The recent PCMA’s Convening Leaders 2026 (CL26) in Philly delivered a powerful message of leadership, legacy and the future of business events.
According to show figures released last week, there were 4,211 total attendees, representing 43 countries, and over 1,000 first-time participants.
There also was a certain synchronicity to the city choice for this year’s CL 26—the Professional Convention Management Association was founded in Philly in 1956, so the organization came back to its roots to celebrate its 70th.
Meanwhile, another big birthday was set to impact visitation to Philly this year—the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which took place at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. Small wonder Philly is topping many top must-visit U.S. destinations during the nation’s semiquincentennial year.
Keynotes Unlocked New Ideas
Keynote addresses represented a cross-section of experts and pundits from the worlds of entertainment, psychology and journalism, including comedian and author Trevor Noah; psychologist and author Adam Grant; Emmy Award-winning host and bestselling author Tabitha Brown; and Zanny Minton Beddoes, Editor-in-Chief of The Economist, who invited the audience to engage with difficult but important issues.
Minton Beddoes categorized the recent, massive world shifts into three groups—political policy, economic policy and what she called “the biggest tech revolution since the Industrial Revolution.”
“A year ago, our world was set up the way it was after World War II… that system is gone,” Minton Beddoes said.
She pointed to a U.S. that was “flexing its power,” rejecting the idea of globalism and focused on commercial opportunities. She also told the audience that “you can’t separate economics, geopolitics and technology,” referring to AI as “transformational” to the point where it is “rewiring childhood.”
But lest you think the session painted a scary futurescape, it actually was the opposite. Among Minton Beddoes’ closing remarks: “Don’t get sidetracked doomscrolling on Instagram…and be selective about your news sources. Don’t be pessimistic. Values still really matter. This is the only country founded on values. Don’t give up on them.”
A Refreshed PCMA Brand
Across all initiatives, PCMA remains focused on its 2030 vision—growing a more connected, inclusive, and future-ready global community while positioning business events as a powerful catalyst for economic and social transformation.
CL26 was the final rollout of PCMA’s integration of its various brands into a fully refreshed brand—Leading Minds; Leading Change—reinforcing its role as the global platform for the business events industry. From Main Stage storytelling to immersive on-site experiences, the brand came to life through a clear focus on leadership, innovation, inclusion, and impact—setting the tone for the association’s journey toward 2030.
Following are more highlights from the show:
2026 Board Chair Award | Board Leadership Transition
As PCMA continues toward its 2030 vision, incoming Board Chair, Kelly Ricker, committed to maintaining what PCMA does best—leaning into change, lifting one another up, and creating spaces where every voice feels heard and every person can see a path forward.
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 recognized and celebrated on the same Main Stage.
20 in Their Twenties Program & Scholarships
PCMA continued its investment in the next generation through its 20 in Their Twenties program, celebrating rising professionals who are already driving meaningful change across the global business events community. The class of 2026 represents organizers and suppliers from several PCMA countries, including Australia, Austria, France, Germany, Malaysia, Scotland and the United States.
PCMA also announced scholarship recipients, which included historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), Legacy Society Scholars and PCMA Foundation Scholars, all of whom represent the power of long-term commitment, where philanthropy becomes a bridge to opportunity and where potential is met with possibility.
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.
Convening Leaders 2027
Miami is the host destination for Convening Leaders 2027, Jan. 10–13. To close out the Main Stage, Miami’s own Nicole Henry, international jazz, soul and contemporary artist, delivered a resounding “Get Here.”
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