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Since 1986, Convene has been delivering award-winning content that helps event professionals plan and execute innovative and successful events. Join the Convene editors as we dive into the latest topics of interest to — and some flying under the radar of — the business events community.
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This season has been kindly sponsored by Visit Anaheim. Go to VisitAnaheim.org/meetings to learn more.What does it take to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion into the DNA of a destination? In this episode of the Convene Podcast, Adam Burke, President & CEO of Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, shares how LA is leveraging its diversity to create opportunities for small, diverse-owned businesses through initiatives like Empower LA. From breaking down barriers to entry and providing readiness training, to creating real opportunities within the event supply chain, Burke outlines how LA Tourism is building a more inclusive and resilient future for the city — and what lessons other destinations can take away. Follow Convene:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine X: https://x.com/pcmaconvene Contact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
This season has been kindly sponsored by Visit Anaheim. Go to VisitAnaheim.org/meetings to learn more.Accessibility isn’t just about ramps and elevators anymore — it starts long before attendees arrive onsite. In this episode of the Convene Podcast, Frank M. Wächter breaks down what the European Accessibility Act (EAA) means for event professionals, why inclusive digital touchpoints are essential, and how small changes like color contrast and clear headings can make a big impact. From building awareness across teams to preparing for the future with AI-driven tools, Frank shares practical steps event organizers can take to make accessibility part of their intentional design strategy. Follow Convene:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine X: https://x.com/pcmaconvene Contact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
This season has been kindly sponsored by Visit Anaheim. Go to VisitAnaheim.org/meetings to learn more.What does it take to design an event that is both unapologetically political and profoundly celebratory? In this episode of the Convene Podcast, Natalie Thompson, Valerie Sumner, and Roberta Sumner share how they created a safe, inclusive, and joyful space at the WorldPride Human Rights Conference. From wellness rooms and volunteer programs to drag performances and community-driven sessions, learn how intentional design can empower marginalized voices, foster allyship, and spark global action. Follow Convene:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine X: https://x.com/pcmaconvene Contact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
This season has been kindly sponsored by Visit Anaheim. Go to VisitAnaheim.org/meetings to learn more.In this powerful episode, Cameron Curtis, Executive Director of the LGBT Meeting Professionals Association, joins the Convene Podcast to unpack the tangible ways that inclusion, safety, and allyship show up in real-world event planning. From confronting fear of DEI backlash to rethinking how we communicate with venues and attendees, Cameron offers practical guidance and hopeful perspective for industry professionals navigating today’s challenging landscape. Follow Convene:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine X: https://x.com/pcmaconvene Contact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
This season has been kindly sponsored by Visit Anaheim. Go to VisitAnaheim.org/meetings to learn more.In this episode, event strategist and inclusion expert Devon Montgomery Pasha shares why designing for belonging goes far beyond accessibility checklists. She unpacks how empathy-based planning, value-driven data, and asking the right questions—not just demographic ones—can radically transform your events. From registration forms to post-event analysis, Devon offers practical strategies and powerful reminders for making every stakeholder feel seen, heard, and valued. Follow Convene:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine X: https://x.com/pcmaconvene Contact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
This season has been kindly sponsored by Visit Anaheim. Go to VisitAnaheim.org/meetings to learn more.What’s really driving the backlash against DEI — and what can we do about it? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Poornima Luthra, a globally recognized educator, speaker, and author, whose work unpacks the emotional root of resistance to inclusion efforts in today’s workplaces. Drawing from her latest research and extensive experience across sectors, Dr. Luthra helps us move beyond performative efforts and toward building cultures of true belonging — including in the spaces we design as event organizers.Follow Convene:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine X: https://x.com/pcmaconvene Contact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
In the last Season 7 episode, we talk with two powerhouse guests — Alex Carter, Columbia Law professor and best-selling author of Ask for More, and Anne Marie Nest, expert in voice, speech, and executive presence. Together, they unpack how negotiation can be reframed as a collaborative problem-solving process — not a confrontation.Links:https://alexcarterasks.com/iBreathe App - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ibreathe-relax-and-breathe/id1296605806https://askformoregroup.com/Follow Convene:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine X: https://x.com/pcmaconvene Contact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
In this Season 7 episode of the Convene Podcast, we are joined by Sherron Washington — a global speaker, author, marketing and communication strategist, and CEO of The P3 Solution — for a bold and insightful conversation on how organizations can foster meaningful communication across generations and identities.Follow Convene:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine X: https://x.com/pcmaconvene Contact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
In this episode of the Convene Podcast, we sit down with Deanna Nwosu, a 25-year industry veteran and internal events strategist at REI, to explore what it really takes to grow a meaningful, purpose-aligned career in the fast-changing world of events. From breaking into the industry to becoming a confident leader, Deanna shares candid insights on mentorship, collaboration, strategic thinking—and why being open to pivots might be your most valuable superpower.Follow Convene:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine X: https://x.com/pcmaconvene Contact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
How do we lead with heart in a world of constant change and generational diversity? In this episode of the Convene Podcast, Anushka Polius, Director, Marketing Operations at GES, joins us to explore how trust, empathy, and authentic communication can close the gap between younger professionals and seasoned leaders. Tune in for a conversation on leadership, purpose-driven work, and why soft skills are becoming the ultimate differentiator in the age of AI.Follow Convene:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine X: https://x.com/pcmaconvene Contact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
