Airports aren’t just gateways—they can be game changers for event professionals. In this Convene Talk we explore how planners are underutilizing airports and airlines in the event experience. From welcome moments and in-airport meetings to lounge perks and missed group sales opportunities, the team shares practical ideas and examples that will have you rethinking how to partner with the travel infrastructure you (and your attendees) already use. Links: · New study reveals the top 10 airports for...
Jul 11, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 69
The American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery transformed its annual meeting awards program into something far less ceremonial and far more engaging, based on audience insights. Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief at Convene . Read the Article : How ASCRS Rebooted Its Awards Ceremony to Increase Audience Engagement: https://www.pcma.org/award-ceremony-increase-audience-engagement/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: h...
Jul 09, 2025•14 min•Season 1Ep. 77
The rise of extreme weather events means planners are more often going to face the difficult decision of whether to move forward with an event at an affected destination or not. Here’s how some organizers have navigated that dilemma. Written and read by Jennifer N. Dienst, senior editor at Convene . Read the Article : When the Show Goes On: Planning Events After a Natural Disaster: https://www.pcma.org/extreme-weather-risk-event-planning/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showca...
Jul 02, 2025•14 min•Season 1Ep. 76
Is your to-do list running your day? In this episode of the Convene Podcast, the team unpacks the top time-management strategies from expert Max Ohlenschlager—plus their own tried-and-true hacks. Learn how to reframe tasks, avoid burnout, and build focus through mindful planning, buffer zones, and yes—even breaking up with the Pomodoro method. Links: · 8 Ways to Organize Your Workday: https://www.pcma.org/8-ways-organize-workday/ · Time Anxiety: The Illusion of Urgency and a Better Way to Live: ...
Jun 27, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 68
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/id1296605806 https://askformoregroup.com/ Follow Convene: ...
Jun 26, 2025•37 min•Season 7Ep. 6
Results from our recent pulse survey of event organizers reveal a lack of clarity about what sweeping U.S. policy changes may mean for events, what comes next, and how best to move forward. Here’s what some event industry professionals are seeing — and anticipating. Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief at Convene . Read the Article : Meetings in Flux: https://www.pcma.org/meetings-in-flux/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https...
Jun 25, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 75
In this Convene Talk episode, we unpack how the “hidden tax” of cognitive ambiguity is eroding leadership clarity — and what to do about it. From time-blocking your stress to reframing internal narratives, the team explores practical, research-backed strategies to help meeting professionals stay focused, calm, and present — even amid global disruptions and information overload. Links: · How to Stop Worrying About Tariffs (and Everything Else): https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-stop-worrying-tar...
Jun 20, 2025•13 min•Season 1Ep. 67
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://mediu...
Jun 19, 2025•30 min•Season 7Ep. 5
Business events have long been designed with this one-off/single-use mentality. How can we adopt more of a reduce, reuse, recycle approach? Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief at Convene . Read the Article : Building a Circular Economy in Events: How Two Major Meetings Reimagined Sustainability: https://www.pcma.org/circular-economy-meetings/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ YouTube: http...
Jun 18, 2025•15 min•Season 1Ep. 74
In this episode of the Convene Podcast, sustainability leader Thiago Araujo makes a compelling case for Latin America’s vital role in the global events industry’s journey to net zero. From carbon offset strategies to rethinking economic and social impact, discover practical steps event professionals can take—wherever they are. Follow Convene: Website: pcma.org/convene LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene Instagram: instagram.com/pcmaconvene X: twitter.com/pcmaconvene Subscribe to our new...
Jun 13, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 8
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://ww...
Jun 12, 2025•24 min•Season 7Ep. 4
How technology tools are helping organizers wrap their arms around participants’ emotional responses to their events. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene . Read the Article : Using Emotional AI to Track Attendee Sentiment in Real Time: https://www.pcma.org/using-emotional-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/@conv...
Jun 11, 2025•11 min•Season 1Ep. 72
In this Convene Talk episode, our editors unpack how new U.S. border policies, rising visa wait times, and shifting international perceptions are dampening event attendance and travel. Discover what planners are doing—and not doing—to address the growing uncertainty impacting global participation at major U.S. events. Links: · An Increasingly Bleak Travel Forecast for the U.S.: https://www.pcma.org/bleak-travel-forecast-us/ · Understanding Your Rights at Customs: What to Do If You’re Detained: h...
Jun 06, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 66
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.lin...
Jun 05, 2025•29 min•Season 7Ep. 3
This episode has been kindly sponsored by Visit Phoenix. Learn more at visitphoenix.com/meetings . How entrepreneur Imani Ellis — who will speak this afternoon in a fireside chat — has built a first-of-its kind community for Black creative professionals by focusing on connection. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene , with excerpts from the original interview with Imani Ellis. Read the Article : Designing an Intimate Conference for 10,000: https://www.pcma.org/designing-i...
Jun 04, 2025•13 min•Season 1Ep. 72
Is AI making us better—or just busier? In this episode of the Convene Podcast, we explore surprising research on how AI boosts productivity but drains motivation. From ethical use to emotional impact, the team shares insights for event professionals navigating AI in a rapidly changing landscape. Links: · Research: Gen AI Makes People More Productive—and Less Motivated: https://hbr.org/2025/05/research-gen-ai-makes-people-more-productive-and-less-motivated · The Science of Aha! Moments: Designing...
