
Convening Leaders 2026
January 11 – 14, 2026
Philadelphia, PA
Pennsylvania Convention Center
Hosted by Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB)
For 70 years, PCMA has been more than an association. We have been a conduit for change, a catalyst for innovation, and a community that drives the business events community forward. As we gather in Philadelphia, a city built on bold ideas and collective action, our focus is clear: to look back to push forward, to honor history while shaping what’s next.
Let’s make history, together.
Open Call for CL26 Session Leaders
Do you have bold, original insights and an unshakable passion for shaping the future of business events? Debut your innovative session idea and make your mark as a thought leader at CL26.
Submit your proposal by August 28th
On the Main Stage at CL26
Tabitha Brown
Adam Grant
Igniting Performance and Possibility
Zanny Minton Beddoes
Trevor Noah
Holly Ransom
Tabitha Brown
Adam Grant
Igniting Performance and Possibility
Zanny Minton Beddoes
Trevor Noah
Holly Ransom
The Convening Leaders (CL) Impact
Stats from Convening Leaders 2025:
4.3/5
Overall Satisfaction Score
4.4K
Engaged Participants
46%
Director Level or Above
4.42/5
Content Satisfaction Score
Click the button above to watch more videos in the playlist.
CONVINCE YOUR BOSS
Download our helpful template to gain support for your participation at Convening Leaders.
APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP
Submit for a chance to attend for free, courtesy of the PCMA Foundation.
NEED A VISA?
Fill out this form to receive additional information for your visa submission.
BECOME A HOSTED BUYER
Apply here for the opportunity to receive a VIP experience during Convening Leaders.
Content that Makes History
Together, let’s inspire the leaders of the global business events industry with your personal and professional expertise — submit your session proposal by Friday, September 13th. If your session is chosen, you will be notified on Monday, September 30th.
legacy
Honoring history as a foundation for future innovation and purpose-driven progress.
CL26 creates a space where legacy is the compass leading us to new insights and inspiring breakthroughs, from looking back to move forward.
momentum
Driving transformation in business events through innovation, strategy, and bold action.
CL26 provides the tools, the insights, and the inspiration you need to transform challenges into opportunities and to turn potential into reality.
unity
Harnessing collective power, inclusive leadership, and shared vision to shape what’s next.
CL26 creates an environment where you can connect and collaborate with leaders from diverse sectors and backgrounds.
Agenda at a Glance
Subject to change and continuously updated.
Sunday, Jan. 11
| 9:00 AM | Registration Open |
| 9:00 AM | Exclusive Negotiation Intensive Workshop |
| 10:45 AM | Hosted Buyer Brunch + Appointments |
| 1:00 PM | Do Good, Feel Good — Offsite Service Project (Previously known as Hospitality Helping Hands) |
| 1:00 PM | Pre-Conference Workshops |
| 1:00 PM | PCMA U |
| 3:00 PM | Career Networking Reception |
| 3:15 PM | First Timer Experience |
| 4:30 PM | Chapter and Regions Receptions |
| 6:30 PM | Opening Main Stage with Adam Grant | Hidden Potential: Unlocking Excellence in Yourself and Others |
| 7:45 PM | Opening Reception Pennsylvania Convention Center |
Tuesday, Jan. 13
| 6:30 AM | Get Fit with the Foundation: Elevate |
| 7:00 AM | Get Fit with the Foundation: Puppy Yoga |
| 7:30 AM | Registration Open |
| 7:30 AM | Networking Breakfast |
| 7:30 AM | District Opens |
| 8:45 AM | Main Stage with Tabitha Brown | Using the Power of Heart to Build Brands People Love |
| 10:00 AM | Blood Drive |
| 10:00 AM | Do Good Feel Good — Onsite Project |
| 10:00 AM | Networking Break |
| 10:45 AM | Programming and Conversation Starters |
| 11:30 AM | Networking Lunch |
| 1:15 PM | Programming and Conversation Starters |
| 2:30 PM | Programming and Conversation Starters |
| 4:00 PM | Programming and Conversation Starters |
| 4:30 PM | Happy Hour in the District |
| 7:00 PM | Worldwide Wrap Party (Shuttles will be provided) Xfinity Mobile Arena, 3601 S Broad St. |
Monday, Jan. 12
| 6:30 AM | Get Fit with the Foundation: 5K Fun Run/Walk |
| 7:00 AM | Get Fit with the Foundation: Puppy Yoga |
| 7:30 AM | Registration Open |
| 7:30 AM | Networking Breakfast |
| 7:30 AM | District Opens |
| 8:45 AM | Main Stage with Jay Kiew, Erin Stafford & Jahkini Bisselink | Igniting Performance and Possibility |
| 10:00 AM | Do Good Feel Good — Onsite Project |
| 10:15 AM | Networking Break |
| 11:00 AM | Programming and Conversation Starters |
| 11:30 AM | Networking Luncheon |
| 1:00 PM | Programming and Conversation Starters |
| 2:15 PM | Programming and Conversation Starters |
| 3:30 PM | Main Stage with Zanny Minton Beddoes | Shifting Markets, Smarter Strategy: The Global Economic Outlook in 2026 |
| 4:30 PM | Happy Hour in The District |
| 4:45 PM | Get Fit with the Foundation: Soundbath |
| 9:00 PM | Party With a Purpose (Donate to attend) The Fillmore, E Allen Street |
Wednesday, Jan. 14
