PCMA Unveils 2023 Class of Emerging Leaders for ‘20 in Their Twenties’ Program

November 18, 2022

The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) is ushering in the next generation of global business event professionals with the selection of 20 people for its annual “20 in Their Twenties” program. The class of 2023 represents business event strategists, suppliers and destinations from the North America and EMEA regions.

Supported by the PCMA Foundation and Experience Columbus, the class of 2023 will be honored at PCMA Convening Leaders 2023, set for Jan. 8-11 in Columbus, Ohio.

“These 20 leaders represent the future of the global business event industry, as they are making a significant impact for their organizations and helping to advance the profession overall,” said Meredith Rollins, PCMA’s chief community officer and executive director of the PCMA Foundation. “We are fortunate to have a committed task force comprised of members, including class alumni, to review, discuss and ultimately select this next generation of industry leaders.”

The PCMA “20 in Their Twenties” class of 2023 includes:

Nikki Bibbero
Founder, Event Manager
Bibbero Meetings and Events


Laura Caprioli
Acting Business Events Manager
VisitBritain/VisitEngland


Sarah Chen
Convention Marketing Manager
Visit Anaheim


Malcolm Farrell-Mitchell
Senior Business Development Manager – UK & Europe
Business Events Perth


Kate Fries
Meeting Manager and Business Development Manager
Bostrom


Nikki Gonzales
Chief of Staff
Soundings


Sibley Guilianelli, CSEP, CIS
Registration Manager, Customer Experience & Insights
Creative Group, Inc.


Tomell Harbison
Meeting & Event Coordinator
Talley Management Group


Eimear Hone
Senior Association Account Manager
ICC Belfast


Anna Lommatzsch, CMP, DES
Event Manager
Informa Markets, Global Licensing Group


Siena Manoogian, MBA
Annual Meetings Coordinator
American Urological Association


Mary Kate McBurney, MBA
Conference Manager
Meeting Expectations


Ashley Montoya
Chief Staff Executive & Membership Manager
Civica Associations Conferences & Exhibitions


Kadejah Omokaro, MBA, DES
Manager of Conferences and Events
National Head Start Association


Mara Rodas
Sales Coordinator, Global Sales & Service
Destination Toronto


Cole Sales
Marketing Manager
eShipping


Taylor Savage
Regional Director
Experience Columbus


Jenna Sopko
Manager, Business Meetings and Events
National Association of REALTORS


Heather VanderVoet
Event Coordinator
Hamilton Convention Centre by Carmen’s


Diana Zarate, MA
Client Relationship Manager
Shocklogic


The class of 2023 receives a variety of benefits, including a scholarship to participate in Convening Leaders 2023, complimentary registration for PCMA EduCon 2023 in Montreal, one-year complimentary PCMA membership and a feature story in PCMA’s Convene magazine.

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact