Sherrif Karamat, president & CEO, PCMA and CEMA, has announced that Convening Leaders, the organisation’s annual flagship education and networking event, will be hosted by Las Vegas in 2028 followed by New Orleans in 2029.
“Convening Leaders is where leaders and key decision makers connect; it’s where we challenge conventional thinking, re-imagine the possible, and give every participant, regardless of where they are in their career, the tools, acumen, networks, and inspiration to support how they can work differently,” said Karamat.
“We take seriously the responsibility of being the gathering that kicks off the industry’s year. That means being willing to take risks, constant experimentation with formats, and to model the kind of boldness we ask the global industry to bring to their own events. What we test at Convening Leaders, the industry learns from – and that is a standard we hold ourselves to every year.”
Convening Leaders 2028 will be hosted 24-27 January in Las Vegas, Nevada. It will mark the fifth year for Las Vegas as a host city. Previous years include 1966, 1975, 2011 and 2022.
Steve Hill, president & CEO, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority noted: “Las Vegas is proud to once again host Convening Leaders in 2028 at MGM Grand. With unmatched scale, exceptional service and a city built for meetings and events, Las Vegas is uniquely positioned to deliver an impactful experience for the global business events industry. We look forward to welcoming PCMA participants to a show that sparks new ideas, builds meaningful connections and showcases the best of what only Las Vegas can offer.”
Stephanie Glanzer, chief sales officer and senior vice-president of MGM Resorts International, added: “Convening Leaders brings together some of the most influential professionals in the global business events industry, and we recognise the tremendous opportunity and responsibility that comes with hosting this community. As one of the largest meetings and convention operators in the world, MGM Resorts looks forward to welcoming attendees to our resort and showcasing the exceptional hospitality, innovation and experiences that make Las Vegas a premier destination for meetings and conventions.”
Convening Leaders 2029 will go to New Orleans, Louisiana, 7-10 January.
New Orleans will also become a five-time Convening Leaders host city, having previously hosted in 1968, 1976, 1990 and 2009.
“New Orleans is honoured to welcome Convening Leaders in 2029, returning two decades after the event was last held here in 2009 during a pivotal moment in our city’s recovery following Hurricane Katrina,” said Walt Leger III, president & CEO, New Orleans & Company.
“Today, New Orleans is not only a story of resilience, but of reinvention, where we continue to invest in world-class infrastructure, elevate the participant experience, and lead with the culture and authenticity that defines us,” he added.
Jim Cook, president & CEO, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center noted: “Bringing the industry’s top professionals together at the Convention Center creates an opportunity to showcase both our facility and the collaborative spirit that defines meetings and events in New Orleans.”
Miami, FL is the host destination for Convening Leaders 2027, scheduled 10-13 January. Registration will open in August 2026.
