Pcma And Cema Reveal Dynamic 2026 Global Leadership Slate

Published on August 30, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

PCMA and CEMA person revealed their powerful 2026 activity slate. The announcement confirms a divers operation of world executives who will guideline nan organisations into nan future. With leaders from North America, Europe, APAC, and LATAM, nan slate reflects nan worldwide power of PCMA and CEMA. This milestone signals a caller era for nan world business events industry.

A Record Nomination Year for PCMA

The 2026 slate comes aft a grounds 57 nominations, highlighting unprecedented engagement crossed nan PCMA community. Immediate Past Chair and Nominating Committee Chair Leonard Hoops, President & CEO of Visit Indy, praised nan extent of talent. He described this twelvemonth arsenic a milestone infinitesimal that reflects nan spot of nan organization and its assurance successful PCMA’s vision. The precocious calibre of nominees ensures nan Board remains equipped to thrust growth.

Global Representation successful Leadership

PCMA and CEMA’s 2026 activity slate highlights world scope and diversity. The projected nominees correspond regions crossed APAC, EMEA, LATAM, and North America. For nan first time, a next-generation leader besides features prominently, underscoring PCMA’s committedness to early leadership. Sherrif Karamat, President & CEO of PCMA and CEMA, said nan passion and committedness of members worldwide shaped this outcome. The organisation sees nan caller slate arsenic basal to advancing its ngo globally.

Executive Officers Announced for 2026

The caller Executive Officer squad for PCMA successful 2026 will include:

• Chair: Kelly Ricker, COO, Global Technology Industry Association
• Chair-Elect: Robin Preston, CEM, DES, Managing Director, Events, The American Institute of Architects
• Immediate Past Chair: Neil Brownlee, Head of Business Events, VisitScotland

Upon rank approval, Panos Tzivanidis, Director of Corporate Events and Services astatine nan International Olympic Committee, will service arsenic Secretary-Treasurer. Their mixed expertise reflects nan breadth of industries now shaping PCMA’s future.

CEMA Advisory Board Gains New Leadership

The CEMA Advisory Board will invited caller activity successful 2026. Bridgette Birdie, Senior Director, Global Events and Outreach astatine Moody’s, will service arsenic Chair. Her assignment marks a strategical measurement successful strengthening CEMA’s domiciled successful advancing experiential trading and firm events. With CEMA’s increasing world influence, Birdie’s activity adds caller power to nan advisory structure.

Directors and Trustees Begin New Terms

Upon personnel approval, respective leaders will service a two-year word from 2026 to 2027. These see Michael Barnett, CEO of InGo; John Hawley, Executive Director, Hilton Worldwide Sales; Elizabeth Tovar, President of Turenlaces; and Lindsay Williams, Senior Manager, GES. Their divers skills screen arena technology, sales, world tourism, and experiential services. This equilibrium ensures nan Board captures aggregate perspectives crossed business events.

Returning Leaders Continue Service

PCMA’s spot besides lies successful continuity. Several knowledgeable leaders will service their 2nd two-year position from 2026 to 2027. Among them are Deborah Caldwell of Bank of America, Patrick Espinoza of Caesars Entertainment, and Clifford “Rip” Rippetoe of nan San Diego Convention Center. Their return secures consistency and proven activity successful advancing PCMA’s world initiatives.

Final-Year Leaders Conclude Their Service

The 2025–2026 word leaders are entering their last year. This group includes Gregg Caren of Philadelphia CVB, Dr. Amanda Cecil of Indiana University, Ari Goldsmith of KeHE Distributors, and Dr. Edward Koh of nan Singapore Tourism Board. Others see Ori Lahav of Kenes Group, Brian Landers of ConferenceDirect, Walt Leger III of New Orleans & Company, Stephen Rose of Siemens AG, and Heather Seasholtz of CM Event Solutions. Their continued work ensures stableness done transition.

Sherrif Karamat’s Continued Role

As President & CEO of PCMA and CEMA, Sherrif Karamat will stay an progressive Director and Trustee. His imagination continues to unify some organisations nether 1 activity umbrella. Karamat emphasised that nan enthusiasm and passion seen successful this year’s nominations underline nan world community’s belief successful PCMA’s mission. His activity remains a cornerstone of continuity.

Confirmation Timeline and Next Steps

The slate will beryllium confirmed by PCMA members astatine nan adjacent of business connected 1 October 2025 astatine 1700 hours Chicago time. Once approved, nan board and trustees will officially return agency aft PCMA’s Convening Leaders yearly meeting. This flagship arena will return spot from 11–14 January 2026 astatine nan Pennsylvania Convention Center successful Philadelphia. The timing ensures a seamless handover and an energised commencement to nan caller term.

Why This Slate Matters for Global Business Events

This slate is not conscionable astir names. It represents nan early of world business events and nan activity needed to guideline transformation. With a grounds number of nominations and unmatched world representation, nan 2026 slate stands arsenic a testament to PCMA and CEMA’s relevance. The Board will steer innovation, education, and manufacture maturation while keeping inclusivity and diverseness astatine nan forefront. For nan world meetings and events sector, this activity slate promises a move adjacent chapter.