Author:
Will Trokey, CMP | National Accounts Director, Visit Greater Palm Springs

As synonymous as the ball dropping in Times Square is to ringing in the new year, PCMA members were bursting with excitement to attend Convening Leaders every January! Still, it often feels like a family reunion more than a gathering of meeting professionals.

This was the first time PCMA met in Columbus, Ohio, and the charming destination delivered a great time.  You could certainly feel the buzz in Columbus as PCMA members broke bread at the delicious eateries in the downtown area.

The Main Stage gave us some great takeaways, including Adam Grant’s suggestion of needing “disagreeable givers” in our lives…those who respectfully challenge us to re-think the status quo. While the Yes Theory team challenged us to embrace doing new things even difficult or scary things. The closing Main Stage saw the return of Daniel Pink, giving us five things to do in 2023, including making a “to don’t” list, “how” conversations, and the importance of scheduling walks or breaks in your day.

The opening reception leaned into the changing weather of its destinations by highlighting the best of all four seasons. Next, we rocked it like it was 1999 at Party With A Purpose with the return of the Spazmatics. Our final Columbus treat was a private concert by the incredibly talented John Legend.

Convening Leaders once again provided the jolt to start the year.