Step into the vibrant world of the Global Meetings Industry Day 2024: Tackling Events in a Hybrid World, brought to you by the collaborative efforts of PCMA Canada East, MPI Toronto, CANSPEP, SITE Canada, and ILEA. Held on April 11, 2024, at the dazzling Arcadian Court in Toronto, this event was a blast for the approximately 148 attendees who joined in on the excitement.

Get ready to be blown away because the lineup of speakers was phenomenal! The charismatic Shaun Boothe took center stage and delivered a keynote speech that left the audience hanging onto every word. Attendees were inspired, motivated, and ready to conquer the world.

But the fun didn’t stop there! Throughout the day, industry experts Connie Cay-Santos, Jason Thompson, and Chris Cummins took the mic and rocked the stage with their short talk sessions. They shared their invaluable insights and expertise, leaving attendees buzzing with new ideas and a fresh perspective on hybrid meetings in a post-COVID world.

The event’s main goal was to tackle the challenges and opportunities of hosting events in a hybrid world. Attendees learned the ins and outs of organizing top-notch hybrid events that will make your competitors green with envy. With the post-pandemic landscape in mind, participants discovered how to navigate the new normal and strengthen their effectiveness professionally and personally.

But let’s not forget about the most exciting part – networking! The Global Meetings Industry Day 2024 provided the perfect platform for attendees to rub shoulders with fellow business professionals. Connections were made, collaborations were born, and friendships blossomed. It was like a high-powered networking extravaganza! Our attendees left feeling energized, empowered, and ready to change how we think about meetings.

So, join us in reliving the magic of the Global Meetings Industry Day 2024, a collaborative effort by PCMA Canada East, MPI Toronto, CANSPEP, SITE Canada, and ILEA.

Last month, members of the PCMA CE Board of Directors participated in Ottawa Meet Week, most notably hosting a booth at Tête-à-Tête!

As both an attendee and exhibitor, PCMA Canada East gained perspective on the key issues and innovations shaping associations and non-profits today.

PCMA Canada East’s booth at Tête-à-Tête was a dynamic center for learning, based on our theme of Continuing Education. Two Algonquin College students, Leanne and Muskaan, took the spotlight, connecting with industry professionals for career advice and valuable networking. The booth exemplified PCMA’s commitment to supporting the next generation of event professionals in a lively yet professional atmosphere.

Opening Keynote – A Prescription for Change: Cultivating Equity in the Event Community

 The day kicked off with Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa’s keynote, “A Prescription for Change: Cultivating Equity and Inclusivity within our Association Communities.” Dr. Oriuwa emphasized associations’ significant role in modeling equity and inclusiveness, challenging the misconception that diversity efforts divert from the core mission. Her message underscored the power of diverse perspectives, highlighting the risks of homogeneity. The keynote urged individual action, encouraging members to advocate for change within their organizations through small yet impactful steps, such as diversifying committees and recommending inclusive suppliers.

Panel – Accessibility in Action: The DBI World Conference

 A standout session focused on accessibility at the DBI World Conference showcased the effort needed for truly inclusive events. Despite the challenges, the session revealed the profound benefits, with 120 deafblind presenters sharing experiences and connecting with an understanding community. The panel prompted reflection on the ongoing work required for events to be welcoming to people of diverse abilities. Beyond physical accommodations, event professionals must adopt a holistic, inclusive approach to aspects like website design and food options.

Event Takeaways: Adapting to a Changing Future

 Tête-à-Tête 2024 highlighted rapid changes in the association sector, emphasizing the need for agility in evolving programming, governance, and business models to meet new member expectations and technological advances. While acknowledging the importance of in-person gatherings for fostering connections and unique moments, the event emphasized the necessity of supplementing with virtual engagement. Associations should embrace change, remain open to innovation, and uphold inclusivity to thrive in the evolving landscape.

We learned about the importance of AI (Augmented Realty) in the events industry through several innovative and engaging sessions throughout the conference, including the latest updates through PCMA’s Project SPARK, a tool that is FREE to members, so make sure you take advantage of it.

Finally, we heard President Bill Clinton and Secretary General Hilary Clinton speak on geopolitics today and how they see the future unfolding based on the current environment.

Check back here for more updates on your Chapter Representatives in the PCMA Community!