A new study reveals that our brains may have aged nearly six months during the pandemic—regardless of whether we had COVID-19. In this Convene Talk episode, the team explores what that means for our industry, how meetings support brain health, and why live experiences are more essential than ever.

Links:

·       Pandemic aged our brains – even those who never caught Covid, study finds: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/covid-health-brain-health-impact-b2793636.html

·       An Events Industry Leader’s Strategies for Managing Stress: https://www.pcma.org/events-industry-leader-strategies-managing-stress/

·       Pandemic Pastimes: How Hobbies Help Us Deal with Stress: https://www.pcma.org/pandemic-hobbies-mental-health/

·       Wildfires, Dementia, and Event Disruptions: New Challenges for Planners: https://www.pcma.org/wildfires-dementia-event-disruptions-new-challenges-planners/

·       SHRM Research Shows Generational Mental Health Divide: https://www.shrm.org/about/press-room/shrm-research-shows-generational-mental-health-divide

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/ 

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Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine 

X: https://x.com/pcmaconvene  

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 

How a conference for lifestyle medicine practitioners takes a page from its own prescription pad.

Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief at Convene.

Read the Article: 

This Medical Meeting Builds Wellness Into the Program: https://www.pcma.org/medical-meeting-build-wellness-program/

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Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine 

X: https://x.com/pcmaconvene  

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

In this episode of the Convene podcast, the editorial team breaks down the bill’s potential impact on the U.S. events industry — from wins like expanded Pell Grant access and airport modernization, to major concerns over Brand USA’s 80% funding cut. Tune in as we unpack the ripple effects on international attendance, workforce development, global competitiveness, and more.

Links:

·       The $80 Million Mistake: How America Just Defunded Its Own Influence: https://www.gatheringpoint.news/p/the-80-million-mistake-how-america?r=l1yon

·       David Adler’s comment on LI: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/david-adler_the-80-million-mistake-how-america-just-activity-7347933082856943616-aIeI/

·       Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance Applauds the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Becoming Law: https://www.exhibitionsconferencesalliance.org/press-releases/exhibitions-conferences-alliance-applauds-one-big-beautiful-bill-act-becoming-law

·       Tommy Goodwin on LI: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tommygoodwin_on-july-4-president-donald-j-trump-signed-activity-7347925685933404161-IYtB/

·       FIFA Club World Cup ticket prices slashed for semifinal at MetLife Stadium: https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/fifa-club-world-cup-tickets-metlife-stadium-2025/

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 

X: https://x.com/pcmaconvene  

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 

The Austin Convention Center has set its sights on becoming the first zero-carbon convention center certified by the International Living Future Institute.

Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene.

Read the Article: 

Will This Be the Greenest Convention Center on the Planet?: https://www.pcma.org/greenest-convention-center-2/

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Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine 

X: https://x.com/pcmaconvene  

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

In this episode, the Convene team explores why the beloved book convention is making a comeback, what it says about shifting cultural habits, and how in-person literary gatherings are reemerging as powerful community hubs. Plus, ideas for how event organizers can take inspiration from this trend to better engage younger audiences.

Links:

·       BookCon Will Return in 2026: https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/trade-shows-events/article/98044-bookcon-will-return-in-2026.html

·       Designing an Intimate Conference for 10,000: https://www.pcma.org/designing-intimate-conference-10000/

·       The New Era of Gathering: Embracing ‘Generous Authority’: https://www.pcma.org/priya-parker-new-era-gathering-embracing-generous-authority/

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 

X: https://x.com/pcmaconvene  

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 

At the 2024 Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services (ABOS) Conference, library professionals showcased innovative ways they bring books, resources, and support to communities often left behind — from Alzheimer’s caregivers to incarcerated youth. But funding and recognition remain key challenges.

Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief at Convene.

Read the Article: 

Taking Library Services on the Road: https://www.pcma.org/bookmobiles-outreach-services/

Follow Convene:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ 

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Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine 

X: https://x.com/pcmaconvene  

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

In this episode, the Convene team explores new research on the rising number of weather-related disruptions — from storms and heatwaves to wildfires — and the mounting financial and operational risks for event organizers. The conversation offers insights into how planners can strengthen resilience, advocate for data-informed decisions, and turn challenges into leadership opportunities.

Links:

·       Mapping the impact of extreme weather on global events and mass gatherings: Trends and adaptive strategies: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212420925004522

·       When the Show Goes On: Planning Events After a Natural Disaster: https://www.pcma.org/extreme-weather-risk-event-planning/

·       Convene 4 Climate: https://convene4climate.org/ 

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 

X: https://x.com/pcmaconvene  

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 

The launch of a new event, designed to celebrate and support those who identify as having brains that are wired a little differently, provides insights for designing neurodivergent-friendly meetings.

Written and read by Barbara Palmer, deputy editor at Convene.

Read the Article: 

A New Event Embraces Neurodivergence: https://www.pcma.org/neurodivergence-event-design-differently-wired-minds/

Follow Convene:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ 

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Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine 

X: https://x.com/pcmaconvene  

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

Airports aren’t just gateways—they can be game changers for event professionals. In this Convene Talk we explore how planners are underutilizing airports and airlines in the event experience. From welcome moments and in-airport meetings to lounge perks and missed group sales opportunities, the team shares practical ideas and examples that will have you rethinking how to partner with the travel infrastructure you (and your attendees) already use.

Links:

·       New study reveals the top 10 airports for business travel: https://www.traveldailynews.com/statistics-trends/the-top-10-airports-for-business-travel-revealed-by-new-study/

·       How to Design for Return on Emotion: https://www.pcma.org/design-for-return-on-emotion/

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 

X: https://x.com/pcmaconvene  

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 

The American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery transformed its annual meeting awards program into something far less ceremonial and far more engaging, based on audience insights.

Written and read by Michelle Russell, editor in chief at Convene.

Read the Article: 

How ASCRS Rebooted Its Awards Ceremony to Increase Audience Engagement: https://www.pcma.org/award-ceremony-increase-audience-engagement/

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 

X: https://x.com/pcmaconvene  

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