Education Programming

4 days

to discover your potential.

Browse programming content topics, Day 1 experiences and additional education opportunities to map out how CL25 will help you go beyond your orbit.

Navigate the ever-changing landscape of events with the brightest minds, newest insights, and most cutting-edge technologies.

Session topics include:

Event Strategy: A Blueprint for Success

Brent Turner & Paula Grayson — Opus Agency
Experienced | Organizers | Association | Corporate | First-timers

LinkedIn Secrets Exposed: Fast Wins & Real Results

Leanne Calderwood, CMP – Personal Branding Expert
All Audiences

Scrappy Strategies: Amplifying Event Impact Through Partner Marketing

Nadia Breiz — Provisio
Experienced | Organizers | Marketers | Association | First-timers

Event Security Strategies: Comprehensive Planning for High-Profile Events

John Gainer — Torch Stone Global
Experienced | Executive | Organizers | Association | Corporate

Have a Burning Legal Question? Ask an Events Industry Attorney!

Navigating Compliance Requirements for Internationally Sponsored Medical Meetings

Patricia Andrade — ABTS Convention Services
Experienced | Organizers | Association | First-timers

Forge strong, dynamic connections in an environment where you can collaborate and create with other leaders from diverse backgrounds.

Session topics include:

A Modern Framework for Creating Meaningful Events

Food for Thought: Explore, Engage & Share

Designing Events with Emotional, Cultural & Artificial Intelligence

Mission: Connect! Breaking Generational Barriers for Stellar Communication

Sherron Washington — The P3 Solution
All Audiences

Go beyond your orbit with tools, insights and inspiration you need to transform challenges into opportunities and potential into reality.

Session topics include:

Procurement Power: An Event Organizer’s Crucial Role in Sustainable Sourcing

David Fiss — Monarch Group; Gwen Migita — Point B
Experienced | Organizers | Association | Corporate | Independent

“I’m Not Intimidating, They’re Intimidated”: Overcoming Gender Stereotypes in the Workplace

Zoe Moore — Moore Consulting Agency; DeShawn Wynn — Wynning Touch Event Design
All Audiences

From Ordinary to Extraordinary: Redefining Your Show Floor Experience

Elevate Your Executive Presence for Top Tier Career Opportunities

Desiree Knight — American Psychological Association; Lauren Kramer — Meeting Priorities, LLC; Carol Motley — Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau; Bill Reed — American Society of Hematology
Experienced | Organizers | Marketers | Association | Corporate | Suppliers 

Shift from Investing in Moments to Offering Continuous Value

Justin Boone — Untitled Future
Experienced | Executive | Marketers | Corporate | First-timers

Slaying Sacred Cows: Strategies for Modernizing Your Meeting

Zachary Britt — Physician Assistant Education; Leslie Jones — American Occupational Therapy Association; Sarah Michel — Velvet Chainsaw Consulting; Jennifer Wroniewicz — Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology
Experienced | Executive | Organizers | Marketers | Association | First-timers

The Launch: Day 1 Education Experiences

ELI Labs

The PCMA Event Leadership Institute will facilitate two workshops, which are included with your event registration. These sessions will present new ways of thinking and offer interactive ways to innovate.

Trends to Truth: Designing for Belonging

This experience design lab for mid-career to senior-level professionals will help evolve your events by showing you how to leverage five guiding principles (or “truths”) based on research conducted by Marriott, the PCMA Foundation & CEMA.

AI for Events, powered by Spark

Ideal for emerging and mid-career professionals, this hands-on workshop will teach you how to use artificial intelligence tools for event strategy, planning, marketing, and analysis.

For Students and Faculty

PCMA U:

A working-lunch learning session for student participants featuring career planning tips and mock event scenarios.
Brought to you by VisitLEX

Career Fair & Networking Reception:

A chance for PCMA U students to engage with industry professionals and explore entry-level positions for hire.

Faculty Workshop:

A dedicated time for educators to connect, share insights, and discover new tools to help prepare the next generation of business event professionals.

Beyond: Specialty Education

The Heartsaver CPR AED Course

Master essential life-saving skills in CPR, First Aid, and automated external defibrillator (AED) use through this comprehensive, hands-on session. Take the online course and complete the in-person training to be certified by the American Heart Association (AHA), powered by Safe Expo.

Career Journeys

Power up the next phase of your professional journey! Hear how diverse event professionals made the leap to the next level, and learn how to develop your personal brand, improve your public speaking skills, and leverage networking tools and strategies.

Get matched with experts providing career coaching and mentoring and leave with actionable advice on expanding your influence, carving out your career path, and overcoming leadership challenges.

