PARTICIPANTS: Access the CL25 Event Platform »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.
Your Experience, Curated. Hear from CL25 Participants:
Janna Cook,
Home Depot
Eduardo Chaillo,
Maritz
Lauren Schlenker,
American Bankers Association
The Conveing 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
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
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 | Private Events |
| 9:00 AM | Executive Negotiation Intensive Program (Invite Only) |
| 1:00 PM | Pre-Conference Workshops |
| 1:00 PM | Do Good, Feel Good (Previously known as Hospitality Helping Hands) |
| 3:00 PM | First Timer Reception |
| 4:00 PM | Chapter Receptions |
| 6:30 PM | Opening Main Stage |
| 7:45 PM | Opening Reception PCC Hall A |
Monday, Jan. 12
| 7:30 AM | Registration Open |
| 8:00 AM | Networking Breakfast |
| 8:00 AM | The District is Open |
| 9:00 AM | Main Stage |
| 12:00 PM | Networking Luncheon |
| 3:00 PM | Main Stage |
| 4:45 PM | Monday Happy Hour |
| 4:45 PM | Get Fit with the Foundation: Soundbath |
| 5:30 PM | Private Events |
| 9:00 PM | Party With a Purpose (Donate to attend) The Fillmore, E Allen Street |
Tuesday, Jan. 13
| 7:30 AM | Registration Open |
| 8:00 AM | Networking Breakfast |
| 8:00 AM | The District is Open |
| 9:00 AM | Main Stage |
| 12:00 PM | Networking Lunch |
| 4:00 PM | Tuesday Happy Hour |
| 5:00 PM | Private Events |
| 7:00 PM | Music Festival Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S Broad St. |
Wednesday, Jan. 14
| 8:00 AM | Registration Open |
| 8:00 AM | Networking Breakfast |
| 8:45 AM | Breakfast, Workshops, and Focus Groups |
| 10:45 AM | Closing Main Stage |
| 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.
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
Partners & Sponsors
