PCMA Acquires Corporate Event Marketing Association

December 9, 2020

PCMA has acquired the Corporate Event Marketing Association, the premier community for event marketers, as a new, wholly-owned division.  

The deal between the two organizations was signed after CEMA members voted overwhelmingly in favor of the acquisition. According to PCMA officials, the move will propel both organizations into an exciting new chapter as businesses and organizations adjust to the evolving role of business events in an omnichannel world.

“CEMA has been a leader in the event marketing space for more than three decades,” said Sherrif Karamat, PCMA president and CEO. “As part of our ongoing commitment to delivering value to our members, so that they can emerge out of the pandemic prepared for a new reality, we continue to look for ways our industry can bring more creativity, content and learning from professionals in adjacent fields.

The merger comes one month prior to PCMA’s Convening Leaders, one of the industry’s most influential association-based events. The 2021 conference, coming Jan. 11-15, 2021, will be an omnichannel production, utilizing live, semi-live and recorded sessions. 

Thanks to this solidified partnership, both CEMA and PCMA members will soon be able to expect new professional development and networking programs, expertise and research, membership growth and long-term stability and organizational expansion. Both organizations will cross-pollinate peer-to-peer learning and idea exchange forums, as well as share educational and experiential learning content.

“We are now in an optimal position to pursue strategic growth and regional expansion, and create even better engagement and experiences for the membership of both associations,” Karen Cooper, CEMA chairwoman of the board.

PCMA’s Board Chairman Stuart Ruff-Lyon says as COVID-19 restructured nearly every industry and organization around the world, PCMA and CEMA are focused their attention and effort on delivering high-value, recovery-focused resources for their members. 

“Now, as the world moves forward into recovery, our partnership has evolved into a stronger offering to members of both organizations and the industry, as one,” Ruff-Lyon said.

Based in Sacramento, California, CEMA was founded more than 30 years ago with a vision to provide event marketers with the creative direction needed to drive innovation and growth for the world’s leading organizations. The association now has more than 800 members, with participation from leading global brands including Cisco, Salesforce and Oracle.

“We are thrilled to be joining the PCMA family and excited at the prospect of expanding and enhancing professional development, networking and growth opportunities for CEMA members,” said Kimberley Gishler, CEMA president and CEO. 

 

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!

Add new comment

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.