Columbus has emerged as one of the top destinations in the country for meetings, conventions and trade shows. This week, our city welcomes PCMA's Convening Leaders 2023 conference, the world’s largest network of business events professionals.

PCMA Convening Leaders 2023

After months of planning and preparation, participants are in for four days of one-of-a-kind experiences, dynamic discussions and powerful networking.

Some of the highlights from the conference include a performance by Ohio native John Legend exclusively for participants and addresses by Olympic athlete Allyson Felix and organizational psychologist and bestselling author Adam Grant amongst others. You can view a schedule of events here. See more details below:

  • A hands-on charitable event featuring meeting planners giving back to a local nonprofit Sunday, Jan. 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Hilton Columbus Downtown: During Hospitality Helping Hands, participants will give back to Columbus nonprofit YMCA of Central Ohio as they package STEM kits, toiletry kits and household item kits in support of the organization's after school and Families in Need programs.  

  • Opening keynote and new local mural unveiling Monday, Jan. 9 at 9 a.m. at the Greater Columbus Convention Center: During the opening keynote in the Batelle Grand room, hear from Mayor Andrew Ginther, Experience Columbus CEO and President Brian Ross, and President & CEO of PCMA and CEMA Sherrif Karamat on the impact of this event. Following their speeches, witness the public unveiling of a new mural originally created by a Columbus artist that will live at the convention center and symbolizes the community and industry’s resiliency through the pandemic and has been three -years in the making. 

While the immediate impact of hosting Convening Leaders is great, the ongoing impact will be even greater. Nearly 78% of PCMA members identify as key decision-makers in their roles as meeting planners and have a significant influence on the location of their own future meetings. According to the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, within less than two years since hosting Convening Leaders, the organization has seen an ROI of $110.7 million in direct visitor spending for future events.

Follow along on social and join the discussion using #PCMACL. Attending? Bring shoes for donation benefitting Soles4Souls at the Experience Columbus activation and learn more about Columbus' sustainability initiatives. Donors will receive a $10 DSW gift card!

Learn more about PCMA Convening Leaders 2023, here.