PCMA
PCMA planning on building trust in delivering in a sustainable way in Europe
JAIME BENNETT , MD EMEA AT PCMA , TELLS CMW WHAT ATTENDEES CAN EXPECT AT THE ASSOCIATION ’ S CONVENING EMEA ’ S CONFERENCE IN COPENHAGEN AND GIVES US A TASTE OF THE STRATEGY FOR EUROPE
A ttendees at PCMA ’ s Convening EMEA Conference in Copenhagen , 20-22 September , can expect an immersive three-day programme with a focus on navigating the future in a place of belonging and collectively making not just an impact , but a positive impact . The 2023 programme has been extended to kick off on the Wednesday with offsite exploration tours giving attendees an opportunity to experience Copenhagen by joining one of the highly curated options . From sustainability to AI , architecture from the water , to start ups and amusement parks , we have something in store for all .
A number of industry led sessions will tackle topics such as AI , Legacy , Risk , Future proofing your events , Sustainability , Rising Costs and Growth vs De-Growth . These sessions are where insights will be shared , learnings explored and interactive formats and environment foster collaboration from the audiences .
Six exceptional keynotes will tackle uncertainty and leadership , experience design and how through trust you can achieve the impossible .
A number of workshops will allow a deeper dive into areas such as building human centred teams and there will be opportunities to dive deeper into what matters to the attendee .
In keeping with our host destination Copenhagen , the experience we will deliver and bring to life will be a sense of Hygge ( Oxford Languages definition ; a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of content or well-being - regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture .)
From morning escapism activities to the Copenhagen Spectacle Dinner at Wallmans Circus , experiential design elements will really bring our Hygge to life and tap into all the senses .
European strategy : audience first Our strategy in Europe and the rest of the MEA region is audience first , we listen to understand and use our global insights , and knowledge to create platforms for our community to collaborate , learn and grow together . We are empathetic to our communities ’ evolving needs and authentic in how we are committed to providing value and opportunities for individuals , their teams , and their organisations .
In addition , we ensure that we establish value-based partnerships and acquisitions that continue to add value and deliver for our community in multiple ways across content , community , and commerce .
Some examples would be the acquisition of the Event Leadership Institute and Event Marketing Association UK , the launch of Project Spark , an AI tool for the business events industry , powered by business event professionals , as well as the strategic partnership with AGU , all of which were announced this year . These acquisitions , partnerships and projects will continue to evolve and deliver value for our community and their changing needs .
Jaime Bennett
Sustainability Our approach to Convening EMEA is sustainability by design , and we intentionally plan , consider , explore and design the event with sustainability into the overall attendee journey .
This year , Convening EMEA ’ s sustainability journey is an experiential platform to ensure the business of human connections is delivering meaningful growth , moving beyond individual achievement , and is presenting collective solutions through value-based partners .
We ’ ve made sustainability transversal and an integral part of the event strategy and activities .
PCMA appointed a head of global sustainability in May 2023 , an appointment meant to be a catalyst to evolve PCMA ’ s approach to sustainability across multiple areas .
At the first stage , we are mapping out areas where we can have an impact . Next , we ’ re invested in developing collaborations that will be active players in delivering our objectives . AGU is one of them and it will be fully dedicated to power sustainability science and co-creation to address climate change responses and management .
We want to enable our community to imbed sustainability at their design process and enable organisations to redefine new business models . Sustainability then wouldn ’ t be a business choice but be incorporated as business , individual and collective development goals .
Ultimately , we ’ re committed to keep building confidence and trust within our community that our sector can deliver sustainably .
ISSUE 126 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 21