Shows / PCMA Convene Podcast
PCMA Convene Podcast
Since 1986, Convene has been delivering award-winning content that helps event professionals plan and execute innovative and successful events. Join the Convene editors as we dive into the latest topics of interest to — and some flying under the radar of — the business events community.
Episodes
PCMA Convene PodcastArticle: How 3 Different Meetings Outmaneuvered Shifting Political Winds
Budget cuts, visa headaches, and a six-week government shutdown in the U.S. proved to be no match for STEM and government meeting planners — and one innovative…
PCMA Convene PodcastInterview: Why Community Beats Content: Mark Adams on the Next Big Opportunity for Business Events
In this episode of the Convene Podcast, Deputy Editor Barbara Palmer speaks with global innovation strategist Mark Adams, a former Chief Innovation Officer at…
PCMA Convene PodcastArticle: The Net Zero Conference Walks the Talk
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…
PCMA Convene PodcastInterview: From Chaos to Calm: Pauline Nguyen on Self‑Leadership in Times of Change
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…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Series: Designing Events for Everyone: Laura Nelson on Sober Inclusivity and Wellness
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…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Article: Setting the Tone for Civility
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…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Interview: Running Into the Unknown: Natalie Dau’s Blueprint for High‑Performance Leadership
In this Interview, Guinness World Record holder and endurance athlete Natalie Dau shares the mindset, tools, and truths she learned from running 1,000…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Series: Scaling Culinary Medicine: How ACLM Transformed Event Dining and Education
This season has been kindly sponsored by Louisville Tourism. Go to GoToLouisville.com/meet to learn more. Discover how the American College of Lifestyle…
PCMA Convene PodcastArticle: More Than Hacking It
A speedy win at the Convening Leaders 2026 Spark Hackathon was the result of years of combined experience and experimentation among three strangers. Written…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Interview: Knife Skills and Life Skills: How Chef Alexa Williams Found Her Purpose at Philabundance Community Kitchen
In this Interview, Senior Editor Jennifer N. Dienst speaks with Chef Alexa Williams, a graduate of the Philabundance Community Kitchen training program and a…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Series: Cutting Event Food Waste with ReFED’s Jacquelyn Chi
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…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Article: Bridging Our Divides
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…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Interview: Fueling Transformation: How Convene 4 Climate’s Foundational Partners Are Changing Events
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…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Series: Lene Midtgaard on Nudging Greener Menus: MeetDenmark’s Playbook for Low-Carbon Catering
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…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Article: Filling a Hospitality Talent Gap While Giving Back: New Initiative Uplifts a Community
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…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Interview: Convene 4 Climate - Key Takeaways on Collaboration, Measurement, and Industry Transformation
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…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Series: From Waste to Wonder—Chef Andrew Cooper’s Recipe for a Greener Kitchen
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…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Article: An Artist in Residence Inspired Deeper Connections at This Association’s Annual Meeting
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…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Interview: Collective Intelligence, Net Zero Cities, and the Future of Business Events with Peter Baeck
Innovation expert Peter Baeck joins the Convene Podcast to unpack how collective intelligence, hybrid human–AI collaboration, and ambitious net zero goals can…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Series: Rethinking Event F&B: Waste, Allergens, and Real ROI With Tracy Stuckrath
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…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Article: A Connection-Building Exercise That Draws Out Event Participants
In keeping with its goal of having participants reimagine the traditional conference model, the inaugural The Conference for Conferences kicked off with an…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Interview [CL26 SPECIAL] From Feedback to Action: Holly Ransom’s Top Convening Leaders Takeaways for Event Professionals
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…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Article: Fixing a Broken Conference Model
At The Conference for Conferences, participants explored what events rooted in participant experience and connection could look like. Written and read by…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Interview [CL26 SPECIAL] Building Sustainable Success Without Burning Out with Erin Stafford
In this episode of the Convene Podcast, keynote speaker and self‑described “recovering type‑A overachiever” Erin Stafford talks about what sustainable success…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Article: This Biennial Meeting Is a Divine Collaboration
How a national leadership conference amplifies the impact of a powerful network of Black Greek-letter fraternities and sororities. Written and read by Barbara…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Interview [CL26 SPECIAL] How to Lead Through Disruption: Jay Kiew on Change Fluency and Resilient Teams
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…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Article: How to Make Subvention Programs Work Harder
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…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Interview [CL26 SPECIAL] Leading with Empathy: Jahkini Bisselink on Cultural Intelligence and Generational Connection
In this episode of the Convene Podcast, global foresight leader Jahkini Bisselink shares actionable insights on creating authentic connections, bridging…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Article: Using AI to Minimize Registration Data Headaches
How Spark can help planners combat the late registration trend by uncovering patterns in their own registration data and finding ways to spur prospective…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Talk: Meetings Market Survey 2025: Insights on AI, DEI, Sustainability, and Industry Shifts
In this episode, the Editors unpack the findings of Convene’s annual Meetings Market Survey, revealing how planners are navigating 2025 amid geopolitical…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Article: How Convening Leaders 2026 Is Embracing Sustainability
Thanks to a combination of careful planning and strategic partnerships, PCMA’s annual meeting keeps raising its own standards for event sustainability. Written…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Talk: Celebrating 40 Years of Convene: Stories, Milestones, and What’s Ahead at Convening Leaders
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…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Article: Planners Under Pressure