Immersive Tours

Go behind the scenes at CL25 and the George R. Brown Center! From sustainability efforts in F&B, signage, planning, and engagement, to producing a main stage experience, you’ll get exposed to how PCMA and our partners’ journey from design conception to execution..

Tech District

Put the latest event tech to work for you! Our interactive experience at CL25 will put you in command as companies pitch their solutions to overcome your specific challenges, fellow event profs show you how to employ tools at different stages of planning and execution, you test drive new products, and we pit humans against machines in an AI competition.

CL25 Agenda at a Glance

*Subject to change.

Saturday, Jan. 11

9:00 am	Registration Open
12:00 pm	Chapter Leaders Workshop (By Invitation)

Sunday, Jan. 12

9:00 am	Registration Open
11:30 am	Hosted Buyer Luncheon (Invite Only)
12:00 pm	PCMA U
12:00 pm	Faculty Workshop
12:00 pm	Executive Leadership Summit
12:30 pm	Hosted Buyer Appointments
1:00 pm	Hospitality Helping Hands
1:00 pm	ELI Labs: Experience Design & AI for Events
2:00 pm	Coaching & Mentoring
2:00 pm	Career Networking Reception
4:00 pm	20 in their Twenties Reception (Invite Only)
3:00 pm	First Timer Reception
4:30 pm	Chapter Receptions
6:45 pm	NEW! Opening Main Stage with Scott Galloway
7:45 pm	Opening Reception

Monday, Jan. 13

7:00 am	Get Fit with the Foundation: Elevate
7:00 am	Get Fit with the Foundation: Soundbath
7:30 am	NextUp! Breakfast (Invite Only)
7:30 am	Registration Open/ Coat Check
8:00 am	Networking Breakfast on the Green
9:00 am	Main Stage
10:15 am	District Open
11:00 am	Session Programming
12:00 pm	Networking Luncheon
1:30 pm	Main Stage: Kishore Mahbubani
2:15 pm	Networking Break
2:45 pm	Session Programming
4:00 pm	Happy Hour
6:00 pm	Open Evening!
9:00 pm	Party With a Purpose (Ticket Required)

Tuesday, Jan. 14

6:45 am	Get Fit with the Foundation: Fun Run/Walk
7:00 am	Get Fit with the Foundation: Puppy Yoga
7:30 am	CMP Breakfast
7:15 am	Volunteer Leadership Appreciation Breakfast (Invite Only)
7:30 am	Networking Breakfast
7:30 am	Registration Open /Coat Check
9:00 am	Breakouts/District Programming
10:30 am	Stepping Up Challenge
12:00 pm	Networking Lunch
1:15 pm	Main Stage: Liz Cheney
2:45 pm	Networking Break
3:30 pm	Breakouts/District Programming
4:45 pm	Happy Hour in District
5:30 pm	Chairs' Reception (Invite Only)
7:00 pm	Networking Reception
10:00 pm	Open for Industry Partner Events

Wednesday, Jan. 15

7:30 am	Coat/Luggage Check/Registration Desk Open
7:30 am	Connect Activation
8:00 am	Networking Breakfast
8:00 am	Coaching & Mentoring
9:00 am	Breakout Programming
10:45 am	Closing Main Stage
1:00 pm	Foundation Golf Outing (Leave at Noon!)

See You in Houston!

The future of business events is coming. Are you ready?

Register Now

THINK BETTER

About your business event strategy

EXPLORE THIS TRACK

THINK BOLDER

About your experience design

EXPLORE THIS TRACK

THINK BIGGER

About your career and leadership

EXPLORE THIS TRACK

THINK BOLDER

About your experience design

This track is designed for forward-thinkers, visionaries, and creatives who are passionate about thinking bolder to push the boundaries of experience design and set new standards for attendee engagement.

Session topics include: 

Inflation cost-saving ideas
Culinary trends and creative F&B presentation
Event innovations for association event improvement
Audience engagement for industry speakers
Guiding Principles in Experience Design highlights, including:
- Exploring Identities & Emotional Data
- Belonging & The Value of Values
AI use cases in event planning
Reimagined set design and keynote experiences
Holistic approaches to integrating sustainability into event design

PCMA Event Leadership Institute Live Training

Sunday, January 7
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

From Vision to Value — Strategic Event Design, ROI, and Stakeholder Alignment

INSTRUCTOR: Tammy Kockaya, CMP, CMM, Senior Director of Product Innovation, PCMA
PRICE: $195 USD for PCMA/CEMA members, $245 USD non-member price
CAPACITY: 36

Unlock the potential of your expertise and elevate your career with this 3-hour training session specifically tailored for experienced business event professionals. You already understand the importance of delivering exceptional experiences that leave a lasting impact. However, to truly thrive in this ever-evolving industry, you need to go beyond the basics. This is your gateway to becoming a true master of your craft.

