (PCMA Ascent) content area, topics could include (but are not limited to) creating an inclusive and welcoming environment, being your authentic self, humanizing your workplace, getting to the next step in your career and understanding microaggressions.
Responsibilities: Assist the PCMA Education team in developing sessions for Convening Leaders and provide onsite support.
Positions Available: 5
Time Commitment: 4-6 hours (2-3 hours pre-conference and 2-3 hours onsite at Convening Leaders)
Communication Type: Phone/video calls and limited outside work

Opportunity for: Faculty members of PCMA
Description: Assist in planning the pre-conference Faculty Workshop at Convening Leaders 2020 in San Francisco. Volunteers will help decide the format of the workshop and suggest speakers/facilitators. Volunteers must participate in the workshop.
Responsibilities: Developing, reviewing program content and suggesting learning formats.
Positions Available: 5
Time Commitment: Approximately 3-4 hours between September 2019 and January 2020. Participation in the pre-conference Faculty Workshop.
Communication Type: 2-3 calls prior to Convening Leaders.

Opportunity for: Engaged PCMA members
Description: Liaise with new PCMA members in your region. Answer questions, share PCMA benefits and resources. Make new industry connections, while helping those new to our community feel welcomed. The PCMA team will loop you in on all the latest happenings so you are well-equipped to share with others.
Responsibilities: One on one email communications, potential meet up at a PCMA event, serve as go-to PCMA contact for new members.
Positions Available: 20
Time Commitment: Approximately 5-7 hours between October 2019 and January 2020.
Communication Type: 1-2 calls

Opportunity for: Event organizers, avid Convene readers
Description: Guide content for the industry’s premier business events magazine. You will serve as an extension of the Convene editorial team in providing feedback on potential topic areas, suggesting new topics and formats.
Responsibilities: Reviewing and suggesting future magazine article content.
Positions Available: 12
Time Commitment: Approximately 3-4 hours between September 2019 and December 2019.
Communication Type: 1-2 calls, mostly email communication and response to surveys

Opportunity for: Event organizers
Description: Be the first to test and provide feedback on the Room Block of the Future Phase 2 survey.
Responsibilities: Take survey and provide feedback on questions.
Positions Available: 30
Time Commitment: Approximately 1-2 hours between September 2019 and December 2019.
Communication Type: Email communication

Opportunity for:  A variety of industry professionals who can judge student proposals without bias

Description: This group will be charged with reviewing and scoring proposals, according to a provided rubric, in order to narrow down the submissions to the five finalists who will compete in the live pitch presentation

Responsibilities: Participation in overview/orientation and finalist selection calls. Scoring an assigned number of proposals, which will be determined by the number of submissions received, according to the rubric

Positions Available: 15

Time Commitment: 6-12 hours between October and November

Communication Type: 2 Phone/Video Calls, email, online scoring form

Active: Jan – Dec – This committee reviews grant applications. The committee approves applications for funding, rejects based on criteria, or postpones for more information. Grants above the approved annual corpus spending policy are subject to final approval by the Board of Trustees.   

3-4 calls per year | Avg 2 hrs volunteer work per month 

Active: Jan – June – This subcommittee helps meet the fundraising goal for Visionary Awards. Each committee member is assigned a list of prospective table and ticket purchasers for personal outreach.   

4-6 calls | Avg 2 hrs volunteer work per month 

Active: April – October – This subcommittee supports the Auction to meet or exceed budgeted revenue goals. 2023 Fall auction held during the closing night of the Partnership Summit. 

4-6 calls | Avg 2 hrs volunteer work per month 

Active: Jan – Dec – The Awards Committee is charged with reviewing and selecting award recipients for the Lifetime Achievement Honorees, and other awards developed by the PCMA Foundation. 

4 calls | Avg 2 hr volunteer work per month, most active Nov/Dec 

Opportunity for: A variety of seasoned EMEA-based industry leaders who can share their expertise and shape the future of our profession with fellow business events professionals from around the region.

Description: The role of the EMEA Advisory Board is to provide PCMA with market intelligence and insightful feedback as to the industry’s future, the latest trends, opportunities for growth, and potential threats on the horizon.

Positions Available: Up to 7

Time Commitment: 2-year term with a minimum of 4 meetings annually.

Communication Type: Video conference calls and at least one in-person meeting at a pre-planned PCMA/industry event*

Click here to view additional requirements and apply

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