Why My American Experience at PCMA Convening Leaders 2025 Was Incredible

As a seasoned traveller and professional in the business events industry, I’ve had the privilege of attending numerous conferences & trade shows and visiting many destinations. Yet, my journeys outside Europe have been relatively few, which makes every trip across the Atlantic feel like an adventure. My recent trip to #Houston for PCMA Convening Leaders #CL25 was no exception—it was an incredible experience filled with professional growth, great connections, and unforgettable moments.

From #California to #Houston: A Journey Through PCMA

My first professional trip to the U.S. dates back to 2020, when a close industry friend organized a client meeting for me during PCMA Convening Leaders in San Francisco. This first Convening Leaders remains especially close to my heart. And I even made it onto the walking challenge podium with 78k steps counted during the conference. It wasn’t my first trip to the U.S.—that was as a tourist to NYC—but it was my first time experiencing the scale and spectacle of an American-style conference. The number of participants, the venue, the main stages layout, the program, the city—everything was impressive. My eyes were wide with astonishment at the attention to detail and the grandeur of it all.

In 2022, I received a scholarship to attend my 3rd Convening Leaders (the 2nd one was online). This scholarship not only made it possible for me to experience the event again but also helped finance part of my MBA. It was through this experience that I discovered the impact of professional associations like PCMA, which not only connect people but also empower them to grow and learn through initiatives like fundraising and foundation support.

Fast forward to 2025, and here I was attending my sixth PCMA Convening Leaders. Each edition has been special in its own way, and this year’s event in Houston felt like the perfect way to kick off the year. Despite the inevitable jet lag, my energy level was unbelievably high, and I felt so inspired throughout!

Interestingly, the jet lag turned into an unexpected gift. The early mornings gave me the luxury of time to focus on myself, starting with enjoying the hotel’s fitness facilities. It was a refreshing way to begin each day, especially after the the festive season. I wonder if I could keep this morning routine throughout the year!

Highlights of #Houston and #CL25

Houston welcomed us with open arms and put on a great display to show what it has best to offer. The facilities they offer are impressive. Some days I did 20k steps without needing to go outside, as two huge hotels and the convention center make a massive, connected complex. Adding to this setup, key venues like the Toyota Center (home to the Rockets - NBA), the Daikin Park Stadium (where we experienced the Gwen Steffani concert), and The Rustic Houston Downtown (where the "Party with a Purpose" took place) are just steps away. It’s remarkable to witness the significant investments and world-class infrastructure the U.S. has put in place to support business events.

What made this year’s edition truly special?

Content and Speakers: The lineup truly took me beyond my orbit! From Scott Galloway's 2025 predictions (I was particularly drawn to his concept of "AI is service as a software"—we get used to it easily this way, dont't we?) to talks by Liz Cheney, Brené Brown, Kishore Mahbubani , and the ever-inspiring Amal Clooney, who closed the event on a high note. Amal even shared a charming personal moment: her supportive spouse was backstage and made her a coffee—perhaps a Nespresso? Every session on the main stage left me buzzing with ideas. Holly Ransom, with her exceptional energy and insightful moderation, tied it all together seamlessly, bringing so much life into the discussions. And by the end of the conference, I couldn’t resist filling my Amazon cart with Brené’s books— to dive deeper into her insights!

Cultural Experiences: When a group of Europeans finds themselves among thousands of American delegates, we naturally form a beautiful, close-knit family, making it our mission to soak in as many cultural experiences as possible. Isn’t this what we expect delegates to do - bleisure? Sina Bünte, CMP, DES Matthias Landthaler Josefine Maier Silvano Schaer Markus Heigl Katharina Reimann

Thanks to these wonderful people (who also helped me brush up on my German), I attended my first NBA game. The chant 'Let’s go, Rockets!' is still ringing in my ears, and the Rockets undoubtedly gained some enthusiastic new European fans that night!

While my initial walk downtown surprised me with its quietness, the city revealed a unique blend of entertainment and local charm.

A City and Its Hospitality in Perfect Harmony: Houston didn’t just host Convening Leaders—it became part of it, and it was clear from the moment I arrived at the airport. And of course, the hotels were extensions of the event itself. It’s often the little things that leave the biggest impression, and US excels in delivering those thoughtful, unexpected details that make for the delegate experience. One particularly memorable example? Branded toilet paper rolls in my hotel room at the #Hilton—a quirky yet creative touch that brought the conference’s branding into even the most unexpected places. Even the fitness facilities had this attention to detail, with branded screens on the bikes and stepping machines. This alignment of city and conference showed me why the U.S. events industry is regarded as a global leader.

Private Concerts: 'No doubt', one of the unforgettable moments was the Gwen Stefani concert. Of course, I did my best to make my way right next to the stage and have a great concert experience. What an electrifying performance—the energy, the music, and the atmosphere were crazy.

