This episode has been kindly sponsored by Visit Anaheim. Learn more at visitanaheim.org/meetings . How a sustainability event grew from a small meeting into a global gathering — and embedded its values into every facet of its design along the way. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene . Read the Article : The Net Zero Conference Walks the Talk: https://www.pcma.org/net-zero-conference-design/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagr...
Apr 01, 2026•11 min•Season 1Ep. 113
This week on the Convene Podcast, we are joined by award‑winning spiritual entrepreneur and restaurateur Pauline Nguyen ahead of her keynote at Convening APAC. Pauline brings a masterclass in self‑leadership, emotional literacy, and navigating pressure with grace. From understanding the wisdom of emotions to designing truly sensory event experiences, Pauline offers practical, grounding tools for every event organizer. Links: Follow Pauline Nguyen: https://pauline-nguyen.com/ Register for Conveni...
Mar 27, 2026•46 min•Season 1Ep. 21
This season has been kindly sponsored by Louisville Tourism. Go to GoToLouisville.com/meet to learn more. In this episode, author, speaker and founder of Sober Life Rocks, Laura Nelson shares why event planners need to rethink alcohol-centric networking and create spaces that welcome everyone—whether they drink or not. From practical tips for offering non-alcoholic options to strategies for balancing socializing and wellness, this conversation is a must-listen for planners committed to DEI and a...
Mar 26, 2026•36 min•Season 10Ep. 6
A code of conduct for events should go beyond preventing harassment and set the standard for treating fellow participants with respect. Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief at Convene . Read the Article : Setting the Tone for Civility: https://www.pcma.org/setting-the-tone/ 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/@convenemagazin...
Mar 25, 2026•4 min•Season 1Ep. 112
In this Interview, Guinness World Record holder and endurance athlete Natalie Dau shares the mindset, tools, and truths she learned from running 1,000 km—twice—through unpredictable terrain and extreme conditions. Ahead of her keynote at Convening APAC, she explains how leaders can build a platform, not a pedestal, and how vulnerability becomes a superpower for mobilizing teams, communities, and audiences. Links: Follow Natalie Dau: https://nataliedau.com/ Register for Convening APAC: https://co...
Mar 20, 2026•21 min•Season 1Ep. 20
This season has been kindly sponsored by Louisville Tourism. Go to GoToLouisville.com/meet to learn more. Discover how the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) turned plant-based dining into an immersive learning experience for thousands of attendees. In this episode, Julie Holtgrave shares the behind-the-scenes story of creating a large-scale culinary activation, overcoming unexpected challenges, and inspiring healthcare professionals to integrate culinary medicine into their practice....
Mar 19, 2026•31 min•Season 10Ep. 5
A speedy win at the Convening Leaders 2026 Spark Hackathon was the result of years of combined experience and experimentation among three strangers. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene . Read the Article : More Than Hacking It: https://www.pcma.org/more-than-hacking-it/ 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/@convenemag...
Mar 18, 2026•11 min•Season 1Ep. 111
In this Interview, Senior Editor Jennifer N. Dienst speaks with Chef Alexa Williams, a graduate of the Philabundance Community Kitchen training program and a line cook at Fork in Philadelphia. Alexa shares how a SNAP-eligible, food-bank-based program gave her technical kitchen skills, ServSafe certification, emotional resilience and a path into one of the city’s most respected restaurants. Links: Learn more about Philabundance and the Philabundance Community Kitchen: https://www.philabundance.or...
Mar 13, 2026•30 min•Season 1Ep. 19
This season has been kindly sponsored by Louisville Tourism. Go to GoToLouisville.com/meet to learn more. ReFED’s Jacquelyn Chi joins us to unpack where events can cut the most food waste—starting in the RFP. From portion sizing and plate strategy to donation partners and liability myths, this episode delivers practical steps that save money, reduce emissions, and increase community impact. Links: · Solution Provider Directory: insights-engine.refed.org/solution-provider-directory · Insights Eng...
Mar 12, 2026•25 min•Season 10Ep. 4
We live in a polarized world. How can events bring people together and restore civility without glossing over our differences and challenges? Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief at Convene . Read the Article : Bridging Our Divides: https://www.pcma.org/bridging-our-divides/ 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/@convenemagazi...
