Adapt, Innovate, Lead: Shaping the Future of the Global Meeting Industry

In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, shifting societal expectations, and unprecedented global challenges, the meeting industry stands at a pivotal crossroads. This session, “Adapt, Innovate, Lead: Trends Shaping the Global Meeting Industry,” invites industry professionals, leaders, and innovators to explore the transformative trends shaping the future of meetings and events worldwide.

Join us for an insightful and interactive session where we will delve into the key forces driving change in the industry. We will discuss how emerging technologies such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and hybrid meeting platforms are redefining participant engagement and creating immersive experiences. Discover strategies for adapting to the evolving preferences of a more diverse and inclusive global audience while maintaining the delicate balance between in-person and virtual gatherings.

Moreover, we will explore innovative leadership practices that empower meeting planners and supplies to confidently navigate this dynamic landscape. Interactive discussion panels will offer insights into leadership skills essential for fostering resilience, adaptability, and strategic decision-making in today’s complex and interconnected world.

Whether you are a seasoned professional or new to the field, this session will equip you with valuable knowledge and practical tools to not only adapt to current trends but to also channel innovation and lead with vision. Engage with peers, share experiences, and strategize on harnessing these trends to propel your events and meetings to the forefront of the industry.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of the conversation that is shaping the future of how we meet and connect globally. Join us to adapt, innovate, and lead with confidence and purpose in the ever-evolving meeting industry.

Date:

April 3, 2025

Location:

Ronald Reagan Building – Pavilion

1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004

Agenda:

3pm – Registration Opens

3:30pm – Program Starts

5:30pm – Networking Reception

Storyteller/Emcee: Naomi Clare Crellin, Founder & CEO, Storycraft Lab 

Fireside Chat Speakers: 

Topic 1 – Adapt: Joel E. Roberson, Partner, Holland & Knight 

Topic 2 – Innovate: Carter Dunham, Vice President, Sales, Production Resource Group  

Topic 3 – Lead: Nathaniel Holic, Membership Manager, Association for Fundraising Professionals 

Naomi Clare Crellin, Founder & CEO, Storycraft Lab (Storyteller/Emcee)

Naomi Clare Crellin is the founder of Storycraft Lab and a recognized leader in audience engagement, event personalization and experience design. She teaches Engagement Strategy at NYU and has led innovative exhibit and experience design projects for global brands and organizations such as Google, Deloitte, Marriott International and NASA.  

Creator of the design thinking tools the Experience Profiles (TM) and the Wheel of Belonging, Naomi is passionate about leveraging behavioral insights to create experiences that foster belonging and meaningful connection. She is author of the recently published Belonging Playbook, created in partnership with Google’s Experience Institute, and Marriott International’s Designing for Engagement Toolkit. 

Joel E. Roberson, Partner, Holland & Knight  (Topic 1 – Adapt) 

Mr. Roberson advises high-tech clients on emerging public policy and regulatory issues, including self-driving cars, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), cybersecurity, privacy and data breach response. Mr. Roberson has extensive experience working with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop policy to support the integration of autonomous vehicles, drones and advanced air mobility. He is well-versed in preparing clients to testify before Congress, including congressional investigations into data breaches. Before joining Holland & Knight, Mr. Roberson served as a law clerk for the House Judiciary Committee where he prepared members of Congress to debate the first reauthorization of the Patriot Act. 

 Additionally, Mr. Roberson advises healthcare and nutrition clients on public policy and regulatory issues, including the regulation of food, pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and medical gases. He has assisted clients to enact legislation reforming the way the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves and regulates OTC drug products. Mr. Roberson regularly advises clients on food safety, including implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and the Farm Bill. Mr. Roberson has drafted healthcare legislation, provisions of major FDA reform bills and amendments to pending legislation that have been enacted into law. He also helps clients prepare public comments to federal agencies and establish internal regulatory compliance programs. 

 Prior to entering private practice, Mr. Roberson worked within the elected leadership offices of the U.S. House of Representatives for former Congressman J.C. Watts (R-Okla.) and former Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-Ohio). In this role with Congress, he prepared major legislation for floor debate, including development of debate strategy, creation of key messages and distribution of floor briefings for members of Congress and congressional staff. In the immediate wake of Hurricane Katrina, Mr. Roberson led three groups of volunteer law students to both Mississippi and Louisiana to provide volunteer legal services. The students worked on various legal issues including home owner’s insurance, foreclosure, succession, criminal, immigration and administrative law issues as well as providing basic services to those in need. 

Carter Dunham, Vice President, Sales, Production Resource Group (Topic 2 – Innovate) 

Carter Dunham’s favorite part about the event experience is creating a journey for each event attendee.  When it comes to events no matter the type or size of the event there is an emotional connection from the moment the wheels lift off, to the moment they touch back down. “When thinking about events, it’s critical to not only think about the pieces that make it work, but also the emotion connected with those pieces and how it lends itself to the event experience.” 

Carter Dunham is the Vice President, Sales & Business Development for Association & Exhibits at Production Resource Group (PRG).  His work focuses on helping clients on event strategy and implementation of technology at their events.  Carter is passionate about technology and the role it can provide in working toward more sustainable and accessible events.  He is currently serving on the Rocky Mountain Chapter PCMA Board as the Community Service Chair. 

Carter holds a bachelor’s degree in theater arts and has spent time working in many sectors of the industry including music, live performance, corporate and association events.  Carter is also a proud parent and currently serving as a youth coach for AYL football and assistant scoutmaster with Scouting BSA. 

Nathaniel Holic, Membership Manager, Association for Fundraising Professionals (Topic 3 – Lead) 

Nathaniel is the Membership Manager at the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), where he focuses on enhancing member engagement, retention, and growth through personalized experiences and data-driven strategies. Previously, he served as Manager of Meetings & Registration at BOMA International, overseeing event logistics, member services, and sponsorship management. 

 Nathaniel has been recognized as a PCMA “20 in Their 20s” honoree and is actively involved in PCMA Capital Chapter, co-leading the Next Gen Task Force to increase membership engagement for professionals under 30. 

 A graduate of the University of Mary Washington, Nathaniel holds a B.S. in Marketing with a minor in Physics. His ability to blend technical proficiency with relationship-building skills allows him to deliver impactful experiences for members, sponsors, and attendees alike. 

50/50 Raffle for Future Business Leaders of America:

The PCMA Capital Chapter Community Services Committee will be hosting a 50/50 raffle to support the D.C. Chapter – Future Business Leaders of America! Half of the funds raised will go to the raffle winner, and half of the proceeds will go towards sponsoring a student to attend FBLA’s national competition.

Please note that this is a CASH ONLY raffle, so please be sure to plan accordingly if you’d like to participate. Tickets will be available for purchase at the Community Services/DEI Committee table (look out for ticket sellers wearing yellow aprons).

Ticket pricing: 2 tickets for $5,  5 tickets for $10, and 12 tickets for $20

The drawing will take place during evening remarks, and you must be present to win.

Interested in donating funds directly to the cause? Donate here!

Want to learn and/or help more? Contact Bianca DeStout, Community Services Committee Member and DEI Committee Chair, at [email protected].

Become a sponsor for this event now!

Click here or email [email protected] for more information.

Thank you to our event sponsors!

Platinum Level Partner

AV Partner

Event Partner

Registration Partner

Reception Partner