May 30, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 65
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/@convenema...
May 29, 2025•30 min•Season 7Ep. 2
While meeting organizers understand the primary role that emotional engagement and experiential factors play in their events, they find those things difficult to measure. We’ve set out to explore how to define, design and how to quantify emotional engagement and make meaningful improvements as a result. Written and read by Jennifer N. Dienst, senior editor at Convene . Read the Article : Measuring Emotion: https://www.pcma.org/measuring-emotion/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com...
May 28, 2025•15 min•Season 1Ep. 71
This episode has been kindly sponsored by Louisville Tourism. Learn more at GoToLouisville.com/meeting-planners/ . In this episode of Convene Talk, we unpack what’s ahead at PCMA’s edUcon 2025 — from deeper learning tracks to inclusive programming and immersive local experiences. Held in Louisville, aka Bourbon City, this year’s event focuses on three themes — Blend, Innovate, and Craft — with sessions designed to be more practical, relevant, and interactive. We spotlight keynotes like Imani Ell...
May 23, 2025•13 min•Season 1Ep. 64
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 C...
May 22, 2025•54 min•Season 7Ep. 1
DEI expert Ritu Bhasin shares seven tips for creating authentic, inclusive, and emotionally resonant event experiences. Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief at Convene . Read the Article : How to Make Belonging the Centerpiece of Your Events: www.pcma.org/how-make-belonging-centerpiece-your-events/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene Medium: https://m...
May 21, 2025•8 min•Season 1Ep. 70
In this episode of Convene Talk, the team explores how medical associations like the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retina Specialists adapted during COVID-19 and continue to evolve. From virtual education and subject-matter expert access to hybrid programming, cost-saving strategies, and the growing importance of captioning and flexibility, this discussion unpacks the long-term shifts reshaping medical events. Links: · https://www.ophthalmologytimes.com/view/when-...
May 16, 2025•17 min•Season 1Ep. 63
Organizational behavior expert Andrew Brodsky on why it’s worth your time to think more deliberately about how you use technology to communicate. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene . Read the Article : Expert Tips for Better Virtual Communication: https://www.pcma.org/expert-tips-for-better-virtual-communication/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmac...
May 14, 2025•6 min•Season 1Ep. 69
In this episode of Convene Talk, the team explores how external disruptions — from global tariffs to political chaos — seep into even the most elite events. Using insights from TED 2025, they reflect on the increasing pressure planners face to create immersive experiences while attendees juggle external crises. Plus, they unpack how space design, flexibility, and changing destination choices are shaping the future of events. Links: · https://www.axios.com/2025/04/10/ted-talks-tariffs-economy Get...
May 09, 2025•16 min•Season 1Ep. 62
A new expo hall design used experiential zones to take attendees on an architectural journey. Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief at Convene . Read the Article : Rearchitecting a Trade Show: https://www.pcma.org/rearchitect-trade-show/ 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 Subscri...
May 07, 2025•10 min•Season 1Ep. 68
In this episode of the Convene Podcast, the team unpacks a new research report from Destinations International and Future Partners that explores how perceptions around safety, politics, and social issues are increasingly influencing destination choices. Hear how planners and attendees are reacting to shifting societal pressures, weather risks, and global sentiment — and what it could mean for the future of events in the U.S. and abroad. Links: · https://destinationsinternational.org/destination-...
May 02, 2025•22 min•Season 1Ep. 61
The most commonly wasted foods are bread, pastries, and fruit — a great place for planners to begin developing food-waste prevention practices. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene . Read the Article : Addressing ‘Prolifically Problematic’ Food Waste at Meetings: https://www.pcma.org/prolific-food-waste-at-meetings/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcma...
Apr 30, 2025•7 min•Season 1Ep. 67
Are trade shows still relevant in the digital age? In this episode of the Convene Podcast, the team explores how trade shows are evolving beyond transactional exchanges to deliver meaningful, data-informed, and emotionally engaging experiences. From AI-powered matchmaking to facial recognition technology and immersive booth design, learn how organizers and exhibitors are redefining ROI—return on investment and emotion. Links: · https://www.convene-digital.org/convene/library/item/april_2025/4264...
Apr 25, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 60
This episode has been kindly sponsored by Louisville Tourism. Learn more at GoToLouisville.com/meeting-planners/ . Over this past year, representatives from major hotel brands and housing services providers met for three PCMA roundtable conversations to discuss housing booking challenges — and potential solutions. Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief at Convene . Read the Article : Unlocking the Event Housing Block Dilemma: https://www.pcma.org/unlocking-event-housing-block-dile...
Apr 23, 2025•10 min•Season 1Ep. 66
As climate-related disasters grow more frequent, event organizers face difficult decisions: Should you still host your event in an affected area? In this episode of the Convene Podcast, we explore how planners can support recovery efforts—ethically and effectively—through respectful communication, timing, and community engagement. Links: · https://nonprofitquarterly.org/an-awp-conference-in-the-wake-of-climate-disaster/ Get News Junkie: https://www.pcma.org/campaign/news-junkie/ Meet the Convene...
Apr 18, 2025•19 min•Season 1Ep. 59