| 8:00 AM | Coat/Luggage Check Pennsylvania Convention Center |
| 8:30 AM | Registration Open |
| 8:30 AM | Networking Breakfast |
| 9:30 AM | Programming |
| 10:45 AM | Closing Main Stage with Trevor Noah Stage | A Conversation with Trevor Noah |
| 1:00 PM | Travel Home |
Sunday, Jan. 11
| 9:00 AM | Registration Open |
| 9:00 AM | Exclusive Negotiation Intensive Workshop |
| 10:45 AM | Hosted Buyer Brunch + Appointments |
| 1:00 PM | Do Good, Feel Good — Offsite Service Project (Previously known as Hospitality Helping Hands) |
| 1:00 PM | Pre-Conference Workshops |
| 1:00 PM | PCMA U |
| 3:00 PM | Career Networking Reception |
| 3:15 PM | First Timer Experience |
| 4:30 PM | Chapter and Regions Receptions |
| 6:30 PM | Opening Main Stage with Adam Grant | Hidden Potential: Unlocking Excellence in Yourself and Others |
| 7:45 PM | Opening Reception Pennsylvania Convention Center |
Monday, Jan. 12
| 6:30 AM | Get Fit with the Foundation: 5K Fun Run/Walk |
| 7:00 AM | Get Fit with the Foundation: Puppy Yoga |
| 7:30 AM | Registration Open |
| 7:30 AM | Networking Breakfast |
| 7:30 AM | District Opens |
| 8:45 AM | Main Stage with Jay Kiew, Erin Stafford & Jahkini Bisselink | Igniting Performance and Possibility |
| 10:00 AM | Do Good Feel Good — Onsite Project |
| 10:15 AM | Networking Break |
| 11:00 AM | Programming and Conversation Starters |
| 11:30 AM | Networking Luncheon |
| 1:00 PM | Programming and Conversation Starters |
| 2:15 PM | Programming and Conversation Starters |
| 3:30 PM | Main Stage with Zanny Minton Beddoes | Shifting Markets, Smarter Strategy: The Global Economic Outlook in 2026 |
| 4:30 PM | Happy Hour in The District |
| 4:45 PM | Get Fit with the Foundation: Soundbath |
| 9:00 PM | Party With a Purpose (Donate to attend) The Fillmore, E Allen Street |
Tuesday, Jan. 13
| 6:30 AM | Get Fit with the Foundation: Elevate |
| 7:00 AM | Get Fit with the Foundation: Puppy Yoga |
| 7:30 AM | Registration Open |
| 7:30 AM | Networking Breakfast |
| 7:30 AM | District Opens |
| 8:45 AM | Main Stage with Tabitha Brown | Using the Power of Heart to Build Brands People Love |
| 10:00 AM | Blood Drive |
| 10:00 AM | Do Good Feel Good — Onsite Project |
| 10:00 AM | Networking Break |
| 10:45 AM | Programming and Conversation Starters |
| 11:30 AM | Networking Lunch |
| 1:15 PM | Programming and Conversation Starters |
| 2:30 PM | Programming and Conversation Starters |
| 4:00 PM | Programming and Conversation Starters |
| 4:30 PM | Happy Hour in the District |
| 7:00 PM | Worldwide Wrap Party (Shuttles will be provided) Xfinity Mobile Arena, 3601 S Broad St. |
Wednesday, Jan. 14
| 8:00 AM | Coat/Luggage Check Pennsylvania Convention Center |
| 8:30 AM | Registration Open |
| 8:30 AM | Networking Breakfast |
| 9:30 AM | Programming |
| 10:45 AM | Closing Main Stage with Trevor Noah Stage | A Conversation with Trevor Noah |
| 1:00 PM | Travel Home |
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It’s everything you need in three days to build your career.
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I’ve been coming to Convening Leaders for the past 10 years. I just think the education, the latest technology — anything you’re looking for to plan your meeting — it’s at Convening Leaders.
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It’s a great refreshment of re-connecting and networking with people, and then on top of it, you get this great education and inspiring speakers. For me, it’s the best way to start off your year. If you’re not attending PCMA Convening Leaders, you really should.
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It is the best conference I’ve ever attended. Ever. And, as a seasoned professional, I get so much out of it. I can’t tell you how many pictures I’ve taken on my phone of new ideas I’m looking forward to taking back to my corporation.
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Everyone’s here. It’s a great opportunity for you to reconnect, reinvigorate yourself and be able to start fresh in the new year.
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I'm looking forward to connecting with other event professionals and learning new strategies to create the best conference possible.
convene Magazine Covers CL25
- Why You Should Pay More Attention to ROEon March 26, 2025
Unlike reg numbers and net revenue, participants’ emotional responses to an event aren’t black […]
Philadelphia is Ready to Ring the Bell
The first World Heritage City in the US is also a hub for innovation, making it the perfect backdrop to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Convening Leaders.
What makes the City of Brotherly Love a must-see destination for events?
- Historical icons and rich heritage sit alongside the modern energy of cutting-edge facilities.
- A robust, integrated venue system is just part of what makes this city famously walkable.
- From museums to murals (over 4,000!) to Michelin stars, Philly is a hotspot for vibrant cultural experiences
On the Main Stage at CL25
Brené Brown
Liz Cheney
Amal Clooney
Scott Galloway
Kishore Mahbubani
Get Convening Leaders Updates
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