10 Great Things to Look for at PCMA
January 6, 2017
PCMA Convening Leaders is set to kick off Jan. 8-11 at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas, and that means it’s time to start planning your itinerary as you gear up to join several thousand of your peers in the Live Music Capitol of the World. If you’ve attended the conference in the past, you know what to expect: three jam-packed days of mind-expanding education, a host of inspiring general sessions, plentiful networking opportunities, and fun events in and around the host venue and city.
To make the most of your Convening Leaders experience this year, here are a few things you won’t want to miss, both at the event and in one of the country’s coolest and hippest cities.
1. Education, Education, Education: With topics ranging from expo trends, event experience design and business event operations, to work/life integration, social media trends and leadership, there will be no lack of cutting-edge sessions to help boost your knowledge base. Learn how event producers pull off one of Austin’s most legendary multi-media events at “SXSW – the Makings of an Iconic Event,” on Monday at 3 p.m.
2. General Sessions: Convening Leaders is known for its inspirational roster of speakers, and this year will be no exception. Find out what value and trust mean in the digital age from author and academic Rachel Botsman; learn how “The Third Industrial Revolution” could help us meet our world’s future challenges from Economist and European Union advisor, Jeremy Rifkin, and feel more empowered to tackle personal and professional hurdles after hearing how CEO Isaac Lidsky beat seemingly insurmountable odds to achieve personal success.
3. Austin Destination Tour: This hop-on-and-off-style tour will introduce you to the city’s history and one-of-a-kind culture while showing you iconic points of interest, attractions and local hangouts. You’ll also have a chance to discover Austin’s six entertainment districts and familiarize yourself with each of their hotels and venues.
4. Braindates: This unique and innovative platform enables you to set up one-on-one meetings with other like-minded attendees so you can connect, share insights and expertise, and enjoy a more meaningful, structured networking experience. Make sure to sign up in advance online!
5. Tech Central: This is your one-stop shop for all things event technology related. Experience hands-on tutorials at the Tech Bar and TechClinics; experience mind-blowing, immersive AR/VR, and become a social media strategy guru at the Social Media Hubs. You can even try your hand at Drone Racing!
6. Texas State Capitol: If you happen to have a free hour or two, make sure to check out the magnificent Capitol Building in downtown Austin, the largest capitol building in the U.S. (because yes, everything is bigger in Texas!). Take a free, 30-minute guided tour where you’ll learn a little national, state and local history, then stroll through the surrounding 22-acre grounds featuring 17 monuments, stunning historical buildings and beautiful landscaping.
7. Food Trucks: Known for its “food trailer” craze, Austin is home to more than 1,000 mobile food vendors serving up a vast variety of delicious, unpretentious and palate-pleasing culinary options year-round, from authentic Texas barbecue and tacos, to cupcakes and scrumptious vegan fare. Check out 20 of the top-rated food trucks HERE.
8. Learning Labs: From the Design Lab that highlights new concepts in design thinking, to the dynamic Content Development Lab providing the latest best practices for curating program education and engaging content, self-paced Learning Labs are engaging, interactive and creatively inspiring. And don’t forget to visit the Wellness Lab for brief, practical sessions on mind and body self-care, nutrition and stress management.
9. Bullock Texas State History Museum: This larger-than-life museum is a must-see for visitors interested in learning about the Lone Star State. Overflowing with fascinating, interactive galleries, this enormous treasury features more than 500 artifacts and the largest IMEX theater in Austin. Click HERE for more information.
10. Networking Parties: Between the music festival-themed “Austin Live 365!” opening celebration; the Party With a Purpose charity bash at Austin City Limits Live; Austin Live! After Hours parties and the AustiNite closing night reception, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to mix business with a little carefree fun. Cowboy boots optional!
Can’t attend Convening Leaders this year? PCMA has you covered with their streaming live hybrid event that includes a robust schedule of education and three general sessions. Go HERE to register. Click HERE to check out the full schedule.
Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here.
New Wave Experiences
Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024.
Enhanced Technology
Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space.
Refreshing New Design & Fine Art
The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights.
Sustainable Spectacles
Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles.
The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.
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