Business events professionals from around the world seeking insights and innovations to help lead their organisations to success were encouraged to embrace a “learn and apply” principle during PCMA’s third Asia Pacific Annual Conference in Macau.
The 6-8 Nov. event, held at The Parisian Macao, offered an education and networking programme to spark ideas on how business events and business events professionals can lead as change agents. The event attracted more than 120 participants from 106 organizations in 18 countries.
“As the world’s largest platform for business events strategists and their partners, we believe in bringing people together to learn and share perspectives so we can transform global economies and societies. We were able to achieve this despite challenging regional dynamics,” said Antonio Codinach, PCMA regional business director. “Those who participated in our event were able to make important business connections and gain valuable insights from leaders within our industry and outside of it.”
PCMA’s Asia Pacific Annual Conference included an off-site education experience where participants explored Macau’s back streets and historic businesses. Education sessions addressed various topics including how to make business events inclusive for Muslim audiences and the event concluded with an energetic networking reception.
“Seeing the exchange of knowledge and the passion for business events in the region made the PCMA Asia Pacific Annual Conference an inspiring experience,” said Stuart Ruff-Lyon, PCMA’s incoming chairman and vice president, events and education at RIMS (Risk and Insurance Management Society). “The energy, engagement and education provided an incredible atmosphere for people to learn and connect.”
The Macau event introduced the Learning Hub, a transformative open space where participants could participate in smaller-group discussions with industry leaders, conduct business meetings, relax in a lounge setting or play a football game. Food was a centrepiece, as it is in most Asian cultures, encouraging participants to gather and network.
Participants also interacted with PCMA’s #ItStartsWithMe campaign which recognised the role business events professionals have as key change agents in global economic and social progress by asking them to pledge their commitment towards social transformation. #ItStartsWithMe will be also be featured at PCMA’s signature Convening Leaders event 5-8 Jan. in San Francisco.
“It was a great learning experience and I came home with several practical concepts and ideas I can introduce in my organisation and share with my colleagues,” said Evelyn B. Balmeo-Salire, CPAE, secretary general, Philippine Retailers Association.
Creativity expert and author Fredrik Haren encouraged participants to “seek the tweak” to achieve creativity in business, as the difference lies in “the many, small changes we can do to anything.” Social scientist and former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations (2007-2015) Dr. Noeleen Heyzer urged participants to “have bold accountable leadership for a changing world, one that can rebuild trust and solidarity.” Entrepreneur Jimmy Pham shared how social enterprise can transform communities and lives around the world.
PCMA will continue to engage with its global network of business events professionals at Convening Leaders from 5-8 Jan. at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California.
Images: Top:Fredrik Haren delivers a keynote presentation, Bottom Left:Janine Garner, global thought leader and author, Bottom Middle:Learning Hub, Bottom Right:Fazal Bahardeen, CEO of CrescentRating