Is swag still worth it—or just landfill with a logo? In this Talk, the Convene editors debate whether business events need giveaways at all, and what actually delivers value when they do. From “no-swag” charitable gifting and local-maker gift cards to consumables, thoughtful keepsakes, and scent-driven memories, the group shares smart ideas for reducing waste while deepening attendee connection. If you’re rethinking bags, bottles, and branded pens, this episode gives practical alternatives and guardrails.
Links:
· 7 Wellness-Themed Gifting Ideas: https://meetings.skift.com/2025/10/13/7-wellness-themed-gifting-ideas/
· Rethinking Swag at Events: https://www.pcma.org/rethinking-swag-events/
· Cowbells and Woolen Slippers — Cherished Handmade Gifts From Events: https://www.pcma.org/cowbells-woolen-slippers-cherished-handmade-gifts-from-events/
· Responsible Swag: Rethinking Giving and Receiving at Events: https://www.pcma.org/rethinking-giving-receiving-events/
· Helping the Earth and Creating Community One Tree at a Time: https://www.pcma.org/treedom-tree-planting-climate-change-events/
· An Immersive Three Days in Victoria, B.C.: https://www.pcma.org/immersive-three-days-in-victoria-bc/
Get News Junkie: https://www.pcma.org/campaign/news-junkie/
Meet the Convene Editors: https://www.pcma.org/contact/
· Michelle Russell, Editor in Chief
· Barbara Palmer, Deputy Editor
· Jennifer N. Dienst, Senior Editor
· Kate Mulcrone, Managing Digital Editor
· Magdalina Atanassova, Digital Media Editor
Follow Convene:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene
Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine
Contact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.
Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/
Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
This season has been kindly sponsored by Visit Spokane. Go to VisitSpokane.com to learn more.
Seth Godin joins the Convene Podcast to challenge how we plan, lead, and measure events. In the first episode for Season 9, he unpacks why events are acts of leadership (not management), how AI should free us from tasks so we can create connection and make decisions, and why “doing your job” isn’t the same as “doing the work.” From enrollment over persuasion to designing transformational experiences, Seth shares practical shifts: start small, take responsibility, and build significance that lasts beyond show day.
Mentioned links:
AI Prompt Decks: https://www.promptdecks.com/
Seth’s Blog: https://seths.blog/
Follow Convene:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene
Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine
Contact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.
Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/
Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
From “Meatless Mondays” to “ganging” menus, easy ways to cut the carbon emissions of F&B at events from international science society planner Bel Hanson.
Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene.
Read the Article:
3 Smart Ways to Reduce Food Waste and Cut Carbon Emissions: https://www.pcma.org/3-smart-ways-to-reduce-food-waste/
Follow Convene:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene
Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine
Subscribe to our newsletters: pcma.org/subscribe-to-pcma-emails
Contact Information: For anything podcast-related, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.
Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000+ qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/
Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
Freeman’s latest XLNC report reveals a major mismatch: attendees want organizers to curate subject-matter experts and set purposeful topics for networking—while many planners still default to open “white space,” receptions, and chance encounters. In this Convene Talk, we unpack how to architect serendipity with intention (think BrainDate-style problem matching), design quieter, introvert-friendly options, prep exhibitors with experts—not sales scripts— and give Gen Z clearer ways to start meaningful conversations.
Links:
· Why Your Approach to Networking Isn’t Meeting Attendees’ Needs: https://www.pcma.org/why-your-approach-to-networking-is-not-meeting-attendees-needs/
· Beyond the Old Boys’ Club: How Women Are Networking Their Way: https://www.pcma.org/beyond-boys-club-how-women-are-networking-their-way/
· Download the full report: https://www.freeman.com/resources/freeman-networking-trends-report/
Get News Junkie: https://www.pcma.org/campaign/news-junkie/
Meet the Convene Editors: https://www.pcma.org/contact/
· Michelle Russell, Editor in Chief
· Barbara Palmer, Deputy Editor
· Jennifer N. Dienst, Senior Editor
· Kate Mulcrone, Managing Digital Editor
· Magdalina Atanassova, Digital Media Editor
Follow Convene:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene
Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine
Contact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.
Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/
Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
We pair advice from a time-management expert shared during a recent PCMA EMEA virtual Meet-Up with recommendations based on research about AI use.
Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief at Convene.
Read the Article:
8 Ways to Organize Your Workday: https://www.pcma.org/8-ways-organize-workday/
Follow Convene:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene
Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine
Subscribe to our newsletters: pcma.org/subscribe-to-pcma-emails
Contact Information: For anything podcast-related, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.
Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000+ qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/
Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
The travel industry is booming—but a World Travel & Tourism Council report warns of a 43 million-person workforce shortfall in the next decade. What does that mean for meetings and events? The Convene team digs into where the pinch is already showing, why service roles can’t be automated away, and how pipelines—student outreach, paid apprenticeships, and clearer career paths—can attract new talent.
Links:
· WTTC: Travel is booming, but it needs workers: https://www.travelweekly.com/Europe-Travel/WTTC-summit-travel-needs-workers
· X-Culture Program Inspires Students to Innovate in the Events Industry: https://www.pcma.org/xculture-program-inspires-students-innovate-events-industry/
· Convene Series: How LA Tourism Champions DEI: Adam Burke on Empowering Small Businesses and Inclusive Growth: https://share.transistor.fm/s/e9aa6668
Get News Junkie: https://www.pcma.org/campaign/news-junkie/
Meet the Convene Editors: https://www.pcma.org/contact/
· Michelle Russell, Editor in Chief
· Barbara Palmer, Deputy Editor
· Jennifer N. Dienst, Senior Editor
· Kate Mulcrone, Managing Digital Editor
· Magdalina Atanassova, Digital Media Editor
Follow Convene:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene
Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine
Contact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.
Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/
Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
When it comes to using AI-generated tools, discipline and focus are powerful things, says entrepreneur and speaker Princess Castleberry.
Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene.
Read the Article:
An Early Adopter’s Approach for Reining in AI: https://www.pcma.org/reining-in-ai/
Follow Convene:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene
Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine
Subscribe to our newsletters: pcma.org/subscribe-to-pcma-emails
Contact Information: For anything podcast-related, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.
Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000+ qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/
Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
As the events calendar fills up with global trade shows, familiar debates resurface: Are there simply too many industry events — or just not enough of the right ones? Convene editors break down insights from a recent article on the topic, discuss how event models may be due for a rethink, and explore why niche, purpose-built gatherings may hold the key to more meaningful industry connections.
Links:
· Both Planners and Suppliers Agree: There Are Too Many Industry Events: https://meetings.skift.com/2025/10/02/84352/
· LinkedIn Post and Poll from Joe Fijol, DMCP: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/joe-fijol-dmcp-5a17307_ethos-event-managment-activity-7365737969602801664-fnFF/
· Create & Cultivate Convene Talk: https://share.transistor.fm/s/20074d6e
Get News Junkie: https://www.pcma.org/campaign/news-junkie/
Meet the Convene Editors: https://www.pcma.org/contact/
· Michelle Russell, Editor in Chief
· Barbara Palmer, Deputy Editor
· Jennifer N. Dienst, Senior Editor
· Kate Mulcrone, Managing Digital Editor
· Magdalina Atanassova, Digital Media Editor
Follow Convene:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene
Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine
Contact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.
Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/
Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
Record attendance at two major global scientific conferences — despite domestic funding cuts and travel headaches for international attendees — demonstrates the resilience of the scientific community and strategic thinking on the part of organizers.
Written and read by Kate Mulcrone, digital managing editor at Convene.
Read the Article:
Science Conferences Bucking the Trend: https://www.pcma.org/science-conferences-bucking-the-trend/
Follow Convene:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene
Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine
Subscribe to our newsletters: pcma.org/subscribe-to-pcma-emails
Contact Information: For anything podcast-related, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.
Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000+ qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/
Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
What’s really behind event planners’ pay dissatisfaction, when most still love the industry? In this Convene Talk, we unpack highlights from our 2025 Salary Survey: a persistent gap between compensation and job/industry satisfaction and why agency (taking on added duties by choice) correlates with higher morale. We compare director-level compensation across association roles, examine early-career pay realities, and dig into continuing education budgets. Plus: external pressures (inflation, geography), and the story behind our cover art that asks the question many are thinking: Am I being paid what I’m worth?
Links:
· Salary Survey 2025: Payment Due?: https://www.pcma.org/convene-salary-survey-2025-payment-due/
· Work How You Are Wired: https://a.co/d/6ZexmTv
Get News Junkie: https://www.pcma.org/campaign/news-junkie/
Meet the Convene Editors: https://www.pcma.org/contact/
· Michelle Russell, Editor in Chief
· Barbara Palmer, Deputy Editor
· Jennifer N. Dienst, Senior Editor
· Kate Mulcrone, Managing Digital Editor
· Magdalina Atanassova, Digital Media Editor
Follow Convene:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene
Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine
Contact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.
Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/
Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
A panel of experts offer their advice on how to write RFPs that enable planners and their partner venues to collaborate on producing events with a smaller footprint.
Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene.
Read the Article:
Reaching Your Sustainability Goals Starts With Your RFP: https://www.pcma.org/reaching-sustainability-goals-starts-with-rfp/
Follow Convene:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene
Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine
Subscribe to our newsletters: pcma.org/subscribe-to-pcma-emails
Contact Information: For anything podcast-related, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.
Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000+ qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/
Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
QR codes make events smoother—but they’re also a growing attack surface. In this Convene Talk, we unpack quishing (malicious QR code scams), from a live “honey pot” demo at a cybersecurity summit to everyday tricks that exploit attendee trust. We share easy fixes planners can deploy now—like printing the full destination URL next to every QR code—plus the FTC’s top tips, verification habits that actually stick, and how to keep QR convenience without sacrificing safety.
Links:
· Even scam experts fall for ‘quishing’ trap at global anti-fraud event in Singapore: https://theindependent.sg/even-scam-experts-fall-for-quishing-trap-at-global-anti-fraud-event-in-singapore/
· Convene Series: Talking Cybersecurity with Olga Nasibullina and Michael Peters: Strategies for Protecting Event Data from Emerging Threats: https://share.transistor.fm/s/2c1d2164
· Scam alert: QR code on an unexpected package: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/01/scam-alert-qr-code-unexpected-package
Get News Junkie: https://www.pcma.org/campaign/news-junkie/
Meet the Convene Editors: https://www.pcma.org/contact/
· Michelle Russell, Editor in Chief
· Barbara Palmer, Deputy Editor
· Jennifer N. Dienst, Senior Editor
· Kate Mulcrone, Managing Digital Editor
· Magdalina Atanassova, Digital Media Editor
Follow Convene:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene
Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine
Contact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.
Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/
Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
This 50,000-member association designed a record-breaking annual conference by focusing on inclusivity and safety.
Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene.
Read the Article:
How the Society of Women Engineers Earned a Gold Award for Events: https://www.pcma.org/society-of-women-engineers-is-embracing-diversity/
Follow Convene:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene
Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine
Subscribe to our newsletters: pcma.org/subscribe-to-pcma-emails
Contact Information: For anything podcast-related, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.
Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000+ qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/
Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
How do you reimagine a city-wide icon when its central venue is gone? In this Convene Talk, the team unpacks SXSW 2026 and its pivot to badge-specific neighborhoods across Austin. We dig into why constraints spark creativity, what “villages” mean for brand activations and attendee flow, how to balance strategy vs. serendipity, and whether asking attendees to set goals up front is fair.
Links:
· Four Insights on SXSW’s Evolving Brand Activation Landscape for 2026: https://www.eventmarketer.com/article/insights-sxsw-evolving-brand-landscape-2026/
· Designing a More Natural Convention Center for Austin: https://www.pcma.org/natural-convention-center-austin/
· Will This Be the Greenest Convention Center on the Planet?: https://www.pcma.org/greenest-convention-center-2/
· PCMA EduCon Speaker Andrew Davis on Innovating for the Future of Events: https://www.pcma.org/andrew-davis-pcma-educon-speaker-innovating-future-events/
Get News Junkie: https://www.pcma.org/campaign/news-junkie/
Meet the Convene Editors: https://www.pcma.org/contact/
· Michelle Russell, Editor in Chief
· Barbara Palmer, Deputy Editor
· Jennifer N. Dienst, Senior Editor
· Kate Mulcrone, Managing Digital Editor
· Magdalina Atanassova, Digital Media Editor
Follow Convene:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene
Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine
Contact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.
Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/
Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
This season has been kindly sponsored by Visit Anaheim. Go to VisitAnaheim.org/meetings to learn more.
What does it take to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion into the DNA of a destination? In this episode of the Convene Podcast, Adam Burke, President & CEO of Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, shares how LA is leveraging its diversity to create opportunities for small, diverse-owned businesses through initiatives like Empower LA. From breaking down barriers to entry and providing readiness training, to creating real opportunities within the event supply chain, Burke outlines how LA Tourism is building a more inclusive and resilient future for the city — and what lessons other destinations can take away.
Follow Convene:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene
Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine
Contact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.
Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/
Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
Both employers and job candidates are using AI resources to streamline the hiring process — but sometimes this can backfire.
