Professional Convention Management Association Lines Up Speakers for June Conference

The Professional Convention Management Association has unveiled the speaker lineup for its June Education Conference, and it features a cast of new thinkers, specifically selected to challenge participants with new approaches towardsstrategic leadership and innovation, according to PCMA officials.


The PCMA Education Conference is a smaller, more intimate gathering of senior industry professionals - designed for idea generation, solution sharing and networking with peers and key industry decision makers.

American Society of Association Executives Releases "Associations Matter" Study

In support of The Power of A Week and American Associations Day, the American Society of Association Executive’s annual legislative fly-in, the organization released its “Associations Matter” study.

The study indicated associations have a “profound, measurable economic and social impact on the nation,” according to ASAE officials.

The “Associations Matter” study primarily relies on U.S. government statistics and tax-exempt returns (Form 990s) to measure the economic and social benefits derived from association activities.

2012 Begins With Flurry of Association Staff Changes

This year has been a busy one so far for association staffing and executive-level changes, with several appointments being announced.

National Association of Convenience Stores appointed Molly Hoyt its meetings coordinator. Prior to joining NACS, Hoyt worked at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, where she served as a meetings concierge and eventually assistant banquet manager, supervising all banquet functions at the hotel.  

HSMAI Extends Its MEET Format to All 2012 Events

The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International has decided to extend its MEET brand to all of its 2012 events and will kick the series off with HSMAI’s MEET Mid-America April 3-4 at Navy Pier in Chicago.

The keynote speaker for the event also was announced - body language expert Janine Driver.

HSMAI’s MEET Mid-America brings a new name and offerings to attendees:

PMMI's Pack Expo Has 1 million-plus Square Foot Showfloor, 1,300 Exhibitors for October Event

Trade association Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute has scored more than 1 million square feet of exhibit space and 1,300 exhibitors and their event still is nine months away.

The biannual event for the packaging industry also is expecting 46,000 attendees to the show when its doors open Oct. 28-31 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

“Reaching this milestone this far out from the show makes a statement about the role PACK EXPO plays in the realm of processing and packaging,” said Charles D. Yuska, president & CEO of show owner/producer PMMI.

UFI CEO Forum Draws 70 Leaders to Istanbul

With temperatures hovering near zero degrees and heavy snow blanketing the area, 70 exhibition industry CEO leaders braved the elements to attend the UFI CEO Forum Feb. 1-3 in Istanbul.

UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry held the three-day event at the host venue IFM – Istanbul Expo Center.

“This was my first UCF, and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed it,” said Haluk Kanca, general manager of IFM.

New Board/Executive Placements at PCMA, HSMAI:IAEE Exhibitions Director Moves On

Three different associations – the Professional Convention Management Association, the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International and the International Association of Exhibitions and Events – recently board and staffing changes.

PCMA Board of Directors has elected Martin D. Balogh, director of meetings and travel for the American Bar Association, to fill the one-year Board seat vacancy for 2012. The seat was vacated by Chris Wehking, who began his term as secretary-treasurer of the PCMA board of directors Jan. 12.  

IAEE Launches First Job Analysis of the Practice of Exhibition Management

The International Association of Exhibitions and Eventswill launch the first-ever job analysis of the practice of exhibition management.

The initial survey invitation has been sent to 10,640 individuals, according to IAEE officials. To take the survey, click HERE.



The goal of the IAEE job analysis is to create the exhibitions and events industry's first definition of core competencies in the exhibition management field.

National Restaurant Show, NAB Show Announce Keynote Speakers

Two big shows just named power keynotes: President Bill Clinton, founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation, will address attendees at the 2012 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, and the National Association of Broadcasters has chosen Marina Gorbis, executive director of the Institute for the Future, to address NAB Show attendees.

PCMA Preview: Learning Lounges, Virtual Events Sessions, Innovative Keynotes on Tap at PCMA Annual Meeting

When the Professional Convention Management Association’s annual meeting kicks off Jan. 8-11 at the San Diego Convention Center, there’s plenty in store – from The Learning Lounge to the collocated Virtual Edge Summit to innovative keynotes, educations sessions and networking opportunities.

This year, Velvet Chainsaw Consulting is working with PCMA once again to organize part of the 2012 Convening Leaders Learning Lounge.

Partner Voices
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