PCMA Survey: Ongoing challenges in a strong meetings market
PCMA Survey: Ongoing challenges in a strong meetings market

Planners participating in PCMA's 31st Annual Meeting market survey face less uncertainty, but challenges remain. 255 associations, businesses and independent conference and event organizers participated PCMA 2024 Conference Market Survey Conducted in late August and early September. Recently released results show that while the industry has rebounded and planners feel positive about their jobs, budget challenges are still accelerating. Investigation points • Job satisfaction but organizational challenges. Most respondents have a positive attitude towards their jobs. But they also reported challenges facing their organizations, such as frustrations with management and leadership, budget constraints and the pressure to manage high workloads amid staff shortages. • Attendance continues to grow. Forty-nine percent of respondents said attendance at the largest in-person conferences in 2024 will increase by an average of 17% compared to similar events pre-pandemic. 60% expect attendance to increase by 2025. •Costs are still rising and budgets are not keeping up. The cost of food and drink, audio-visual, travel expenses and…

TSE Trend Report: Exhibitor-Led Experience
TSE Trend Report: Exhibitor-Led Experience

CHICAGO — Exhibitors are increasingly offering educational opportunities and activities to engage attendees — a trend that can enrich an event’s overall content and increase attendee satisfaction, according to key players in the events industry. Whether offering tennis lessons on the trade show floor or celebrity talks at the booth, there are many ways for exhibitors to stand out. trade show director (TSE) spoke to professionals from Professional Conference Management Association (PCMA), Imax and Hargrove in "Encore" About how an exhibitor-led experience can enhance an event for all involved. Sherrif Karamat, CAE, PCMA President and CEO CAE Sherrif Karamat’s Trend Overview PCMA President and CEO CAE Sherrif Karamat explained that this trend has a long history in pharmaceuticals and continues to evolve across commercial activities in most industries. “This has been a huge change over the years – it’s this integration of seamlessly interactive content, commerce and community that makes the showroom environment even more powerful,” Karamat said. “This has…

PCMA announces 20 twentysomething graduates of 2025
PCMA announces 20 twentysomething graduates of 2025

CHICAGO – The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) has announced the 20th Class of 2025 graduates from its Twenty20+ program. The 2025 Top 20 recognizes emerging leaders in the global events industry from multiple PCMA regions including Canada, the Middle East, Asia and the United States, and will be presented at the PCMA Leadership Conference 2025 (CL25) scheduled for January 1 ) focus on. Held in Houston, Texas from 12th to 15th. The winner will receive a scholarship to attend CL25, free registration for PCMA edUcon 2025, and free PCMA membership for one year or more. The PCMA 20-somethings of 2025 are: Maraika Black, Public Health Program Manager, European Association for the Study of the Liver Jillian Bowdring, Destination Services, Meet Boston Julia Catanese, CMP, Senior Meeting Event and Trade Show Planner,Cardinal Health Dan Cornock, Head of Front End and Product at CrowdComms Sierra Davey, M.Ed., Event Manager, MCI USA Halee Grimsdale, Experience Coordinator, e=mc2 events Chloe Hanna, Head of…

PCMA announces Class of 2025 “2020”
PCMA announces Class of 2025 “2020”

PCMA has selected 20 emerging leaders from the next generation of global business events professionals to participate in its annual "20 in 20" program. The Class of 2025 represents business event organizers and suppliers from multiple PCMA regions, including Asia Pacific, Canada, EMEA and the United States. supporter: PCMA Foundation and Experience Columbusthe Class of 2025 will be presented at the Leadership Conference 2025 (CL25) in Houston, Texas, January 12-15. “We are excited to celebrate the Class of 2025, an outstanding group that embodies success, passion and dedication,” said Meredith Rollins, PCMA Chief Community Officer and Executive Director of the PCMA Foundation. Committed to shaping the future of the global business events industry,” media statement. “We are eager to recognize their achievements and reconnect with alumni at the 2025 Leadership Conference as we mark the 11th anniversary of this transformative program.” The PCMA “Twentysomething” class of 2025 includes: Malaika Blackpublic health project managerEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver…

PCMA Salary Survey
PCMA Salary Survey

Recently released annual salary survey Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Compensation is on the rise; but how does job satisfaction fit into that trend? Is the gender pay gap closing...or growing? The period following the pandemic lockdown has been dubbed the "Great Quit", with millions of people retiring or quitting their jobs. Today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce identified a Big reshufflewhere more and more people are seeking a better work-life balance and industry roles that better align with their values. Is the business exhibition industry undergoing a major reshuffle? Signals suggest the answer is yes, according to the PCMA's 2024 Salary Survey, released last month but conducted mid-year, suggesting that more professionals are switching from full-time jobs to freelancing not just for more balance, but also for Escape from unpleasant work environment According to interviewees. Office harmony… or not Judging from the results of this year's salary survey, it seems that more people are dissatisfied with their current employer…