Building upon your existing event management skills, this immersive session will take you on a journey through innovative approaches to program strategy development, ROI measurement, analytics, and stakeholder influencing techniques. By attending this session, you’ll gain the confidence and insights necessary to serve as a trusted advisor, be empowered to think strategically, drive tangible value, and align your events with the broader goals of your organization or clients.

Start your journey at Convening Leaders and apply the full amount to continue your learning experience with ELI for the Advanced Event Strategy & Design Certificate through a private cohort with the instructor.

Key Themes:

Develop Advanced Event Strategy: Participants will learn to develop advanced event strategy techniques, going beyond traditional event management skills to create experiences that align with broader organizational goals and objectives.
Measure ROI Effectively: Participants will gain the knowledge and tools necessary to measure Return on Investment (ROI) for events, enabling them to demonstrate the tangible value of their event efforts to stakeholders.
Master Stakeholder Alignment: Participants will take away effective techniques for stakeholder influencing and alignment, ensuring that events meet the needs and expectations of key stakeholders, whether they specialize in in-person, virtual, or hybrid events.
Elevate Career as a Strategic Advisor: Participants will build the confidence and expertise needed to serve as trusted advisors in the events industry, whether they work in-house, as independent consultants, or with third-party agencies, ultimately advancing their careers to a higher level.

Sunday, January 7
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

How to Become a DEI Champion for Your Events

INSTRUCTOR: Zoe Moore, Contributing Write, The Meeting Professional, Meetings Today
PRICE: $195 USD for PCMA/CEMA members, $245 USD non-member price
CAPACITY: 50

Join us for an engaging and transformative training session designed to equip event professionals with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the dynamic world of events. In this immersive learning experience, participants will delve into the multifaceted realm of DEI, exploring its historical context, terminology, and practical applications.

Participants will go on an insightful journey through interactive sessions, thought-provoking discussions, and hands-on activities. The carefully curated agenda is structured to provide a holistic understanding of DEI and its integration into various aspects of event planning and execution.

Start your journey at Convening Leaders and apply the full amount to continue your learning experience with ELI for the Event DEI Strategist Certificate through a private cohort with the instructor.

Key Themes:

Self & Social Awareness: Understand the evolution of DEI as an industry and explore essential terminology. Reflect on personal biases, develop emotional intelligence, and foster an inclusive mindset to promote equitable event experiences.
What Gets Measured Gets Managed: Delve into the business case for diversity and learn to measure the impact of DEI initiatives. Develop assessments, frameworks, and strategic action plans to align with DEI goals.
Strategically Committed: Navigate the intricate landscape of DEI considerations in hiring practices, event design, and supplier diversity. Gain practical insights into making equitable choices at every step.

EVENT SCHEDULE

Check back often!

REGISTER NOW

More Networking & Activities Details

All times are in Pacific Standard Time (PST).

Sunday, January 7, 2024
	7:00 a.m.	2:30 p.m.	Foundation Cup Golf Outing
	8:30 a.m.	12:00 p.m.	Hospitality Helping Hands
	9:00 a.m.	5:00 p.m.	Board of Directors Meeting
	9:00 a.m.	7:30 p.m.	Registration Open
	11:30 a.m.	12:30 p.m.	Hosted Buyer Luncheon,
	12:00 p.m.	2:00 p.m.	PCMA U
	12:30 p.m.	3:30 p.m.	Hosted Buyer Appointments Powered by Grip
	1:00 p.m.	4:00 p.m.	ELI Workshops (pre-registration required)
	4:30 p.m.	6:00 p.m.	Chapter Receptions
	6:30 p.m.	10:00 p.m.	Opening Reception
Monday, January 8, 2024
	6:30 a.m.	7:45 a.m.	Get Fit with the Foundation: 5K Fun Run/Walk
	7:00 a.m.	7:45 a.m.	Get Fit with the Foundation: HIIT Class
	7:30 a.m.	4:30 p.m.	Registration Open
	8:00 a.m.	8:45 a.m.	Networking Coffee
	8:00 a.m.	5:00 p.m.	The District Opens
	9:00 a.m.	4:00 p.m.	Programming
	12:00 p.m.	1:30 p.m.	Networking Lunch
	4:00 p.m.	5:00 p.m.	Happy Hour
	5:30 p.m.	7:00 p.m.	Chairs' Reception (invite only)
	6:00 p.m.	9:00 p.m.	Supplier Events
	9:00 p.m.	Midnight	Party with a Purpose (Ticketed Event)
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
	7:00 a.m.	7:45 a.m.	Get Fit with the Foundation: Sound Bath
	7:30 a.m.	8:30 a.m.	CMP Breakfast (invite only)
	8:00 a.m.	8:45 a.m.	Networking Coffee
	8:00 a.m.	4:30 p.m.	Registration Open
	8:00 a.m.	4:00 p.m.	The District Opens
	9:00 a.m.	4:30 p.m.	Programming
	12:00 p.m.	1:30 p.m.	Networking Lunch
	7:00 p.m.	10:00 p.m.	Networking Reception
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
	8:00 a.m.	8:45 a.m.	Networking Coffee
	8:00 a.m.	12:00 p.m.	Registration Open
	9:00 a.m.	11:30 a.m.	Programming

