The last two years have been a wild, scary and sometimes exhilarating ride for many in our industry. Having attended several in-person shows and events this fall, I am bullish on a healthy return for events and the people who run and support them. I am also excited to kick-start 2022 by attending PCMA’s Convening Leaders (CL) in Las Vegas in January, fully vaccinated and masked up. I’ve been an active volunteer and engaged CL participant for many years and it’s always been a great way to … [Read more...]
PCMA’s First Omnichannel Convening Leaders: The Great, the Good and the Not So…
I was excited to attend PCMA’s Omnichannel Convening Leaders event last week. Having attended more than 20 of PCMA’s Annual Meetings over the years (both in person and virtually), I expected high energy, experimental delivery and great content. I wasn’t expecting to connect with my friends or to feel the same high I get from the in-person meetings. Those expectations were largely met. The Great: Global Reach and Main-Stage Experiences Applause to PCMA for engaging the global business events … [Read more...]
Key Takeaways from PCMA’s Convening Leaders 2020
The Professional Convention Management Association’s Convening Leaders in San Francisco In early January served as an engaging and energizing way to kick off a new year and a new decade. I’ve been a regular attendee and active volunteer in PCMA for over 25 years and continue to be impressed at their willingness to take risks and incubate innovative ideas. Here are a few items that are top-of-mind as I’ve reflected on the recent PCMA CL. Innovate + Elevate Arena The sponsor and partner … [Read more...]
Free-Agent, Lisa Block, Joins Velvet Chainsaw
While many have been focused this winter on who is going to land free agents like Bryce Harper or Manny Machado, Lisa Block inked a deal to join the Velvet Chainsaw Consulting team! Lisa will join our team just in time for opening day – April 2, 2019 – as Executive Vice President, Conference Strategy & Design. Qualified Lisa is one of the most respected, innovative and experienced event strategy professionals in the majors. Since 1991, she has been responsible for growing and innovating … [Read more...]
Creating Customized Conference Learning Experiences
Dave Lutz and I recently presented for ASAE's Great Ideas Conference 2012 on Creating Customized Conference Learning Experiences. We shared our philosophy and process for planning the content for PCMA's 2011 and 2012 Learning Lounge. The Learning Lounge was a joint project between PCMA, Freeman and Velvet Chainsaw. Here are the slides from our presentation. Create Customized Learning Experiences For Conferences View more presentations from Jeff Hurt What type of personalized and … [Read more...]
Authors Speak Out About Conferences And Events: Learning Lounge Speakers Part 2
And you thought that the previous video of Learning Lounge speakers showcased a killer lineup. You've not seen anything yet. Just wait! There's even more! We've value-sized your Learning Lounge experience. You been upgraded to receive insights that are guaranteed to rock your meetings world! PCMA and Velvet Chainsaw are committed to bringing you ideas and insights from some of today's most discerning and powerful thought leaders and authors. So, we've recorded Skype interviews with these folks … [Read more...]
San Diego Here We Come! PCMA Learning Lounge Speakers 2012
Follow these Learning Lounge 2012 speakers in Twitter. Learning Lounge 2012 Velvet Chainsaw is working with PCMA again to organize part of the 2012 Convening Leaders Learning Lounge. There will be more than 100+ education opportunities from Big Ideas TED style presentations, to "How To" iPad sessions, to "Bring Your Own Mobile Device" instructional presentations to the Really Live Chat Rooms. This year the Learning Lounge is open the entire conference except during general sessions and … [Read more...]
Breaking Down Association Silos And Playing To Win
Formerly titled Playing To Win, 2009 Edition Belonging to your association and attending your live events are no longer the only ways for your members to build their network or receive just-in-time education. How will you continue to meet their needs? By breaking your staff out of their silos and making sure they share the same sense of purpose. I don't know about you, but many of the organizations that I come in contact with still have some serious issues. They're fighting for their … [Read more...]