PCMA Salary Survey
PCMA Salary Survey

Recently released annual salary survey Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Compensation is on the rise; but how does job satisfaction fit into that trend? Is the gender pay gap closing...or growing? The period following the pandemic lockdown has been dubbed the "Great Quit", with millions of people retiring or quitting their jobs. Today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce identified a Big reshufflewhere more and more people are seeking a better work-life balance and industry roles that better align with their values. Is the business exhibition industry undergoing a major reshuffle? Signals suggest the answer is yes, according to the PCMA's 2024 Salary Survey, released last month but conducted mid-year, suggesting that more professionals are switching from full-time jobs to freelancing not just for more balance, but also for Escape from unpleasant work environment According to interviewees. Office harmony… or not Judging from the results of this year's salary survey, it seems that more people are dissatisfied with their current employer…

A deep dive into education courses with PCMA's Sherrif Karamat,
A deep dive into education courses with PCMA’s Sherrif Karamat,

Sherriff Karamat, CAE, PCMA President and CEO CHICAGO — Trade show education courses are a great opportunity to experience new ideas, develop professional skills and meet colleagues. trade show director (TSE) spoke with CAE Sherrif Karamat, president and CEO of the Professional Conference Management Association (PCMA), about strategies to help professionals make the most of these opportunities. Prioritize necessary topics For those who are confused about which classes to take, especially at large events, Karamat recommends focusing on basic skills or topics. “I would look at the philosophy of ‘need to know’ versus ‘nice to know’ and go from there,” Karamat said. Karamat offered similar advice, asking to balance education with time spent in the showroom and networking opportunities. “Be very focused on who you really want to see at the trade show and really map it out, because anything else beyond that will be great,” Karamat explains. looking for challenges “We will never learn unless we step out of…

PCMA PHL hosts education day and trade show » Exhibition City
PCMA PHL hosts education day and trade show » Exhibition City

Focus on industry trends and Philadelphia's growing role By: Exhibition City News Staff The Pennsylvania Convention Center hosted the PCMA Greater Philadelphia Chapter Education Day and Trade Show on September 12, attracting more than 200 business event professionals from across the country. The event featured more than 50 exhibitors and provided a platform for discussion of the latest trends impacting the events industry. Bonnie Grant, president of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of PCMA and executive director of PHL Life Sciences at the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), delivered a welcome speech on the day. Attendees from various industries including convention and visitor bureaus, hotels, AV companies and transportation services gathered to exchange ideas, explore new business opportunities and participate in educational sessions. Education Session Insights Two educational sessions focused on practical issues facing the events industry. In the morning, Joshua L. Grimes, an attorney with extensive experience in the industry, presented a presentation titled “I Thought I’d Seen It…

Learn more about PCMA's 20 20somethings with Cole Sales
Learn more about PCMA’s 20 20somethings with Cole Sales

Eastern Securities Spoke with Cole Sales (Marketing Manager) Electronic transport and founder of Brand Repairmanshe was nominated for PCMA’s 2023 “20 in 20s” Recognition Program guide For young professionals. How did you learn about the PCMA 20 in Their Twenties program?rape: I learned about the PCMA 20 in Their Twenties program through industry research and peer recommendations. It was first mentioned in a professional association update and then a mentor mentioned it in a conversation, which piqued my interest. I have always been eager to stay up to date on the latest industry topics and trends and found communities like PCMA to be an exciting opportunity to further my involvement and leadership in the field. What is the application process like (time consuming? easy? etc.)?rape: The application process was fairly straightforward, but fairly time-consuming. It involved submitting personal information, detailing professional achievements, and articulating my goals and ambitions. Selecting key mentors and colleagues to complete parts of the application added…

What are the most influential certification programs?
What are the most influential certification programs?

CHICAGO — For event professionals who want to advance their careers, there are many courses and certifications available. Many organizations in the trade show industry—including PCMA, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), the Event Industry Council (EIC), and Meeting Professionals International (MPI)—have ways to help you advance your skills and bolster your resume. “If you’re going into this industry, you really want to determine, ‘What are you passionate about?’” said Junior Tavua, PCMA’s chief business officer. “The next thing you want to consider is where you fall short in terms of skills.” PCMA offers webinars, courses, and certifications across a range of topics, with a combination of live and on-demand options. Tavua shared that PCMA’s “Enhancing Events with AI” and “Event Accessibility Strategist” certificate courses are currently popular, and recommends “Event and Conference Management Fundamentals” to new professionals. Additionally, he said PCMA’s Digital Event Strategist certification is in demand. Tavua is committed to ensuring that any certification or…