This season has been kindly sponsored by Destination Madison. Go to VisitMadison.com/pcma to learn more. In the Season 11 finale, seasoned expert Angelika Bazarnik unpacks why wellness for event professionals is more than yoga breaks and spa days. Angelika reveals what she learned after reviewing 3,000+ articles, why academic research on planner stress has nearly vanished, and the early patterns emerging from her ongoing qualitative study. From stress cycles to broken processes and new tools tha...
Jun 25, 2026•40 min•Season 11Ep. 6
A global creative leader at IDEO walked event organizers through three mindsets that innovation and design-thinking experts use to create extraordinary experiences. Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief of Convene . Read the Article : The Benefits of ‘Cognitive Estrangement’ in Meeting Design: https://www.pcma.org/benefits-cognitive-estrangement/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ YouTube: ht...
Jun 24, 2026•11 min•Season 1Ep. 125
In this Interview, Business Events Summit keynote speaker, author, and leadership expert Rashmi Airan unpacks the concept of the “invisible prison” and the four forces that quietly shape—and sometimes sabotage—our decision-making. Drawing from her deeply personal story and years of research, Rashmi introduces practical frameworks like the Clarity Loop and the RISE framework to help event professionals pause, lead with integrity, and make choices they can stand behind. This conversation is a must...
Jun 19, 2026•36 min•Season 1Ep. 27
This season has been kindly sponsored by Destination Madison. Go to VisitMadison.com/pcma to learn more. In this Season 11 episode, we sit down with Laura Gassner Otting to unpack why high-achieving professionals—especially event and meeting leaders—burn out even when they’re successful, capable, and deeply committed to their work. Drawing on research from thousands of professionals worldwide, Laura explains why burnout is more often rooted in misalignment than workload, and how a lack of contro...
Jun 18, 2026•30 min•Season 11Ep. 5
A progressive opening reception gave a group of association management industry professionals the chance to mix with local artists — and to see the ins and outs of a convention center in a far more engaging way than a formal facility tour. Written and read by Kate Mulcrone, digital managing editor of Convene . Read the Article : How the Spokane Convention Center Turned a Reception Into a Site Inspection: https://www.pcma.org/progressive-reception-spokane-convention-center/ Follow Convene: Linked...
Jun 17, 2026•9 min•Season 1Ep. 124
In this episode of Convene Talk, the Editorial team dives into the powerful intersection of art and events, exploring how creativity can transform meetings from transactional gatherings into deeply human experiences. Drawing from the June cover story, the conversation spans educator conferences embracing STEAM learning, immersive art exhibits at major associations, music and storytelling as tools for connection, and interactive workshops that unlock innovation and empathy. Links: · June Issue: h...
Jun 12, 2026•24 min•Season 1Ep. 98
This season has been kindly sponsored by Destination Madison. Go to VisitMadison.com/pcma to learn more. In this Season 11 episode, long‑time yoga and somatic practitioner Kelly‑Jean Moore explores how event planners can transform attendee experience through simple, nervous‑system‑focused wellness integrations—no gimmicks required. Learn how micro‑practices woven into programming can reset stress, improve learning, and make conferences more human. Links: · Sarayana Movement & Rolfing: https:...
Jun 11, 2026•53 min•Season 11Ep. 4
The American Thoracic Society’s mission to promote public respiratory health goes hand in hand with community service initiatives at its annual international conference. Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief of Convene . Read the Article : How One Medical Meeting Weaves Social Impact Into the Program: https://www.pcma.org/medical-meeting-weaves-social-impact-into-program/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.co...
Jun 10, 2026•9 min•Season 1Ep. 123
In this episode of Convene Talk, the Editorial team reflects on the moments that stick—from surprise guest appearances and deeply human storytelling to humor that disarms and connects. Drawing on powerful examples featuring speakers like Trevor Noah, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Diana Nyad, and J.R. Martinez, the conversation explores why authenticity, emotional connection, and the unexpected often matter more than polished perfection. As events evolve in an AI‑driven world, this episode challenges pla...
Jun 05, 2026•21 min•Season 1Ep. 97
This season has been kindly sponsored by Destination Madison. Go to VisitMadison.com/pcma to learn more. In this Season 11 episode, we talk with creativity strategist and author Natalie Nixon about reframing productivity as a Move. Think. Rest. cycle – and how that changes the way we design business events. We explore why attention is really about engagement, the neuroscience behind white space and daydreaming, and how movement infrastructure and playful experimentation can help attendees connec...