While it may be universally accepted that event planning is stressful in nature, there’s a lack of research to support — and mitigate — it. Angelika Bazarnik…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Interview [CL26 SPECIAL] Designing Dynamic Digital Experiences: Devon Montgomery Pasha on Hosting CL26 Online
In this episode, Devon Montgomery Pasha, the digital experience host for PCMA Convening Leaders 2026, shares her vision for creating an intentional, immersive…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Talk: Connecting the Dots at Convening Leaders: Zanny Minton Beddoes, Adam Grant, Trevor Noah & Tabitha Brown
In this episode, the Convene editorial team previews the main stage lineup at Convening Leaders 2026 — including The Economist editor-in-chief Zanny Minton…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Article: Convention Centers Designed to Meet Local and Group Needs
More new-build and convention center renovations are designed for integration into the larger community, creating mixed-use spaces for convention-goers and…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Interview: Franziska Seehausen on Sustainable Innovation, Good Tech, and Designing Systems for Change
In this episode, designer and Comat Studio founder Franziska Seehausen shares what leadership needs to look like for 2030 and beyond. Franziska breaks down…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Series: Tahira Endean on Measuring Joy, Leading Change, and Designing Events That Connect
This season has been kindly sponsored by Visit Spokane. Go to VisitSpokane.com to learn more. In this season finale, Tahira Endean — change management…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Article: Budgeting for the New Normal
A recent PCMA Institute webinar offered strategies for managing expenses in the current market and budgeting for the coming year. Written and read by Michelle…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Talk: How Convening Leaders 2026 Bakes Sustainability Into the Experience
In this episode, the team previews how Convening Leaders 2026 in Philadelphia is weaving sustainability into every touchpoint—from right-sized F&B and…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Series: Rethinking Sponsorships and Exhibitions with Sean Soth and Dan Cole: Building ROI, Trust, and Value in 2026
This season has been kindly sponsored by Visit Spokane. Go to VisitSpokane.com to learn more. Sponsorship and exhibition models are evolving fast — and the old…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Article: What Science Has to Say About How to Use AI
The evidence is mounting that leaning too heavily on AI can affect our ability to think critically and retain information. Here’s how to stay in the driver’s…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Talk: The Stories We Loved in 2025: Fast Tracks, Inclusive Awards, Accessibility Wins and Everyday Work Joy
In this episode, the Convene Editors are swapping their favorite Convene stories from 2025 — from events that redefined attendee engagement to stories that…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Series: Michelle Mason on Rebuilding Association Value: Revenue Models, Retention, and “Conscious Inclusion”
This season has been kindly sponsored by Visit Spokane. Go to VisitSpokane.com to learn more. Associations are under pressure to grow revenue, retain members…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Article: Inside a Gathering of Finance Officers
In April, the Native American Finance Officers Association held its 43rd annual conference in New Orleans, marrying tech and tradition to maximize engagement…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Interview: Values Behind the Numbers: David Allison on What the 2025 Salary Survey Reveals About Event Planners
How can understanding what matters most to people reshape the future of work in events? In this conversation, David Allison, CEO and founder of the…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Series: Trust, Budgets & Hybrid Impact: MC2’s Ben Nazario & Bruno Silva on Event Marketing That Actually Moves the Needle
This season has been kindly sponsored by Visit Spokane. Go to VisitSpokane.com to learn more. When budgets tighten but expectations don’t, what actually works?…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Article: This Negative TikTok Was Turned Into a Teachable Moment
How a TikTok video berating hotel and conference staff at the National Federation of the Blind’s convention became a learning opportunity. Written and read by…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Talk: Inside Convene’s Covers: How Illustrations Bring Ideas to Life
Every issue of Convene opens with an illustrated cover — a long-standing tradition that captures ideas, not just images. In this behind-the-scenes…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Series: David Allison on Why Values Beat Demographics in Event Design
This season has been kindly sponsored by Visit Spokane. Go to VisitSpokane.com to learn more. David Allison joins the Convene Podcast to discuss why relying on…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Article: How This One-Day Festival Creates an Engaged Community Year-Round
Organizers of the Creative Bureaucracy Festival have kept up a digital initiative from the COVID years to extend the festival’s reach globally and to keep the…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Talk: Do We Still Need Event Swag? Sustainable Giveaways That Build Connection (and Ditch the Waste)
Is swag still worth it—or just landfill with a logo? In this Talk, the Convene editors debate whether business events need giveaways at all, and what actually…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Series: Seth Godin on Making Events Magical: Leadership, AI, and the Future of Work
This season has been kindly sponsored by Visit Spokane. Go to VisitSpokane.com to learn more. Seth Godin joins the Convene Podcast to challenge how we plan…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Article: 3 Smart Ways to Reduce Food Waste and Cut Carbon Emissions
From “Meatless Mondays” to “ganging” menus, easy ways to cut the carbon emissions of F&B at events from international science society planner Bel Hanson…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Talk: Networking, Rebuilt: What Attendees Want vs. What Organizers Deliver (Freeman’s XLNC Deep Dive)
Freeman’s latest XLNC report reveals a major mismatch: attendees want organizers to curate subject-matter experts and set purposeful topics for…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Article: 8 Ways to Organize Your Workday
We pair advice from a time-management expert shared during a recent PCMA EMEA virtual Meet-Up with recommendations based on research about AI use. Written and…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Talk: Travel’s Talent Crunch: How Events Can Help Close a 43-Million Worker Gap
The travel industry is booming—but a World Travel & Tourism Council report warns of a 43 million-person workforce shortfall in the next decade. What does that…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Article: An Early Adopter’s Approach for Reining in AI
When it comes to using AI-generated tools, discipline and focus are powerful things, says entrepreneur and speaker Princess Castleberry. Written and read by…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Talk: Too Many Industry Events? Why Planners and Suppliers Can’t Agree
As the events calendar fills up with global trade shows, familiar debates resurface: Are there simply too many industry events — or just not enough of the…
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Article: Science Conferences Bucking the Trend
Record attendance at two major global scientific conferences — despite domestic funding cuts and travel headaches for international attendees — demonstrates…