The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) has announced several program highlights for its upcoming annual meeting, taking place Jan. 11-14 in New Orleans. Themed around the concept of "Convening Leaders," the meeting is expected to attract more than 3,000 meetings industry leaders for four days of learning and networking.
"The PCMA Annual Meeting has long been viewed as the place to be for the industry's best education and to connect with high-level decision-makers," PCMA President and CEO Deborah Sexton said in a statement. "With even more opportunities for attendees to learn and gain solutions to the challenges 2009 will pose, the 53rd PCMA Annual Meeting is poised to exceed all expectations."
Keynote speakers at the PCMA Annual Meeting will include political insider David Brooks, who will offer insights about President-Elect Barack Obama's new administration; Wharton Professor Jeremy Siegel, who'll discuss the economy; and former United Nations Ambassador Stephen Lewis, who'll deliver a presentation on the theme of "Uncommon Leadership."
Other event highlights, according to PCMA, will include a high-level executive education program on Jan. 10 and 11, led by Harvard Business School's Deepak Malhotra; interactive learning modules called "PCMA Experientials," which will integrate and take place at New Orleans landmarks; community service projects, which are part of New Orleans' "Hospitality Helping Hands" program; the PCMA Wellness Center, where attendees with health-related New Years resolutions will be able to get 30-minute health screenings; PCMA's "Bite Size Learning Lounge," where attendees can enjoy miniature educational demonstrations; and ample networking opportunities, including a new "PCMA Game Day Tailgate" networking event on Jan. 11 during the NFL's televised divisional playoffs.
For more information on the PCMA Annual Meeting, including a complete line-up of speakers and sessions, visit
www.pcma2009.org.