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PCMA Convene Podcast
‘Creating a collective event where people feel part of something bigger than themselves.’
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Links:
· The Rise of the Experience Economy
Get News Junkie: https://www.pcma.org/campaign/news-junkie/
Meet the Convene Editors:
· Michelle Russell, Editor in Chief
Michelle has been Convene's editor in chief for more than two decades. Early in her career, she was a nonfiction books editor at Random House and has also worked as a writer for several startups. She most enjoys spending time with her family.
· Barbara Palmer, Deputy Editor
Barbara’s wide-ranging, award-winning work as a journalist includes stints as a science reporter at The Daily Oklahoman; publications director at the global nonprofit World Neighbors; and as the arts and humanities editor at the Stanford University News Service.
· Jennifer Dienst, Senior Editor
Before joining the team in 2020, Jen spent more than a decade contributing to titles in the travel, hospitality, and lifestyle space. She has also had brief interludes in public relations and sales. If not writing, she is probably planning her next trip.
· Casey Gale, Managing Editor
Based in her New Jersey home office, Casey Gale enjoys writing DEI and news pieces as they relate to the meetings and events industry. She spends her downtime reading and playing with her two fluffy office mates — her cats, Hildy and Walter.
· Curt Wagner, Digital Editor
Before joining PCMA Curt Wagner spent 22 years at the Chicago Tribune in various positions, including as a national/foreign copy editor, news designer, and as entertainment editor and TV writer for RedEye newspaper.
· Magdalina Atanassova, Digital Media Editor
Magdalina Atanassova is an award-winning and certified sustainable event prof, resourceful strategist, and amateur artist. Her core trait is her love of learning.
Follow Convene:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene
Instagram: instagram.com/pcmaconvene
Contact Information: For anything podcast-related, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.
Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
More episodes
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Convene Article: Budget Pressures and Big Expectations: Insights From the Meetings Market Survey
35:24|This episode has been kindly sponsored by Visit Phoenix. To learn more about them and the intriguing tagline "The desert made us do it", go to visitphoenix.com/meetings.With another post-pandemic year under their belts, business event organizer respondents to this year’s Meetings Market Survey seemed to be on steadier ground — dealing with less uncertainty but still struggling with pressing challenges largely outside of their control. Their survey responses reflect an acceptance of difficult market conditions, cautious optimism about the future, and above all, a sense of resilience.Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief at Convene. Followed by a discussion with Michelle on what stood out from the Meetings Market Survey.Read the Article:Resignation and ResilienceAdditional Links:Convene Series: Exploring APAC’s Event Evolution with Florence Chua: Unbound, AI Innovation, and Sustainable ConnectionsAdvice for Planners: ‘You Don’t Have to Fear Negotiation’Episode TranscriptFollow Convene:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramXSubscribe to our newsletters: pcma.org/subscribe-to-pcma-emailsContact Information: For anything podcast-related, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000+ qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
Convene Talk on Amal Clooney at Convening Leaders 2025: Championing Change and Fighting Injustice
14:01|This episode has been kindly sponsored by Visit Phoenix. To learn more about them and the intriguing tagline "The desert made us do it", go to visitphoenix.com/meetings.Links:· Amal Clooney at Convening Leaders 2025· Clooney Foundation for Justice Get News Junkie: https://www.pcma.org/campaign/news-junkie/ Episode Transcript Meet the Convene Editors: · Michelle Russell, Editor in Chief· Barbara Palmer, Deputy Editor· Jennifer N. Dienst, Senior Editor· Casey Gale, Managing Editor· Curt Wagner, Digital Editor· Magdalina Atanassova, Digital Media Editor Follow Convene:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramX Contact Information: For anything podcast-related, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org. Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
3. Convene Series: Insights from PCMA edUcon 2024 on Engagement, Innovation, and Next-Gen Leadership
54:50||Season 5, Ep. 3In this episode, Carolyn Ray and Kristi Casey share some of the innovative strategies behind PCMA edUcon 2024. From hands-on workshops and creative keynote formats to the choice of session topics, learn how the PCMA team's approaches are reshaping event education and empowering professionals to elevate their skills and leadership potential.This season has been kindly sponsored by Madrid Convention Bureau. Learn more about how to make your next meeting Madrileño at esmadrid.com/mcb.Guest Information:Carolyn RayCarolyn Ray currently serves as Learning Program Manager at PCMA. Passionate about supporting the next generation of event professionals, Carolyn has played an integral role in event education as Education Director at the Event Leadership Institute and continues to provide mentorship as an instructor of Special Event Operations at Centennial College. Kristi CaseyPCMA Education Strategist Kristi Casey creates engaging and immersive educational experiences. In addition to her work in the events industry, she's a creative alchemist, working in multiple art and performance mediums. For more info, visit trulykristi.com.Episode TranscriptFollow Convene:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramXSubscribe to our newsletters: pcma.org/subscribe-to-pcma-emailsContact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
