PCMA’s Convening Leaders 2026 (CL26) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, delivered a powerful celebration of leadership, legacy, and the future of business events, bringing together its global community at a time of reflection and renewal.
Philadelphia is where it all started for the association – 70 years ago in 1956 – now known as Convening Leaders. Returning to PCMA’s founding city – as America celebrates its 250th anniversary – was both celebratory and a call-to-action to reshape what’s possible for the next generation of the global business events community.
CL26 total registration this January came in at 4,211, with attendees representing 43 countries. Among them were over 1,000 first time participants. Sherrif Karamat, president & CEO, PCMA and CEMA, described CL26 as “a powerful reflection of who we are and where we are headed as global community. As we honoured our legacy, elevated new voices, and celebrated those shaping what’s next, one message was clear – business events are not just about convening – they are about leadership, trust, and solving complex challenges that advance us all. We are committed to challenging conventional thinking, innovation, immersive learning, experimentation and real business connections that propel people, organisations and communities forward.”
Refreshed brand
CL26 was the final rollout of PCMA’s integration of its various brands into a fully refreshed brand. From Main Stage storytelling to immersive on-site experiences, the brand came to life through a clear focus on leadership, innovation, inclusion, and impact.
Spoken word artist, Amara Gabriëla van der Elst translated this refreshed brand into poetry from the Sunday Main Stage.
The Monday afternoon Main Stage revealed the official PCMA tartan and proud Scot Neil Brownlee, outgoing PCMA chair and VisitScotland’s head of business events, was on stage to model it, together with Gregg Caren, president & CEO, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau and PCMA Board member, and Sherrif Karamat. The specially created tartan’s thread count includes the numbers 70, 20 and 26 to reference PCMA’s 70th anniversary and CL26, and the palette reflects PCMA’s new brand colours.
Board Chair Award
During the conference, Ben Goedegebuurre, the first non-North American, first European PCMA Board member, was presented with the 2026 Chair Award on the Tuesday Main Stage. Incoming chair Kelly Ricker was also given a big welcome.
Recognising leadership old and new
Each year, the Global Student Competition reiterates investment into emerging talent is critical. Creativity, strategic thinking, and passion are demonstrated, ultimately reinforcing confidence in the next generation of business events leaders. The winning team from Johnson & Wales University was recognised on stage.
CL26 also marked the 40th anniversary of the association’s publication Convene and the Always A Leader platform honoured leaders, volunteers, and visionaries who have shaped PCMA over its 70-year history.
As well as remembering leaders past and their legacy, PCMA continued its investment in the next generation through its 20 in Their Twenties programme, celebrating rising professionals driving change today across the global business events community.
The class of 2026 represents organisers and suppliers from several PCMA countries, including Australia, Austria, France, Germany, Malaysia, Scotland and the United States. Supported by the PCMA Foundation and Experience Columbus, the 2026 class was introduced on the Main Stage.
Others highlighted on stage for their contributions included: Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), Legacy Society Scholars and PCMA Foundation Scholars.
Giving back to the Philadelphia community
Blood Drive – In partnership with the American Red Cross, a first-time blood drive was activated during CL26. Thirty-four units were collected, helping 102 patients in need. Philadelphia holds a proud place in transfusion history. In 1795, a physician in the city performed one of the first human transfusions in the US, and later, Philadelphia helped establish one of the earliest donor service centres.
Pathways to Housing PA – More than 140 volunteers supported Pathways’ mission to end homelessness by sorting donated items, assembling furniture, and preparing essentials for those transitioning into safe, stable homes. The PCMA Foundation also contributed $10,000 to Pathways to Housing PA. Do Good Feel Good is sponsored by GES, Maritz, and Visit Virginia Beach.
American Cancer Society – More than 100 volunteers gathered to assemble 350+ care packages to support the Society’s mission and packages were distributed to AstraZeneca Philadelphia Hope Lodge.
Cradles to Crayons – Sixty volunteers gathered to assemble 350+ care packages to ensure children living in homeless or low-income situations, have the essential items they need to thrive.
Heroes of Hospitality – The PCMA Foundation, in partnership with the Above and Beyond Foundation, recognised two of Philadelphia’s workforce members with a $5,000 check for each. Through support from GES, also the Party with a Purpose presenting partner, $10,000 was committed to the Heroes of Hospitality programme. These awards are bestowed to front-line workers that demonstrate positive values and embody the heart of hospitality through an extraordinary single act of service and/or consistent job performance that is truly ‘above and beyond’. The 2026 recipients were Andree Alexander with Hilton Garden Inn and Calathea Pacifica with the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Education and innovation
PCMA will continue to expand its future-ready education portfolio with enhancements to the Professional Meeting Management (PMM) programme, progress toward the Business Events Strategist (BES) certification, and ongoing cohorts of the Executive Leadership Fellowship programmes designed to prepare senior leaders for complex, global challenges. At the same time, PCMA will accelerate innovation through its AI-powered platforms, Spark and Destinator, equipping business events strategists, destinations, and partners with smarter insights and data-driven tools.
Two-year MoU
PCMA and the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) formalised a strategic collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The two-year MoU establishes a structured framework for collaboration, aligned by a shared commitment to advancing professionalism, insight, and long-term capability across the global business events community.
Visionary Awards and 2026 events
The 2026 Visionary Awards Lifetime Honorees and Finalists were revealed, recognising individuals and organisations redefining excellence, leadership, and impact within the global business events community.
CL26 served as a launch point for PCMA’s 2026 global event portfolio. Upcoming events include Convening APAC, Convening LATAM, Business Events Industry Week, Business Events Summit (previously edUcon), CEMA Summit, Convening EMEA, Convene 4 Climate, along with a range of regional conferences, leadership forums, and community-driven programs – each advancing PCMA’s mission to foster innovation, leadership, and meaningful impact across markets.
Miami will host destination for Convening Leaders 2027, 10–13 January. David Whitaker, president & CEO, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and colleagues from Miami delivered a message of what participants can expect when they come to Florida. To close out this Main Stage, Miami’s own Nicole Henry, international jazz, soul and contemporary artist, delivered a resounding “Get Here”.
Photos : Whatever Media Group
