Shows
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Talk: Did the Pandemic Age Our Brains? What It Means for Events, Well-Being, and ConnectionA new study reveals that our brains may have aged nearly six months during the pandemic—regardless of whether we had COVID-19. In this Convene Talk episode, the team explores what that means for our industry, how meetings support brain health, and why live experiences are more essential than ever. Links:· Pandemic aged our brains – even those who never caught Covid, study finds: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/covid-health-brain-health-impact-b2793636.html· An Events Industry Leader’s Strategies for Managing Stress: https://www.pcma.org/events-industry-leader-strategies-managing-stress/· Pandemic Pastimes: How Hobbies Help Us Deal w...2025-08-0817 min
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Talk: The Big Beautiful Bill: What the U.S. Policy Shift Means for the Events IndustryIn this episode of the Convene podcast, the editorial team breaks down the bill’s potential impact on the U.S. events industry — from wins like expanded Pell Grant access and airport modernization, to major concerns over Brand USA’s 80% funding cut. Tune in as we unpack the ripple effects on international attendance, workforce development, global competitiveness, and more. Links:· The $80 Million Mistake: How America Just Defunded Its Own Influence: https://www.gatheringpoint.news/p/the-80-million-mistake-how-america?r=l1yon· David Adler’s comment on LI: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/david-adler_the-80...2025-08-0123 min
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Talk: BookCon’s Comeback and the Rise of Offline Book CommunitiesIn this episode, the Convene team explores why the beloved book convention is making a comeback, what it says about shifting cultural habits, and how in-person literary gatherings are reemerging as powerful community hubs. Plus, ideas for how event organizers can take inspiration from this trend to better engage younger audiences. Links:· BookCon Will Return in 2026: https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/trade-shows-events/article/98044-bookcon-will-return-in-2026.html· Designing an Intimate Conference for 10,000: https://www.pcma.org/designing-intimate-conference-10000/· The New Era of Gathering: Embracing ‘Generous Authority’: https://www.pcma.org/priya-parker-new-era...2025-07-2519 min
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Talk: How Extreme Weather Is Disrupting Events — And What Planners Can Do About ItIn this episode, the Convene team explores new research on the rising number of weather-related disruptions — from storms and heatwaves to wildfires — and the mounting financial and operational risks for event organizers. The conversation offers insights into how planners can strengthen resilience, advocate for data-informed decisions, and turn challenges into leadership opportunities. Links:· Mapping the impact of extreme weather on global events and mass gatherings: Trends and adaptive strategies: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212420925004522· When the Show Goes On: Planning Events After a Natural Disaster: https://www.pcma.org/extreme-wea...2025-07-1816 min
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Talk: Why Airports and Airlines Deserve a Bigger Role in Business EventsAirports aren’t just gateways—they can be game changers for event professionals. In this Convene Talk we explore how planners are underutilizing airports and airlines in the event experience. From welcome moments and in-airport meetings to lounge perks and missed group sales opportunities, the team shares practical ideas and examples that will have you rethinking how to partner with the travel infrastructure you (and your attendees) already use. Links:· New study reveals the top 10 airports for business travel: https://www.traveldailynews.com/statistics-trends/the-top-10-airports-for-business-travel-revealed-by-new-study/· How to Design for Return on Emotion: htt...2025-07-1124 min
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Talk: Time-Smart, Not Time-Stressed: Productivity Habits That Actually Work for Event ProfessionalsIs your to-do list running your day? In this episode of the Convene Podcast, the team unpacks the top time-management strategies from expert Max Ohlenschlager—plus their own tried-and-true hacks. Learn how to reframe tasks, avoid burnout, and build focus through mindful planning, buffer zones, and yes—even breaking up with the Pomodoro method. Links:· 8 Ways to Organize Your Workday: https://www.pcma.org/8-ways-organize-workday/· Time Anxiety: The Illusion of Urgency and a Better Way to Live: https://www.amazon.com/Time-Anxiety-Illusion-Urgency-Better/dp/0593799550· A New Event Embraces Neurodivergence: https://www.pcma.org/neurodi...2025-06-2731 min
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Talk: How to Cope With Cognitive Overload in Uncertain Times: Productivity and Mental Clarity for Event ProsIn this Convene Talk episode, we unpack how the “hidden tax” of cognitive ambiguity is eroding leadership clarity — and what to do about it. From time-blocking your stress to reframing internal narratives, the team explores practical, research-backed strategies to help meeting professionals stay focused, calm, and present — even amid global disruptions and information overload. Links:· How to Stop Worrying About Tariffs (and Everything Else): https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-stop-worrying-tariffs-everything-else-juliet-funt-ra8pe/· Juliet Funt: https://www.julietfunt.com/· 3 Secrets of Resilient People: https://www.pcma.org/3-secrets-resilient-people-lucy-hone-tedx-talk/ Get News Junkie: https...2025-06-2013 min
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Talk: How Tariffs, Visa Delays, and Travel Uncertainty Are Reshaping the Events IndustryIn this Convene Talk episode, our editors unpack how new U.S. border policies, rising visa wait times, and shifting international perceptions are dampening event attendance and travel. Discover what planners are doing—and not doing—to address the growing uncertainty impacting global participation at major U.S. events. Links:· An Increasingly Bleak Travel Forecast for the U.S.: https://www.pcma.org/bleak-travel-forecast-us/· Understanding Your Rights at Customs: What to Do If You’re Detained: https://www.lawsb.com/understanding-your-rights-at-customs-what-to-do-if-youre-detained/· Arriving with Ease in the United States for IPW: https://www.ipw.c...2025-06-0635 min
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Talk: Does AI Boost Productivity or Kill Motivation? Exploring the Hidden Costs of Working with AIIs AI making us better—or just busier? In this episode of the Convene Podcast, we explore surprising research on how AI boosts productivity but drains motivation. From ethical use to emotional impact, the team shares insights for event professionals navigating AI in a rapidly changing landscape. Links:· Research: Gen AI Makes People More Productive—and Less Motivated: https://hbr.org/2025/05/research-gen-ai-makes-people-more-productive-and-less-motivated· The Science of Aha! Moments: Designing Events for Maximum Inspiration: https://www.pcma.org/science-of-aha-moments-designing-events-inspiration/· Can I Say That?: https://www.amazon.com/Can-Say-That-Poornima-Luthra/dp/1292737131/· How two major newspapers...2025-05-3029 min
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Talk: What’s New at edUcon 2025: Innovation, Inclusion, and Immersive Learning in Bourbon CityThis episode has been kindly sponsored by Louisville Tourism. Learn more at GoToLouisville.com/meeting-planners/.In this episode of Convene Talk, we unpack what’s ahead at PCMA’s edUcon 2025 — from deeper learning tracks to inclusive programming and immersive local experiences. Held in Louisville, aka Bourbon City, this year’s event focuses on three themes — Blend, Innovate, and Craft — with sessions designed to be more practical, relevant, and interactive. We spotlight keynotes like Imani Ellis and Denim Richards, explore the new AI-focused Spark sessions, and discuss how first-timer filters and experiential formats make this edUcon especially participant...2025-05-2312 min