Networking and Connections: Whether it was reconnecting with industry friends or meeting new contacts, the conference provided countless opportunities to forge meaningful connections, and everyone kept the promise of finding at least 5 new contacts daily. Why not bring the challenge higher when you are surrounded by 4,000 delegates? ?I loved the elevator encounters! All my conversations with American delegates were delightful, everyone is so welcoming but I must admit, I also learned a lot from the Uber drivers. Thanks to one of them we had our last Houston experience at the institutional Pit Room with the Feast No.1.

A warm hug and welcome from Sherrif Karamat, PCMA's CEO, and shared moments with industry friends added for sure something extra.

Innovation and Inspiration: The U.S. approach to conferences is unlike anything else. Everything feels like a show, from main stages to the entertainment program and to destinations showcasing their best through innovative presentations. Yet, it’s not just about the U.S.—other countries like #Canada and the Netherlands (#Rotterdam) brought fresh, innovative ideas to the stage. Congratulations Rotterdam Partners and Amara Gabri?la van der Elst! What a wonderful way to announce the Convening PCMA EMEA 2025!

Unforgettable Moments: Moments like visiting the Nasa Space Center and experiencing a stomach-churning Mars journey simulation (VR is not for everyone, as I learned!), added something extra to the experience. Would you miss the must-do experience, when you visit a city as a delegate?

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Business Wins and Professional Pride

This year’s conference wasn’t just about personal growth—it was also a significant milestone for business. During this CL25, I had the pleasure of having an American Society confirm its event in Strasbourg. Such a proud moment, as it underscored my efforts to not only discover the American business events industry but also to position #Strasbourg as an attractive destination for potential clients. And I guarantee you that once they discover Strasbourg and its facilities, they simply love it! Being able to showcase Strasbourg's major venues Palais des Congrès & Parc des Expositions Strasbourg Events and GL events Venues, on such a prominent stage and make it appealing to international organizations is a mission I hold dear. I am honored by the opportunities #StrasbourgEvents provides to amplify our city's presence on the global stage. Driving the strategic vision for marketing, destination positioning, and business events growth has been a cornerstone of my leadership. It’s a privilege to contribute to establishing Strasbourg and its major venues as a premier hub for congresses, conventions and exhibitions, advancing its reputation worldwide.

Reflections and Gratitude

Attending PCMA CL25 was far more than an opportunity to gain knowledge and build connections—it was a journey filled with moments of joy, inspiration, and discovery. This year’s edition left me energized and ready to embrace 2025 with renewed purpose and enthusiasm. As Brené Brown aptly said, 'When people leave gatherings with more energy than they brought, that’s what success looks like.' PCMA CL25 embodied that success beautifully.

For me, the U.S. mindset and design—the “show” of it all—offers new perspectives on how far we can go with delegates experience from a venue perspective but also from a destination perspective. Many inspirational takeaways that I can bring back to Europe and to France.

From event design and thought leadership on the main stage to casual conversations over coffee, every interaction added value.

Thank you, PCMA, for delivering yet another unforgettable experience! A special thanks to Houston for your warm hospitality and texan charm. Until next time!

On a side note, I only learned about the Houston Underground while dining at the airport before my flight—apparently, that’s where it all happens! It’s now on my list for a future visit, along with the Museum District and its world-class art offerings. Can’t wait to come back and explore! Houston First Corporation George R. Brown Convention Center Daniel Palomo, MBA, MSc.

About PCMA

The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) is the world's largest community for business events strategists, with a global membership of over 8,000 professionals. Founded in 1956 in Philadelphia, PCMA is now headquartered in Chicago—a city that holds a special place in my heart. A beautiful coincidence as my connection to #Chicago deepened during a learning expedition with 法国EDHEC高等商学院 | EDHEC Executive Education & MBAs , where I shared wonderful memories with my dear cohort and, most importantly, had invaluable insights into the U.S. market and business opportunities.

Over the years, PCMA has expanded its reach beyond North America, establishing regional communities in APAC, EMEA, and LATAM. This growth has been further bolstered by strategic acquisitions and partnerships, such as the Events Learning Institute (ELI) and SPARK, an AI tool, solidifying its position as a leader in professional development for event strategists.

Its Foundation, that celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, invests close to $1 million in the future of business events, and since 1985 has funded over 2,500 scholarships, 100 research studies and education programs, and $2.5M in charitable giving. Proud and grateful to have been one of the recipients.

PCMA’s flagship event is "Convening Leaders", an annual conference that gathers around 5,000 participants, the majority of whom are meeting planners. This event serves as a platform for innovation, collaboration, and transformative ideas, setting the tone for the year ahead in the business events landscape.