PCMA Preview: Learning Lounges, Virtual Events Sessions, Innovative Keynotes on Tap at PCMA Annual Meeting

January 2, 2012

When the Professional Convention Management Association’s annual meeting kicks off Jan. 8-11 at the San Diego Convention Center, there’s plenty in store – from The Learning Lounge to the collocated Virtual Edge Summit to innovative keynotes, educations sessions and networking opportunities.

This year, Velvet Chainsaw Consulting is working with PCMA once again to organize part of the 2012 Convening Leaders Learning Lounge.

There will be more than 100-plus 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.

The Big Idea Theaters and Really Live Chat Rooms will be focused on three primary themes - Designing Meetings for Learning & Designing Experiences, Expo and Sponsorship and Growing Attendance.

In 2012, The Learning Lounge is open the entire conference, except during general sessions and luncheons.

Also returning this year will be the Virtual Edge Institute’s Virtual Edge Summit, running in conjunction with the PCMA annual meeting and featuring 80 speakers and 30 sessions and focusing on everything a show organizer needs to know about virtual and hybrid events.

The theme of the summit, “Accelerate: knowledge. strategy. results”, will be aimed at presenting digital solutions for meetings, events, learning, training and community and feature speakers from companies such as 3M, Cisco Systems, Herbalife, HIMSS, IBM, Intel Corporation, Microsoft, VMWare and Xerox.

“VES 2012 reflects a shift in our industry over the past 12 months,” said Michael Doyle, executive director of VEI and founder of VES. “Whereas our program previously focused on helping event practitioners and marketers make a business case for virtual to their organizations, today our audience is seeking the knowledge, strategy and skills to deliver and measure real business results from digital programs.”

He added, “And VES 2012 is the only place to gather the intelligence, education and business contacts one needs to accelerate knowledge, strategy and results.

PCMA also has a reputation for having innovative keynotes at its annual meeting, and this year’s no exception.

The meeting’s opening session, “Rules for Epic Wins that Fascinate”, will be given by three authors: Jane McGonigal, “Reality is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World”; John Medina, M.D., “Brain Rules”; and Sally Hogshead “FASCINATE: Your 7 Triggers of Persuasion and Captivation”.

They will be discussing how to design meetings that are more engaging, foster better recall and generate more action.

The final day of the meeting will feature a plenary session – “A Conversation with Richard Saul Wurman”.

Wurman is the creator of TED, TEDMED, the e.g. conference and the upcoming WWW.WWW Conference, as well as the author of 80 books.

In between the packed-full schedule of PCMA education sessions, there also are numerous networking opportunities, including the meeting’s opening party at the Manchester Grand Hyatt and PCMA’s Party With a Purpose that will benefit a local charity.

For a full schedule of The Learning Lounge, Virtual Edge Summit and PCMA annual meeting events please visit http://www.conveningleaders.org/.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.