PCMA Unveils Their 2018 ‘20 in Their Twenties’ Class
October 2, 2017
The 20 in their Twenties program, supported by the Professional Convention Management Association Education Foundation and Visit Seattle, is designed to engage the best and brightest young professionals in the business event industry. By recognizing emerging leaders, and their talents, PCMA helps to support a new generation of business event strategists around the world.
“The 20 in their Twenties program is a great way to recognize and engage rising stars in the industry,” said Rob Hampton, senior vice president of Convention Sales and Services for Visit Seattle.
He added, “It gives young professionals the opportunity to build camaraderie among their peers and gives ushe veterans in the industry - a chance to hear fresh ideas and perspectives and nurture new talent. This is a program Visit Seattle is proud to support.”
20 in their Twenties Class of 2018
Alexandra Adsit, CMP, CEM
Meeting Planner
AAMC
Charlottesville, VA
Chloe Armstrong
Bid Executive
Melbourne Convention Bureau
Melbourne, Australia
Sina Bünte, DES
Events Manager
ICCA
Amsterdam Netherlands
Erica Critzer, CMP
Regional Director of Sales
Visit Dallas
Arlington, VA
Patrick Crosson, CMP
Producer
agencyEA,
Chicago, IL
Carmen Ferrari, CMP
Events and Marketing Manager
European Photonics Industry Consortium
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Idil Findikoğlu,
Marketing Manager
Kenes Group
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Karin Hagemann
Head of Convention Bureau
Montreux-Vevey Tourisme & Convention Bureau
Bern Area, Switzerland
Caitlin Hume, CMP
Business Events Manager
Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc (RIMS)
New York, NY
Chloe Lai
Conference Producer
Medical Conference Partners
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Annamarie Luccarelli
Project Coordinator, Conferences and Educational Programs
Harborside Press
Trenton, NJ
Samantha Mele
Proposal & Product Developer
JPdL
Toronto, ON
Cahal Mowery, MBA, CMP, CTA
Director of Sales & Catering
JW Marriott Houston Downtown
Houston, TX
Brittany Saylor
Senior Meeting Planner
Right Hand Events
San Diego, CA
Barrie Schwartz
Founder/CEO
My House Social
New Orleans, LA
Allison Shebek
Associate Director of Experience Design
AlliedPRA
Phoenix, AZ
Kyle Smith, DES
Digital Event Strategist
Conference Consultancy South Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
Sara Stehle, CMP
Conference Specialist
International Association of Fire Chiefs
Washington, DC
Andrew Sykes
Assistant General Manager
FMAV
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Rasheena Wilson, CMP
Meeting and Exhibits Coordinator
American Society of Nephrology
Washington, DC
“This is our fifth class of the 20 brightest talents in the industry worldwide. Each year, we continue to be inspired by the passion and insights these individuals bring to the business events community. It is our honor to recognize the excellence of these emerging innovative leaders,” said Deborah Sexton, PCMA president and CEO.
Criteria for applicants was to be employed full time in the business events industry, be 29 years old or younger at the time of recognition and to demonstrate ways they consider themselves to be industry leaders. Applicants were not required to be PCMA members.
A committee made up of veteran industry professionals and 20 in their twenties alumni reviewed approximately 50 applications in detail before deciding on the class.
The individuals selected will receive a scholarship registration to attend PCMA’s signature event, Convening Leaders this January in Nashville, Tenn.; complimentary registration for PCMA’s June conference in Cleveland, Ohio, in June 2018; as well as one year of PCMA membership. In addition, recipients will receive membership and registration discounts for the next two years.
Recipients will be recognized at Convening Leaders this January, as well as in Convene Magazine and other PCMA communications.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
Add new comment