Written and read by Kate Mulcrone, digital managing editor at Convene.
Read the Article:
What Planners Need to Know About Using AI in the Hiring Process: https://www.pcma.org/using-ai-in-hiring-process/
Follow Convene:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene
Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine
Subscribe to our newsletters: pcma.org/subscribe-to-pcma-emails
Contact Information: For anything podcast-related, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.
Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000+ qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/
Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
Is packing every minute of a business trip actually killing creativity? In this Convene Talk, we unpack the “leisure boom,” why adding white space to work travel and conferences fuels breakthroughs, and how design tweaks—like serendipity paths and simple sticky-note walls—unlock engagement. We also sanity-check the headline stats, discuss ROI vs. reflection time, and explore why Gen Z says their best ideas happen away from the desk. Practical takeaways for planners and travelers included.
Links:
· Stop Rushing Business Trips: Benefits Of The Bleisure Boom: https://www.forbes.com/sites/sarahhernholm/2025/08/28/stop-rushing-business-trips-benefits-of-the-bleisure-boom/
· The Science of Aha! Moments: Designing Events for Maximum Inspiration: https://www.pcma.org/science-of-aha-moments-designing-events-inspiration/
· How to Create Aha Moments at Events: https://www.pcma.org/create-aha-moments-events/
Get News Junkie: https://www.pcma.org/campaign/news-junkie/
Meet the Convene Editors: https://www.pcma.org/contact/
· Michelle Russell, Editor in Chief
· Barbara Palmer, Deputy Editor
· Jennifer N. Dienst, Senior Editor
· Kate Mulcrone, Managing Digital Editor
· Magdalina Atanassova, Digital Media Editor
Follow Convene:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene
Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine
Contact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.
Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/
Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
This season has been kindly sponsored by Visit Anaheim. Go to VisitAnaheim.org/meetings to learn more.
Accessibility isn’t just about ramps and elevators anymore — it starts long before attendees arrive onsite. In this episode of the Convene Podcast, Frank M. Wächter breaks down what the European Accessibility Act (EAA) means for event professionals, why inclusive digital touchpoints are essential, and how small changes like color contrast and clear headings can make a big impact. From building awareness across teams to preparing for the future with AI-driven tools, Frank shares practical steps event organizers can take to make accessibility part of their intentional design strategy.
Follow Convene:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene
Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine
Contact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.
Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/
Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
Bree Groff’s book Today Was Fun explores how maximizing joy at work leads to a team culture that fosters intentionality, care, and courtesy.
Written and read by Kate Mulcrone, digital managing editor at Convene.
Read the Article:
Can Work Be Fun?: https://www.pcma.org/can-work-be-fun/
Follow Convene:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene
Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine
Subscribe to our newsletters: pcma.org/subscribe-to-pcma-emails
Contact Information: For anything podcast-related, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.
Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000+ qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/
Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra
Remember Fyre Festival? It tried to make a comeback. In this Convene Talk, the team breaks down the short, doomed saga of “Fyre Festival 2”—from phantom venues to a surprise eBay fire-sale—and what it reveals about influencer hype, ethics, and the critical role of professional event planning. We contrast Fyre’s spin with Burning Man’s radical transparency, revisit the Andy King debate, and explore how AI deepfakes are fueling a new wave of fake events.
Links:
· Is Fyre Festival 2 happening? Mexican officials and hotels not so sure: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/2025/03/05/fyre-festival-2-mexico-music-festival-concerns/80859287007/
· Fyre Festival 2 is still on, Billy McFarland says. How he plans to lock down lodging and musical artists.: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/fyre-festival-2-is-still-on-billy-mcfarland-says-how-he-plans-to-lock-down-lodging-and-musical-artists-220007175.html?guccounter=1
· Fyre Festival 2's fate up in the air after event says it won't take place at Mexican resort: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/fate-fyre-festival-2-air-website-announces-postponement-rcna198093
· Billy McFarland sells Fyre Festival brand on eBay for $245K. See what the buyer will get.: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/2025/07/16/fyre-festival-billy-mcfarland-ebay-auction/85240563007/
· Own FYRE Festival (eBay listing): https://www.ebay.com/itm/357251347049
· Pass the Popcorn: Planners Watch the Fyre Festival Documentaries: https://www.pcma.org/fyre-festival-documentaries-event-planners-react/
· Trainwreck Storm Area 51 (Netflix): https://www.netflix.com/bg/title/81751986
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