Review today across the global business events community.
The class of 2026 represents organisers and suppliers from several PCMA countries, including Australia, Austria, France, Germany, Malaysia, Scotland and the United States. Supported by the PCMA Foundation and Experience Columbus, the 2026 class was introduced on the Main Stage.
Others highlighted on stage for their contributions included: Historically Black Colleges and Universities( HBCU), Legacy Society Scholars and PCMA Foundation Scholars.
Giving back to the Philadelphia community Blood Drive – In partnership with the American Red Cross, a first-time blood drive was activated during CL26. Thirty-four units were collected, helping 102 patients in need. Philadelphia holds a proud place in transfusion history. In 1795, a physician in the city performed one of the first human transfusions in the US, and later, Philadelphia helped establish one of the earliest donor service centres.
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.
American Cancer Society – More than 100 volunteers gathered to assemble 350 + care packages to support the Society’ s mission and packages were distributed to AstraZeneca Philadelphia Hope Lodge.
Cradles to Crayons – Sixty volunteers gathered to assemble 350 + care packages to ensure children living in homeless or low-income situations, have the essential items they need to thrive.
Heroes of Hospitality – The PCMA Foundation, in partnership with the Above and Beyond Foundation, recognised two of Philadelphia’ s workforce members with a $ 5,000 check for each. Through support from GES, also the Party with a Purpose presenting partner, $ 10,000 was committed to the Heroes of Hospitality programme. These awards are bestowed to front-line workers that demonstrate positive values and embody the heart of hospitality through an extraordinary single act of service and / or consistent job performance that is truly‘ above and beyond’. The 2026 recipients were Andree Alexander with Hilton Garden Inn and Calathea Pacifica with the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Education and innovation PCMA will continue to expand its future-ready education portfolio with enhancements to the Professional Meeting Management( PMM) programme, progress toward the Business Events Strategist( BES) certification, and ongoing cohorts of the Executive Leadership Fellowship programmes designed to prepare senior leaders for complex, global challenges. At the same time, PCMA will accelerate innovation through its AI-powered platforms, Spark and Destinator, equipping business events strategists, destinations, and partners with smarter insights and data-driven tools.
Two-year MoU PCMA and the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers( IAPCO) formalised a strategic collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding( MoU). The two-year MoU establishes a structured framework for collaboration, aligned by a shared commitment to advancing professionalism, insight, and long-term capability across the global business events community.
Visionary Awards and 2026 events The 2026 Visionary Awards Lifetime Honorees and Finalists were revealed, recognising individuals and organisations redefining excellence, leadership, and impact within the global business events community.
CL26 served as a launch point for PCMA’ s 2026 global event portfolio. Upcoming events include Convening APAC, Convening LATAM, Business Events Industry Week, Business Events Summit( previously edUcon), CEMA Summit, Convening EMEA, Convene 4 Climate, along with a range of regional conferences, leadership forums, and community-driven programs – each advancing PCMA’ s mission to foster innovation, leadership, and meaningful impact across markets.
Miami will be the host destination for Convening Leaders 2027, 10 – 13 January. David Whitaker, president & CEO, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and colleagues from Miami delivered a message of what participants can expect when they come to Florida. To close out this Main Stage, Miami’ s own Nicole Henry, international jazz, soul and contemporary artist, delivered a resounding“ Get Here”. n
n Photos: Whatever Media Group
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