Convene Article: CL25 Speaker Kishore Mahbubani on the Coming Asian Century
07:31|At Convening Leaders 2025, five Main Stage speakers will encourage the audience to expand their own thinking. Convene spoke with Kishore Mahbubani, former UN Security Council President and authority on geopolitical shifts, about using business events as platforms for global understanding and collaboration.Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene.Read the Article: CL25 Speaker Kishore Mahbubani on the Coming Asian CenturyFollow Convene:Website LinkedIn Instagram X Subscribe to our newsletters: pcma.org/subscribe-to-pcma-emails Contact Information: For anything podcast-related, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000+ qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
Convene Talk on Scott Galloway’s Predictions for 2025: AI, Sustainability, and the Future of Events
25:43|This episode has been kindly sponsored by Visit Phoenix. To learn more about them and the intriguing tagline "The desert made us do it", go to visitphoenix.com/meetings.Links:· Scott Galloway at Convening Leaders 2025· How the US Is Destroying Young People’s Future | Scott Galloway | TED· CL25 Main Stage Speaker Scott Galloway on What’s Ahead for 2025· Trump’s climate threats rattle world’s biggest science meeting· Convene Talk on Navigating Controversial Speakers Get News Junkie: https://www.pcma.org/campaign/news-junkie/ Episode Transcript Meet the Convene Editors: · Michelle Russell, Editor in Chief· Barbara Palmer, Deputy Editor· Jennifer N. Dienst, Senior Editor· Casey Gale, Managing Editor· Curt Wagner, Digital Editor· Magdalina Atanassova, Digital Media Editor Follow Convene:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramX Contact Information: For anything podcast-related, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org. Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
Convene Talk on Navigating Global Shifts: Kishore Mahbubani on East-West Relations, Leadership, and Opportunities for Change at CL25
17:14|Links:· Kishore Mahbubani at Convening Leaders 2025· China Books Review: Kishore Mahbubani on “Living the Asian Century: An Undiplomatic Memoir”· Exploring APAC’s Event Evolution with Florence Chua: Unbound, AI Innovation, and Sustainable Connections· How Events Can Drive Climate Action: Paul Dickinson on Sustainable Change, Carbon Offsets, and Convening for Climate· Liz Cheney at Convening Leaders 2025 Get News Junkie: https://www.pcma.org/campaign/news-junkie/ Episode Transcript Meet the Convene Editors: · Michelle Russell, Editor in Chief· Barbara Palmer, Deputy Editor· Jennifer N. Dienst, Senior Editor· Casey Gale, Managing Editor· Curt Wagner, Digital Editor· Magdalina Atanassova, Digital Media Editor Follow Convene:Website LinkedIn Instagram X Contact Information: For anything podcast-related, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org. Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
2. Convene Series: Driving Event Innovation in Latin America with Lucio Vaquero: PCMA Labs, Mentorship, and Convening LATAM 2025
34:29||Season 5, Ep. 2In this episode, we dive into PCMA Labs with Lucio Vaquero, exploring how these innovative workshops empower event professionals with hands-on learning. We discuss the importance of mentorship programs for addressing talent gaps and highlight Convening LATAM 2025 set to transform the region.This season has been kindly sponsored by Madrid Convention Bureau. Learn more about how to make your next meeting Madrileño at esmadrid.com/mcb.Guest Information:Lucio VaqueroWith over 20 years of experience in the events industry, Lucio Vaquero stands out as an innovative leader and strategist. Since August 2021, he has served as the Regional Director for Latin America at PCMA, where he has significantly driven the growth, development, and strengthening of the organization in the region.Convening LATAM 2025Episode TranscriptFollow Convene:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramXSubscribe to our newsletters: pcma.org/subscribe-to-pcma-emailsContact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
Convene Article: Architects of Connection (Part 3)
12:12|How software company Avalara turned networking on its head and delivered business and bonding at its FUSE partner conference.Part three of Convene's September-October cover and CMP series, written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene.Read the Article: Architects of ConnectionDesigning ‘A Beautiful Nesting Ground’ for Deeper RelationshipsEvent Attendees ‘Don’t Want to Waste Their Time Anymore’Follow Convene:Website LinkedIn Instagram X Subscribe to our newsletters: pcma.org/subscribe-to-pcma-emails Contact Information: For anything podcast-related, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000+ qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
Convene Talk on Daring Leadership and Authentic Connection: A Preview of Brené Brown at Convening Leaders 2025
15:48|Links:· Brené Brown at Convening Leaders 2025· The power of vulnerability | Brené Brown | TED· Maximizing Impact with Michael Bungay Stanier: How Event Planners Can Lead with Curiosity and Coaching· Brené with Michael Bungay Stanier on Dare to Lead Podcast Get News Junkie: https://www.pcma.org/campaign/news-junkie/ Episode Transcript Meet the Convene Editors: · Michelle Russell, Editor in Chief· Barbara Palmer, Deputy Editor· Jennifer N. Dienst, Senior Editor· Casey Gale, Managing Editor· Curt Wagner, Digital Editor· Magdalina Atanassova, Digital Media Editor Follow Convene:Website LinkedIn Instagram X Contact Information: For anything podcast-related, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org. Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra