If you are working in the events industry, you may be wondering if you should join the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA).
On this page we will provide a full review of the PCMA where we will cover:
- What is the PCMA?
- What do they do?
- What are the benefits?
- How can you get the most from your membership
What is the PCMA?
The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), 501(c)3 organization, is a global community of business events strategists dedicated to promoting professional convention management through education, networking, and digital event programs.
Founded in 1956, PCMA has grown to become the world’s largest network of Business Events Strategists, including speakers bureaus, with more than 7,000 members and an audience of over 50,000. Headquartered in Chicago, PCMA has 17 North American Chapters, regional communities in APAC, EMEA, and LATAM, and members in 59 countries.
PCMA’s mission is to drive social and economic progress through business events. The organization believes that, due to the professional experiences and personal connections of its members, it is uniquely positioned to transform the world economically and socially. PCMA educates, inspires, and listens, creating meaningful experiences where passion, purpose, and commerce come together.
PCMA is governed by an elected board of directors, and its Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization. The organization provides senior-level education, networking, and market intelligence for the global business events industry. PCMA has partners and collaborators that include organizations in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, with activities spanning 37 countries.
What does the PCMA do?
The PCMA’s mission is threefold: to increase its impact on a worldwide audience by focusing on audience needs, lead the industry through innovation, education, events, and engagement, and develop a sustainable structure to grow membership, audience, and revenue.
Further Your Career
PCMA provides four key areas where events industry professionals can further their careers. Convene, PCMA’s website, print magazine, and podcast, shares the latest trends and news in the events industry. The Event Leadership Institute offers progressive online education, training, and professional development programs for event and meeting industry professionals.
In addition to these offerings, PCMA provides a range of services for its members, including curricular standardization for convention management, career development support, training programs, advocacy initiatives, and resources and networking opportunities. Given its size and influence, PCMA is one of the most important organizations for current and aspiring convention industry workers, including those in various hospitality professions.
Furthering the Events Industry
PCMA is committed to teaching the world about business events and leading the design, knowledge, and information universe. The organization aims to be a platform where knowledge is shared with members through extraordinary experiences and multi-channel engagement.
PCMA prioritizes its members’ needs by listening, responding, and showcasing their journeys as business events professionals. The organization fosters conversations via events and social media to promote collaboration and innovation, demonstrating the value of membership by providing access to unique, specialized opportunities targeting professional growth.
Social Change
PCMA also underscores its commitment to positive change by taking a stand on social issues such as human trafficking and promoting inclusion and diversity through its Ascent platform, encouraging other industry leaders to join the Ascent CEO Promise.
Four Divisions
PCMA has four divisions: the PCMA Foundation, which supports the industry through education, research, and charitable giving; Convene, a multi-award-winning print magazine; the Corporate Event Marketing Association (CEMA), a subsidiary of PCMA and an eminent community for senior event executives, association peers, and industry partners; and the Digital Experience Institute, the authority on livestreaming, digital events, and hybrid meeting strategy and production, which supports the Digital Event Strategist certification.
Four Events
PCMA produces four types of events: Convening Leaders business events, Digital Events, Education conference business events, and Destination Showcase, all of which provide educational and networking opportunities for PCMA members and others in the business events industry while promoting the value of business events.
Destination Showcase: This program provides educational and networking opportunities for PCMA members and others in the business event industry. The event promotes the value of business events with top rated business speakers.
Benefits of Joining the PCMA
Joining the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) offers numerous benefits for professionals in the business events industry. As a member, you gain access to premium executive-level education, face-to-face networking opportunities, and valuable business intelligence.
By becoming a part of PCMA’s community, you connect with a well-established organization and a network of individuals who can help you become the best business events strategist and global citizen you can be.
Industry Trends
One of the key advantages of PCMA membership is staying ahead of industry news and trends. PCMA is known for setting trends and remaining at the forefront of business event innovation and evolution.
Members gain early access to innovative product launches, industry reports, and powerful alliances and partnerships with industry trailblazers. Additionally, members receive timely updates and a free subscription to Convene Magazine, keeping them informed and ahead of the curve.
Networking
Like the IASB, PCMA’s community is another significant benefit, providing members with opportunities to foster meaningful connections. From local chapters to robust online platforms like Catalyst, a members-only online forum and directory, PCMA facilitates networking and the exchange of industry insights.
Job Postings
Members also have access to free job postings, resume access, and early access to view job postings on the Career Center, as well as volunteer opportunities based on their interests and availability.
Events
Attending PCMA’s industry-leading events as a member offers the best return and experience for your investment. Members save hundreds of dollars through exclusive registration discounts for events such as Convening Leaders, EduCon, and Business Events Industry Week. Additionally, members have exclusive access to recorded sessions and speakers post-event, allowing them to stay inspired and continue learning.
Education
PCMA is committed to providing the most value in executive-level education. Members can tap into the PCMA ELI (Event Leadership Institute) content library, which includes 260 video modules and webinars.
They also receive a 20% discount on ELI’s 17 certificate courses and free access to PCMA’s Introduction to Digital Events. Furthermore, members are eligible for up to a $14,000 tuition discount to George Washington University’s Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management Graduate Program.
Testimonials
Testimonials from PCMA members highlight the value of joining the organization. Many have found PCMA to be an excellent way to expand their network, connect with industry colleagues, and grow professionally. The Circle for Exhibit Managers, for example, provides a close-knit group of industry peers who can offer advice and support. PCMA offers the opportunity to align with like-minded professionals, share resources, learn, network, and volunteer, all of which are critical components of professional growth and development.
For anyone in the business of hospitality, meetings, or events looking to expand their presence within the industry, becoming engaged with a PCMA chapter is a step in the right direction. Being a member and taking an active role within the chapter is incredibly worthwhile for professional growth. By volunteering and raising your hand to be put to work, you can maximize the benefits of your PCMA membership and accelerate your career in the business events industry.
Contact the PCMA
If you want to become a member or have questions about their education programs or events:
Membership: pcma.org/membership/join-pcma/
Facebook: facebook.com/PCMAHQ
Events: pcma.org/events/
Education: pcma.org/engage/learning-products/
Address: 35 E. Wacker Dr., Suite 500 Chicago, IL 60601 USA
Phone: 1 877-827-7262