Jun 04, 2026•25 min•Season 11Ep. 3
A new Unite Here report shows how recent U.S. immigration policy and ICE activity are having a direct effect on the hospitality industry. Written and read by Kate Mulcrone, digital managing editor of Convene . Read the Article : How Federal Immigration Raids Are Impacting the Hospitality Industry: https://www.pcma.org/ice-chillng-effect/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaco...
Jun 03, 2026•11 min•Season 1Ep. 122
In this Interview, Álvaro Meléndez challenges event professionals to rethink artificial intelligence not as a productivity tool, but as a powerful collaborator for designing deeper human relationships. Drawing from his “AI Circus” keynote at Convening LATAM 2026 and his PEPA framework, Álvaro explains why the business events industry is uniquely positioned to lead responsible AI adoption—and why focusing solely on speed, scale, and automation puts the industry at risk. Links: PEPA: A Field Guide...
May 29, 2026•30 min•Season 1Ep. 26
This season has been kindly sponsored by Destination Madison. Go to VisitMadison.com/pcma to learn more. In this Season 11 episode, Yush Sztalkoper reframes how event professionals should think about engagement, learning, and ROI by introducing the concept of human capacity. Drawing on decades of experience designing high‑stakes global events, she explains why today’s information‑dense, AI‑accelerated world is pushing events beyond what people can realistically receive, and how the five domains ...
May 28, 2026•40 min•Season 11Ep. 2
The effects of anti-DEI policies are being felt by associations representing minority professionals, particularly when it comes to their events. Here’s how the National Black MBA Association is navigating those changes and other macroeconomic shifts. Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief of Convene . Read the Article : Minority Conferences Face Lower Attendance: https://www.pcma.org/minority-conferences-face-lower-attendance/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/sho...
May 27, 2026•10 min•Season 1Ep. 121
In this Interview, cultural strategist José Luis Piñeiro explores why brands are becoming the new belief systems—and why events now function as modern rituals. Drawing from philosophy, positive psychology, and more than 35 years of designing transformative experiences, José unpacks how live events create belonging, identity, and collective meaning in an age shaped by AI, distraction, and constant change. Links: Table of Cultural Elements: https://www.pcma.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Tabla-Cul...
May 22, 2026•29 min•Season 1Ep. 25
This season has been kindly sponsored by Destination Madison. Go to VisitMadison.com/pcma to learn more. In this Season 11 episode, wellness coach and event strategist David T. Stevens explains why wellbeing is no longer a “nice-to-have” but a core performance driver for modern events. From agenda design and sleep to inclusive menus and meaningful social connection, he shares practical ways planners can boost learning, connection, and ROI by designing for human energy—not just programming space....
May 21, 2026•43 min•Season 11Ep. 1
Creativity strategist Natalie Nixon on how a fundamental reframing of our notion of productivity could transform your meetings. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor of Convene . Read the Article : More Time for Being Human: https://www.pcma.org/more-time-for-being-human/ 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: ht...
May 20, 2026•7 min•Season 1Ep. 120
In this episode of Convene Talk, the team is joined by Tanya Popeau, Head of Global Sustainability at PCMA, to unpack the rise of what she calls the “anti‑anti sustainability movement”—a quieter, more intentional commitment to climate action that’s thriving beneath the noise. From the business case for sustainable events and long-term corporate resilience to the role of AI, innovation, and human-centered design, this conversation explores why sustainability isn’t going away—and how event profess...
May 15, 2026•28 min•Season 1Ep. 96
Industry stakeholders share strategies for creating low-waste events and making a sustainable impact. Written and read by Jennifer N. Dienst, senior editor of Convene . Read the Article : Practical Tips for Reducing Food Waste at Events: https://www.pcma.org/practical-tips-reducing-food-waste-events/ 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/@conv...
May 13, 2026•7 min•Season 1Ep. 119
In this Convene Talk episode, the team digs into Inhospitable, a new report from UNITE HERE examining how immigration policy, labor shortages, and declining travel demand are converging to reshape the U.S. hospitality industry. Drawing on fresh data and firsthand accounts from workers in Washington, D.C., Miami, and beyond, the conversation explores what a drop in international visitors, flat hotel revenue, and workforce instability mean for destinations, planners, and the broader meetings ecosy...
May 08, 2026•26 min•Season 1Ep. 95
Preventable food waste and high food costs are a combination that no budget-challenged event professional wants on their plate. But research demonstrates that when planners and venues work together, the result can be a win-win-win: less food waste, improved efficiency, and better bottom lines all around. Written and read by Jennifer N. Dienst, senior editor of Convene . Read the Article : Coming to the Table: How the Events Industry Is Tackling Food Waste: https://www.pcma.org/coming-to-the-tabl...
May 06, 2026•12 min•Season 1Ep. 118
Food waste remains one of the most persistent—and solvable—challenges facing the events industry. In this Convene Talk episode, the team unpacks Convene’s April cover story on food waste, exploring new research from recent business events, real-world lessons from planners, venues, and chefs, and why communication may be just as important as measurement. From right-sizing portions and rethinking abundance to aligning stakeholders across the entire event lifecycle, this conversation highlights pra...
May 01, 2026•33 min•Season 1Ep. 94
This association for groundskeepers makes it a practice to co-locate their annual event with a trade show, doubling the educational and networking opportunities for attendees. Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief of Convene . Read the Article : Grounds for Gathering: https://www.pcma.org/grounds-for-gathering/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene Mediu...
Apr 29, 2026•5 min•Season 1Ep. 117
Travel volatility, geopolitics, and safety concerns are changing how meetings are planned. The Convene team discusses what it means for planners, destinations, and the future of global events. Links: · Rotary Convention Moves From Honolulu to Dubai to Barcelona: https://meetings.skift.com/2026/04/15/rotary-convention-moves-from-honolulu-to-dubai-to-barcelona/ · Think Airfares Are High? Brace Yourself for Bag Fees and Fuel Surcharges.: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/07/travel/airfare-bag-fees-fu...
Apr 24, 2026•22 min•Season 1Ep. 93
Sometimes, difficult discourse isn’t about sharing conflicting perspectives but addressing serious issues your group shares in common. An Opening General Session that acknowledges the challenges your community is experiencing while also uplifting them may require more than a nice speech by an earnest speaker. For the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference, it took a primal scream — and a few animals. Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief of Convene . Read the Article ...
Apr 22, 2026•8 min•Season 1Ep. 116
In this Interview, deputy editor Barbara Palmer talks with Nir Hindie, entrepreneur, educator, and creator of the Business Artistry leadership approach ahead of his keynote at Convening LATAM. They explore how an artist’s mindset can transform events, leadership, and business culture. Nir shares why creativity alone isn’t enough — and how designing for emotion, meaning, and human experience can turn events into moments people truly remember. Links: Register for Convening LATAM: https://convening...
Apr 17, 2026•31 min•Season 1Ep. 24
A new movement to give people tools to have more productive and humane disagreements is gaining ground. Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief of Convene . Read the Article : ‘Disagree With Ideas, Don’t Dehumanize People’: https://www.pcma.org/disagree-with-ideas-dont-dehumanize-people/ 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/@con...
Apr 15, 2026•17 min•Season 1Ep. 115
In this Interview, we talk with Dr Sandra Peter and Dr Kai Riemer, co-authors of the 2026 Skills Horizon report, about why we have entered a “decade of disorientation” and what that means for event leaders. Ahead of their keynote at Convening APAC, they explore values and trust shifts, four key clashes, the “blobs” of future skills, and what grounded leadership looks like now. Links: Download The 2026 Skills Horizon: https://plus.sydney.edu.au/horizon/ Sydney Executive Plus, The University of Sy...
Apr 10, 2026•24 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Budget cuts, visa headaches, and a six-week government shutdown in the U.S. proved to be no match for STEM and government meeting planners — and one innovative educator who understands the value of conferences. Written and read by Kate Mulcrone, digital managing editor at Convene . Read the Article : How 3 Different Meetings Outmaneuvered Shifting Political Winds: https://www.pcma.org/outmaneuvering-shifting-political-winds/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-conven...
Apr 08, 2026•11 min•Season 1Ep. 114
In this episode of the Convene Podcast, Deputy Editor Barbara Palmer speaks with global innovation strategist Mark Adams, a former Chief Innovation Officer at Vice Media and longtime advisor to major brands, creators, and public figures, ahead of his Convening APAC keynote. Mark shares how his early experiences at the dawn of social media shaped his lifelong work on signal detection, network theory, and digital transformation. He breaks down why the future belongs to communities — not audiences ...
Apr 03, 2026•49 min•Season 1Ep. 22