Mar 11, 2026•13 min•Season 1Ep. 110
In this episode, Convene 4 Climate’s foundational partners from Destination Canada, Meet in Ireland, Marina Bay Sands and United Airlines share how they are moving beyond performative sustainability to collective, regenerative climate action in business events. Learn how they embed sustainability by design, collaborate across borders, and take clients on a shared journey toward lower-carbon, higher-impact meetings. Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagr...
Mar 06, 2026•25 min•Season 1Ep. 18
This season has been kindly sponsored by Louisville Tourism. Go to GoToLouisville.com/meet to learn more. In this episode, MeetDenmark’s Lene Midtgaard unpacks simple, taste-first nudges that make event catering more sustainable—default plant-forward menus, smarter buffet design, and language that wins over flexitarians while keeping meat as a small option. Links: Plant-Rich Dining Experiences for Conferences and Meetings. A Guide for Kitchen and Serving Staff: https://tinyurl.com/GuideMeetDenma...
Mar 05, 2026•19 min•Season 10Ep. 3
For more than 25 years, a Philadelphia food bank has provided low-income residents a pathway to employment in food service. A new partnership with the Philadelphia CVB and Michelin seeks to elevate and expand career opportunities for those students while filling a need in the local hospitality sector. Written and read by Jennifer N. Dienst, senior editor at Convene . Read the Article : Filling a Hospitality Talent Gap While Giving Back: New Initiative Uplifts a Community: https://www.pcma.org/ph...
Mar 04, 2026•6 min•Season 1Ep. 109
In this episode, we break down the biggest takeaways from Convene 4 Climate — from the growing hunger for collaboration to the need for clearer data, unified standards, and a mindset shift toward innovation‑driven sustainability. Joining the conversation are three leaders helping shape that future: Rachael Riggs, General Manager of Environmental Strategy at Maritz, known for her work in ESG strategy, carbon reporting, and wellbeing‑centered event design; Kit Lykketoft, Director of the Copenhagen...
Feb 27, 2026•29 min•Season 1Ep. 17
This season has been kindly sponsored by Louisville Tourism. Go to GoToLouisville.com/meet to learn more. In this episode, Andrew Cooper, Executive Chef at La Quinta Resort & Club and Pyramid Global Hospitality’s 2025 Manager of the Year, shares how sustainability, storytelling, and creativity go hand in hand in a luxury kitchen. From transforming food waste with the Orca, to creating “Is This Really Vegan?” menus that surprise even meat lovers, Chef Andrew shows how sustainability can inspi...
Feb 26, 2026•43 min•Season 10Ep. 2
How a First Nations artist’s live carving sparked a four-day-long conversation at an International Academy of Trial Lawyers meeting. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene . Read the Article : An Artist in Residence Inspired Deeper Connections at This Association’s Annual Meeting: https://www.pcma.org/artist-in-residence-inspired-deeper-connections/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ Yo...
Feb 25, 2026•10 min•Season 1Ep. 108
Innovation expert Peter Baeck joins the Convene Podcast to unpack how collective intelligence, hybrid human–AI collaboration, and ambitious net zero goals can reshape business events. Discover how to move beyond basic sustainability, rebuild trust, and design events that become real catalysts for climate action and community impact. Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene...
Feb 20, 2026•26 min•Season 1Ep. 16
This season has been kindly sponsored by Louisville Tourism. Go to GoToLouisville.com/meet to learn more. Food and beverage (F&B) remain the biggest line item in most event budgets — and the first place planners hope to cut. In this conversation Eating at a Meeting host Tracy Stuckrath joins us to unpack how to move beyond “cost per plate” and start measuring real F&B value. Tracy shares data-driven strategies to right-size orders, reduce food waste, and negotiate smarter with venues, wh...
Feb 19, 2026•46 min•Season 10Ep. 1
In keeping with its goal of having participants reimagine the traditional conference model, the inaugural The Conference for Conferences kicked off with an offbeat icebreaker. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene . Read the Article : A Connection-Building Exercise That Draws Out Event Participants: https://www.pcma.org/how-to-create-connections-at-events/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmacon...
Feb 18, 2026•4 min•Season 1Ep. 107
In this episode of the Convene Podcast, we sit down with global leadership expert and CL26 mainstage moderator Holly Ransom to unpack the most powerful insights from Philadelphia—spanning Adam Grant’s “second score,” Trevor Noah’s reminder to ask “What’s the point?”, the accelerating impact of AI on business events, navigating geopolitical noise, and the essential role of empathy, curiosity, and intentional joy in leadership. Holly also shares personal stories, practical frameworks, and a challe...