What does it really mean to choose yourself—and build a business from it? In this candid episode of the Convene podcast, DeShawn Wynn shares her path to entrepreneurship, how she developed a "winning mindset," and why success requires internal clarity, external support, and the courage to pivot.Follow Convene:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine X: https://x.com/pcmaconvene Contact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
In this episode of the Convene Podcast, Bill Reed shares practical advice on career advancement, mindset, and the discipline behind leadership. Learn how to grow beyond your role, identify what truly motivates you, and prepare for your next move with purpose.Follow Convene:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine X: https://x.com/pcmaconvene Contact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
This season has been kindly sponsored by the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. Visit discoverPHL.com to start planning your next life sciences meeting.In this episode of the Convene Podcast, Rory G. Archibald from VisitScotland explores the ethical considerations, data security challenges, and job evolution AI brings to the industry. Tune in to learn how event professionals can navigate AI responsibly and effectively.Follow Convene:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine X: https://x.com/pcmaconvene Subscribe to our newsletters: pcma.org/subscribe-to-pcma-emails Contact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
This season has been kindly sponsored by the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. Visit discoverPHL.com to start planning your next life sciences meeting.AI is everywhere, but is it truly driving business transformation? In this episode, Augusto Salvatto explores the gap between AI hype and real-world impact, the importance of machine learning over generative AI, and how organizations can take practical steps to adopt AI strategically. Follow Convene:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconveneMedium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazineX: https://x.com/pcmaconvene Subscribe to our newsletters: pcma.org/subscribe-to-pcma-emails Contact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
This season has been kindly sponsored by the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. Visit discoverPHL.com to start planning your next life sciences meeting.In this episode of the Convene Podcast, Chantal Sturk-Nadeau and Veemal Gungadin break down key findings from the most recent Pulse Check survey (at the time of recording the working title was State of AI in Business Events 2025 report), including AI adoption trends, the "efficiency trap," and how event planners can shift from cost-cutting to value creation.Follow Convene:LinkedIn Instagram X Subscribe to our newsletters: pcma.org/subscribe-to-pcma-emails Contact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
This season has been kindly sponsored by the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. Visit discoverPHL.com to start planning your next life sciences meeting.AI is transforming contract management, but what are the legal risks? In this episode of the Convene Podcast, Jill Blood explores how event planners can use AI for legal insights while staying compliant and ethical. Learn how to protect your data, navigate AI contracts, and make informed decisions.Follow Convene:LinkedInInstagramXSubscribe to our newsletters: pcma.org/subscribe-to-pcma-emailsContact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
This season has been kindly sponsored by the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. Visit discoverPHL.com to start planning your next life sciences meeting.In this episode of the Convene Podcast, we explore with Paula Rowntree, Head of Events at the Australian Psychological Society, the evolving role of AI in associations—how it’s reshaping member engagement, streamlining operations, and unlocking new revenue streams.Follow Convene:LinkedInInstagramXSubscribe to our newsletters: pcma.org/subscribe-to-pcma-emailsContact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
This season has been kindly sponsored by the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. Visit discoverPHL.com to start planning your next life sciences meeting.In this episode of the Convene Podcast, Nick Borelli and Zoe Moore explore how AI can help event professionals design more inclusive experiences. From addressing intersectionality to overcoming unconscious bias, they share strategies for fostering accessibility, belonging, and equity in event planning, with the support of AI.Follow Convene:LinkedInInstagramXSubscribe to our newsletters: pcma.org/subscribe-to-pcma-emailsContact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
Discover how Convene 4 Climate is shaping the future of sustainable business events. In this episode, Jaimé Bennett shares insights on co-locating events, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and creating actionable solutions for a regenerative economy.This season has been kindly sponsored by Madrid Convention Bureau. Learn more about how to make your next meeting Madrileño at esmadrid.com/mcb.Guest Information:Jaimé BennettWith over two decades of experience in the business events industry, Jaimé is a seasoned executive and passionate leader dedicated to fostering collaboration, mentorship, a sustainability by design approach and driving diversity and inclusion. Her career has been built on a commitment to empowering emerging professionals and creating transformative connections that shape the future of business events.Through Jaimé’s work at PCMA and beyond, she remains focused on advancing the business events industry by empowering professionals and organizations to thrive in an increasingly dynamic and interconnected world.Episode TranscriptFollow Convene:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramXSubscribe to our newsletters: pcma.org/subscribe-to-pcma-emailsContact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Josephin Van Waasen, Head of Content and Community at PCMA EMEA, shares how PCMA EMEA is redefining events through its initiatives. From fostering safe spaces to building audience-centric programs and embracing multigenerational perspectives, learn how these initiatives drive engagement, innovation, and actionable insights for the business events community.This season has been kindly sponsored by Madrid Convention Bureau. Learn more about how to make your next meeting Madrileño at esmadrid.com/mcb.Guest Information:Josephin van WaasenJosephin is the strategic and forward-thinking Head of Content & Community, EMEA at PCMA. With a track record of successful roles within the global business events industry, Josephin has effectively utilized her creative and tactical thinking to deliver impactful, audience-centric content strategies across various channels, audiences and regions. Her accomplishments at PCMA include developing, managing, and delivering education concepts for Convening Leaders, Convening EMEA and the Labs, as well as smaller ad hoc programs that enhance the skills of the global PCMA community and raise PCMA’s global profile.Episode TranscriptFollow Convene:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramXSubscribe to our newsletters: pcma.org/subscribe-to-pcma-emailsContact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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