Sherrif Karamat, president and CEO of US-based association PCMA (professional convention management association) and CEMA, has announced that the 2026 Board of Directors and Trustees Slate introduced to PCMA and CEMA members on August 29, 2025, was approved on 1 October, 2025. Directors and trustees will assume office following PCMA’s Convening Leaders, 11–14 January, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
“PCMA’s incoming Board of Directors and Trustees is a reflection of the strategic direction PCMA is taking as the platform for the global business events industry,” said Karamat. “Their vision and leadership will ensure that PCMA and CEMA continue to advance our 2030 goal – to elevate the business events profession, inspire innovation, and drive meaningful economic and social transformation worldwide.”
Effective January 14, 2026, the Executive Officers serving a one-year term include: Chair: Kelly Ricker, chief operating officer, Global Technology Industry Association Chair-elect: Robin Preston, CEM, DES, MD, Events, The American Institute of Architects Immediate past chair: Neil Brownlee, head of business events, VisitScotland Secretary-treasurer: Panos Tzivanidis, Director of corporate events and services, International Olympic Committee
CEMA Advisory Board appointee serving a one-year Director and Trustee term: Bridgette Birdie, Senior director, global events and outreach, Moody’s
The following leaders will begin serving a two-year Director and Trustee term (2026–2027): Michael Barnett, CEO, InGo John Hawley, Executive director, Association, Hilton Worldwide Sales Elizabeth Tovar, President, Turenlaces Lindsay Williams, Senior manager, business development, GES
The following leaders will serve a second two-year Director and Trustee term (2026–2027): Deborah Caldwell, Senior vice-president, Asia Pacific head of global events, Bank of America Patrick Espinoza, Director of sales, Caesars Entertainment, Inc. Clifford “Rip” Rippetoe, President and CEO, San Diego Convention Center Corporation
The following leaders are serving the final year of a two-year Director and Trustee term (2025–2026): Gregg Caren, President and CEO, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau Dr Amanda Cecil, Professor, Department of Tourism, Event and Sport Ari Goldsmith, Vice-president of marketing and digital media, KeHE Distributors Dr Edward Koh, Executive director, Singapore Tourism Board Ori Lahav, CEO, Kenes Group Brian Landers, CDS, Senior vice-president/team director, ConferenceDirect Walt Leger III, President and CEO, New Orleans & Company Stephen Rose, Head of global communication services, Siemens AG Heather Seasholtz, CMP Fellow, DES, Vice-president, operations, CM Event Solutions
In addition, the President & CEO of PCMA and CEMA serves as a Director and Trustee: Sherrif Karamat, PCMA and CEMA President & CEO