Feb 13, 2026•36 min•Season 1Ep. 15
At The Conference for Conferences, participants explored what events rooted in participant experience and connection could look like. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene . Read the Article : Fixing a Broken Conference Model: https://www.pcma.org/fixing-a-broken-conference-model/ 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/@c...
Feb 11, 2026•9 min•Season 1Ep. 106
In this episode of the Convene Podcast, keynote speaker and self‑described “recovering type‑A overachiever” Erin Stafford talks about what sustainable success really looks like. Erin shares why the very traits that make high performers so successful — ambition, resilience, perfectionism — often take them straight into burnout. She explains how tiny micro shifts, not dramatic routines, help leaders and teams maintain energy in high‑pressure roles, especially in fast‑paced environments like event ...
Feb 06, 2026•32 min•Season 1Ep. 14
How a national leadership conference amplifies the impact of a powerful network of Black Greek-letter fraternities and sororities. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene . Read the Article : This Biennial Meeting Is a Divine Collaboration: https://www.pcma.org/divine-nine-conference/ 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/...
Feb 04, 2026•8 min•Season 1Ep. 105
In this episode of the Convene Podcast, keynote speaker and innovation strategist Jay Kiew introduces the concept of change fluency—the ability to view change as an opportunity rather than a threat—and shares why mindset, not management, is the key to navigating complexity. Drawing on behavioral science, personal experiences with resilience, and insights from conversations with event strategists, he explores how to combat change fatigue, leverage micro‑moments, design for serendipity, and adopt ...
Jan 30, 2026•26 min•Season 1Ep. 13
A recent study shows that the current funding model to encourage group business falls short in significant areas beyond economics. Written and read by Kate Mulcrone, digital managing editor at Convene . Read the Article : How to Make Subvention Programs Work Harder: https://www.pcma.org/hov-destinations-can-work-with-groups-on-subvention/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmac...
Jan 28, 2026•12 min•Season 1Ep. 104
In this episode of the Convene Podcast, global foresight leader Jahkini Bisselink shares actionable insights on creating authentic connections, bridging generational gaps, and balancing technology with human interaction. From the concept of Kletzkassa (or chit chat counters) to mutual mentorship and digital etiquette, discover strategies to foster trust and inclusion in a rapidly changing world. Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.inst...
Jan 23, 2026•25 min•Season 1Ep. 12
How Spark can help planners combat the late registration trend by uncovering patterns in their own registration data and finding ways to spur prospective audiences to action. Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene . Read the Article : Using AI to Minimize Registration Data Headaches: pcma.org/using-ai-registration-data/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pc...
Jan 21, 2026•7 min•Season 1Ep. 103
In this episode, the Editors unpack the findings of Convene’s annual Meetings Market Survey, revealing how planners are navigating 2025 amid geopolitical uncertainty, rising costs, and evolving expectations around DEI and sustainability. Discover why business models are shifting, how AI adoption is creating both opportunities and divides, and what planners predict for 2026. Links: · What’s Next?: https://www.pcma.org/whats-next-33nd-mms/ · HBR: Leaders Assume Employees Are Excited About AI. They...
Jan 16, 2026•28 min•Season 1Ep. 92
Thanks to a combination of careful planning and strategic partnerships, PCMA’s annual meeting keeps raising its own standards for event sustainability. Written and read by Kate Mulcrone, digital managing editor at Convene . Read the Article : How Convening Leaders 2026 Is Embracing Sustainability: pcma.org/convening-leaders-2026-embracing-sustainability/ Follow Convene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ YouTube: https://yo...
Jan 14, 2026•9 min•Season 1Ep. 102
As Convene marks its 40th anniversary in 2026, the team reflects on their first experiences with the meetings industry, shares behind-the-scenes stories, and previews what’s coming at PCMA Convening Leaders in Philadelphia. From the evolution of conferences to the power of community and design, this episode dives into the history, impact, and future of events. Plus, hear personal journeys that led our editors to Convene and why this industry continues to inspire. Links: · Register for Convening ...
Jan 09, 2026•24 min•Season 1Ep. 91
