Chase Brunson, CMP has been in the events industry for 10 years holding positions as an association planner managing events in the nonprofit sector, a convention services manager, and a wedding planner in Texas through his company Big Reputation Events.
Arianna Galligher, LISW-S is the Director of the Gabbe Health & Well-Being Program and the Associate Director of the Stress, Trauma and Resilience (STAR) Program at OSU Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio.
Matthew J. Slaughter is the Paul Danos Dean of the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, where in addition he is the Earl C. Daum 1924 Professor of International Business.
Dr. Aurora Dawn Benton is Founder and Chief Change Agent of Astrapto LLC, which exists to advance positive impact in hospitality, events, and travel. Her passion is to make sustainability practical and approachable for people whose main job is not sustainability, but who have a passion to improve social and environmental performance in their operations and supply chains.
Courtney Lohmann, CMP, has 20+ years in the industry with a varied background and has grown from an event coordinator to a passionate corporate sustainability and social responsibility expert.
Leo Piccioli, 51, has a BS in Economics from Universidad de Buenos Aires, where he graduated Cum Laude. In 1998 he joined Officenet, right after selling the family-owned business. Officenet was one of the few successful dotcom companies in Latam. It was sold for more than USD30MM to Staples, Inc.
Christopher Nassetta is President and CEO for Hilton. He joined the company in 2007. Previously, Mr. Nassetta was President and CEO of Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc., a position he held since 2000.
From helming Hewlett Packard (HP), to her 2016 run to lead the country, to heading several philanthropic organizations tackling global poverty and female empowerment, she’s channeled what is an innate ability to help others reach their highest leadership potential.
Ben Erwin was named CEO of Encore in August 2020. This leadership role follows him becoming President in October 2018. He is responsible for driving the strategic direction of the Company and overseeing the execution of its business plan.
Michelle Russell has been the editor in chief of PCMA Convene since 2003, where she continues to lead a team of talented editors and writers to produce award-winning content across various platforms, with the goal of sharing knowledge with — and inspiring — the global business events professional community.
Amanda has worked globally specializing in sustainable business operations in the hospitality, event, and tradeshow industry for over 16 years.
Yes Theory is one of the most inspiring creative entities to emerge in recent years. Driven by their motto “Seek Discomfort,” this group of friends from Egypt, France, and Sweden travel the world conquering everyday fears with the help of their community.
Ryan Thorpe has worked in the exhibition and events industry for 20+ years and is currently serving as Assistant General Manager for ASM Global at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
With on-the-ground experience spanning more than 20 years in corporate and non-profit events and trade shows; and as the current Vice President of Event Strategy & Design at 360 Live Media; Beth is an influential designer in shaping what the next era of events will be.
Qualified Tourism/Hospitality and Academic Professional Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE) proficient in developing and implementing plans, strategies, and initiatives specifically designed to raise destination's image for diverse, multicultural travel.
Iconic Athlete
Rosemarie consults with meeting professionals helping them save time, reduce stress, and achieve success in planning more diverse and inclusive meetings and events. Her presentation "Accommodating People with Disabilities at In-Person and Virtual Meetings and Events" has been a game-changer in the meetings industry.
Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and bestselling author who explores the science of motivation, generosity, original thinking, and rethinking will deliver an opening day keynote on Monday, January 9, 2023, at PCMA’s annual Convening Leaders.
Peter Hackes is the founder of Performedia, which is based in the Washington, D.C. area, but provides hybrid and virtual event services all over the US, and in other countries, as well.
James Brixius is a Senior Regional Sales Director at Cvent, specializing in helping associations, nonprofits, and federal government agencies better manage their total events program utilizing the Cvent platform.
Megan Finnell is an award-winning event design strategist with a varied and diverse background in the performing arts and the delivery of large-scale conferences. With a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from TCU, Megan blends art and science in all her work.
Head of Innovation, ORT Schools, CEO of Asteroid Technologies and Social Influencer