If you were wondering who the business events leaders of the future might be, look no further.
PCMA, the Professional Convention Management Association, has announced its ‘20 in their Twenties’ class of 2019, as the ‘brightest and most talented young professionals’ in the industry.
Although the list is overwhelmingly dominated by North Americans (PCMA is based in Chicago), planners from Italy, Bulgaria and the UK also feature - and from boutique to international organisations.
Meredith Rollins, executive director of the PCMA Education Foundation, said: “This passionate group inspires me every year as they represent the future of the business events industry.
“I have no doubt this class of bright, skilled professionals will achieve success and PCMA is proud to assist them at every stage of their career.”
The 2019 class, supported by the PCMA Education Foundation and Experience Columbus, will be honoured at the PCMA Convening Leaders conference taking place from 6-9 January 2019 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Each of the ‘20 in their Twenties’ class members is selected by a committee comprised of veteran industry professionals and ‘20 in their Twenties’ alumni. Applicants were required to be full-time employees in the business events industry and no older than 29 on 9 January 2019. They must have provided examples of industry leadership, a video statement and professional references.
All of those recognised will receive a scholarship to attend Convening Leaders, PCMA’s annual signature event. Individuals will also receive complimentary registration for the 2019 PCMA Education Conference in June in Los Angeles, PCMA membership and educational products.
PCMA’s ‘20 in their Twenties’ class for 2019:
Edward Bagsic
Manager, Conventions VIP Events and Budgets, National Business Aviation Association, USA.
Raul Cavazos-Binder
Account Executive, Development Counsellors International (DCI), USA
Jared Chambers
Strategic Account Manager, Experient, a Maritz Global Events Company, USA
Emily Dietrich
Manager, Business Events, Niagara Parks Commission, Canada
Molly Holt
Manager, Meeting Operations, Heart Rhythm Society, USA
Kara Hsu
Convention Sales Manager, Destination, USA
Veronika Ivanova
Marketing and Meeting Architecture Specialist, Kenes International, Bulgaria
Andrea Lane
Meeting Planner, National Defense Industrial Association, USA
Janelle Lewis
Meetings and Events Manager, Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, USA
Chad Manhertz
Event Manager, Events DC, USA
Femke Morelisse
Sales Manager, GES, USA
Greg Morris, CMP
Director, Meetings and Education, Destinations International, USA
Laura Neufeld
Account Manager, Meetings and Events, MCI Group Canada, Canada
Khadijah Nimrod
Convention Sales Assistant, Destination DC, USA
Olivia Pelzer
Senior Strategic Account Analyst, Cvent, USA
Gita Pun
Client Relations Team Manager, Shocklogic, England
Giulia Ineke Sarri
MARCOM and Social Project Assistant, AIM Group International, Milan, Italy
Erin Simcox
Senior Manager of Housing, Visit Knoxville, USA
Kevin J. Thompson
Event Manager, Events DC, USA
Lindsay Williams
Sales Manager, GES, USA
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