DOWNLOADABLE SCHEDULE

Education Programming

4 days

Session topics include:​

Event Strategy: A Blueprint for Success​

LinkedIn Secrets Exposed: Fast Wins & Real Results​

Scrappy Strategies: Amplifying Event Impact Through Partner Marketing​

Event Security Strategies: Comprehensive Planning for High-Profile Events​

Have a Burning Legal Question? Ask an Events Industry Attorney! ​

Navigating Compliance Requirements for Internationally Sponsored Medical Meetings​

Session topics include:​

A Modern Framework for Creating Meaningful Events​

Food for Thought: Explore, Engage & Share​

Designing Events with Emotional, Cultural & Artificial Intelligence​

Mission: Connect! Breaking Generational Barriers for Stellar Communication​

Session topics include:​

Procurement Power: An Event Organizer’s Crucial Role in Sustainable Sourcing​

“I’m Not Intimidating, They’re Intimidated”: Overcoming Gender Stereotypes in the Workplace ​

From Ordinary to Extraordinary: Redefining Your Show Floor Experience​

Elevate Your Executive Presence for Top Tier Career Opportunities ​

Shift from Investing in Moments to Offering Continuous Value​

Slaying Sacred Cows: Strategies for Modernizing Your Meeting​

The Launch: Day 1 Education Experiences​

ELI Labs

Trends to Truth: Designing for Belonging

AI for Events, powered by Spark​

For Students and Faculty​

PCMA U:​

Career Fair & Networking Reception:​

Faculty Workshop:​

Beyond: Specialty Education​

The Heartsaver CPR AED Course​

Career Journeys​

Immersive Tours​

Tech District​

CL25 Agenda at a Glance

Saturday, Jan. 11

Sunday, Jan. 12

Monday, Jan. 13

Tuesday, Jan. 14

Wednesday, Jan. 15

See You in Houston!

THINK BETTER

THINK BOLDER

THINK BIGGER

THINK BOLDER

PCMA Event Leadership Institute Live Training

From Vision to Value — Strategic Event Design, ROI, and Stakeholder Alignment

How to Become a DEI Champion for Your Events

EVENT SCHEDULE

Session topics include:

Event Strategy: A Blueprint for Success

LinkedIn Secrets Exposed: Fast Wins & Real Results

Scrappy Strategies: Amplifying Event Impact Through Partner Marketing

Event Security Strategies: Comprehensive Planning for High-Profile Events

Have a Burning Legal Question? Ask an Events Industry Attorney!

Navigating Compliance Requirements for Internationally Sponsored Medical Meetings

Session topics include:

A Modern Framework for Creating Meaningful Events

Food for Thought: Explore, Engage & Share

Designing Events with Emotional, Cultural & Artificial Intelligence

Mission: Connect! Breaking Generational Barriers for Stellar Communication

Session topics include:

Procurement Power: An Event Organizer’s Crucial Role in Sustainable Sourcing

“I’m Not Intimidating, They’re Intimidated”: Overcoming Gender Stereotypes in the Workplace

From Ordinary to Extraordinary: Redefining Your Show Floor Experience

Elevate Your Executive Presence for Top Tier Career Opportunities

Shift from Investing in Moments to Offering Continuous Value

Slaying Sacred Cows: Strategies for Modernizing Your Meeting

The Launch: Day 1 Education Experiences

AI for Events, powered by Spark

For Students and Faculty

PCMA U:

Career Fair & Networking Reception:

Faculty Workshop:

Beyond: Specialty Education

The Heartsaver CPR AED Course

Career Journeys

Immersive Tours

Tech District