Welcome! We are glad you have chosen to attend the 53rd PCMA Annual Meeting.

The PCMA Annual Meeting can be an overwhelming experience to someone who has never attended or will be the sole person attending from a company.  Don't miss these opportunities to help you get the most out of your experience.

Fast-Track Your Networking

SIGN UP FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING BUDDY PROGRAM
Pair off with someone who shares the same expectations and interests as you.  Get your networking started before you even arrive in New Orleans. This program requires pre-registration.

REGISTER FOR THE PCMA ANNUAL MEETING ORIENTATION
Following musical clues through the historic French Quarter, first-time attendees will enjoy a unique networking opportunity as you discover how to get the most from your PCMA experience. This program requires pre-registration.

UTILIZE PCMA CONNECT
Sign up and regularly use the official PCMA online networking community before, during and after the event.  Join forums, connect with attendees, and arrange meetings with whom you share common goals, expertise, or challenges. 

Give Back to the Community

HOSPITALITY HELPING HANDS
Step out of the convention center and into a New Orleans neighborhood to take part in a hands-on, community service project.  Choose between half and full day projects on Saturday and Sunday. This program requires pre-registration and additional fees apply.

PARTY WITH A PURPOSE AT THE HOUSE OF BLUES
This "can't miss" networking event has raised more than $1.6 million in charitable donations. Join your friends on Monday, January 12th from 9:00 p.m. – midnight for this fantastic event that will benefit Payton's Play It Forward Foundation, a New Orleans based non-profit started by New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton and his wife, Beth. It will also support the PCMA Education Foundation and the work of PCMA Network for the Needy®. Additional fees apply.

Can’t Miss Events

EVENING EVENTS
At the Opening Welcome Reception on Sunday enjoy the cultural riches, sensual indulgences and unparalleled service that define the New Orleans experience.  On Tuesday evening, indulge your senses, savor New Orleans’ rich cultural experience and celebrate everything that makes New Orleans one of the most unique, authentic and enthralling destinations. Join your colleagues for two unforgettable evenings of fabulous conversation, exquisite food and drink!

LUNCHEONS
Created with networking in mind, the luncheons are unparalleled this year.  Celebrate PCMA on Monday with unbelievable entertainment and an opportunity to recognize the people that make this organization great – you! On Tuesday, network with new and old friends at the 2010 Dallas kick-off luncheon and Wednesday enjoy New York Times columnist, David Brooks’ take on how the new U.S. administration will affect the meetings industry and beyond.

Take Advantage of the Education

The PCMA Annual Meeting has several different kinds of education in various formats:

PCMA MASTERS SERIES
The Masters Series delivers a high-level, thought-provoking perspective on important business and meetings industry challenges. Don’t miss these sessions led by world-renowned leaders from outside the industry.

SHARED INTEREST GROUPS
Shared Interest Groups will help you evaluate common problems and discuss best practices and possible solutions.

EXECUTIVE EDGE (invitation only)

PCMA has developed an all new, hands-on program led by Professor Deepak Malhotra of Harvard Business School and specifically geared towards leaders of the meetings and convention industry. Discover how to refine your negotiation skills, audit “gut instinct” reactions, and apply more effective strategies when the stakes are high and success is critical. For registration information, click here.

PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
Click here to see the full line up of CMP®, CEM, Chapter leader, faculty and student programming.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS
These sessions offer cutting edge information on the topics that matter most to you.  Choose from more than 80 sessions on negotiations, professional and business development, legal issues, international meetings, green initiatives and more.

Discover Tips and Trends

I-ZONE
Touch, feel and see the latest cutting-edge innovations and technologies within the meetings, events, exhibitions and hospitality industry. A very limited number of companies will demonstrate products that help you do your jobs better, easier, faster, and smarter.

RESEARCH LAB
Would you like some professional feedback on a research project that you’re working on or starting?  If so, stop by the Research Lab in the PCMA Pavilion where PCMA research staff is available for one-on-one consultations.  Curious about what cutting-edge research PCMA is undertaking? This is the place to see what’s next!

GLOBAL MEETINGS COMMUNITY
Are you looking to grow your network of meeting professionals who plan outside of the U.S.?  Looking for best practices and resources to help you conduct business overseas?  Drop by and learn some helpful tips and techniques about planning internationally.

GREEN MEETINGS COMMUNITY
Are you interested in greening your meeting? In this area, you can find the latest resources from experts in the field and share best practices with your peers.   Also, learn what PCMA is doing to continue to raise the bar for the meeting industry.

Other Questions?

If you have any further questions about the Annual Meeting, contact a Meetings & Events representative at 877.827.7262 (Toll Free), 312.423.7262 or events@pcma.org.