More than half of PCMA members attend the Annual Meeting each year, and it has earned a reputation as the best learning opportunity of the year for meeting professionals.

Twenty separate educational tracks will deliver knowledge on all facets of the meetings profession, and several new innovations will make this PCMA Annual Meeting one to remember.

“As the leading professional society representing meeting professionals, PCMA has a responsibility to explore new ways of learning, and that’s exactly what we’ll do in Philadelphia,” explains PCMA President & CEO Deborah Sexton. “We’re taking learning out of the classroom and into the community, we will surprise and delight members with some exciting new meeting ‘Xperiments,’ and we’re redefining meeting professional-supplier relationships with our new ‘Un-show.’ My message to members is this: ‘Don’t miss it!’”

Highlights include:

·         C²-Content to Context – This innovative series of events breaks the mold of traditional learning by transporting attendees to some of the most exciting and interesting venues in the city of Philadelphia. Programs will be held on the stage at the new Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, at Ristorante Panorama and the world's largest wine preservation 'Cruvinet' system, and in historic areas that will take people back in time to colonial Philadelphia.

·         Meetings Xperiments – PCMA members have put their creativity to work by inventing these “Xperiments,” which will be featured at many of the education sessions. What do they have in store? Anyone interested will have to attend the Annual Meeting to find out!

·         Mission Possible: The PCMA Un-Show – As one of PCMA's new "Meetings Xperiments", the Un-Show luncheon will be an opportunity for meeting professionals to network with supplier partners in a fun and unconventional atmosphere. The event includes an opportunity to navigate through hotel, destination, and product information on a fun CD with chances to win great prizes!

·         Executive Edge – This invitation-only program for senior-level meeting professionals will take place at the prestigious Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. CEOs and senior-level executives will address the industry's most challenging trends and concerns through advanced-level discussions.

·         PCMA+ -- First-time attendees and PCMA veterans alike can learn more, get more, and do more by choosing PCMA+. Participants will take part in all aspects of the Annual Meeting just like everyone else, and also attend a special session on each of the four meeting days to interact with a small group of colleagues to make the most of the learning experience.

·         Networking and Social Events – There will be plenty of opportunities for socializing and networking with colleagues. Several events will celebrate the 50-year history of the PCMA Annual Meeting, which was first held in Philadelphia in 1957.

Online registration for the PCMA Annual Meeting is now open at www.pcma.org. More information is also available by calling PCMA at 312-423-7262.