Something is shifting in the way organizations approach events. Larger, high-cost destinations are no longer the default choice they once were. Instead, there is growing interest in regional and smaller
Attendees are arriving more drained than ever. Not just from travel, but from packed schedules, constant connectivity, and the expectation to always be “on.” This accumulation of physical, mental, and
For years, event professionals have focused intensely on the attendee journey. From the first registration click to the final session sendoff, every touchpoint is carefully mapped, measured, and refined. Yet
Our PCMA Heartland Student Chapters are actively seeking industry speakers, internship placements, and on‑site event support opportunities—both paid and volunteer—to help students gain real‑world experience in meetings and events. If you, your organization,
The PCMA Heartland Chapter is excited to continue strengthening professional connections through our 2026 Mentorship Program, designed to support students, Next Gen members, and industry professionals at every stage of
Hello PCMA Heartland Chapter Members, I look forward to the opportunity to serve as the President of the chapter for 2026. I joined the chapter about 10 years ago as
Thank you to the PCMA Heartland Chapter! Gratitude for the 2026 Convening Leaders Scholarship I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the PCMA Heartland Chapter for awarding me
The PCMA Heartland Chapter recognizes an exceptional young professional from the business events industry residing within the boundaries of the chapter. The Belinda “B” Waldo Memorial Scholarship for Service Award
When you give to the PCMA Foundation, you’re not just making a donation — you’re changing lives. Your support helps provide scholarships that directly benefit our chapter members, giving them
“I’m incredibly grateful to PCMA Heartland for the opportunity to attend edUcon 2025 in Louisville, KY through their scholarship program. As someone who recently made the shift from the exhibitor
Who is eligible? One (1) Heartland Chapter Meeting Professional or Supplier member in good standing. What is included? (1) Heartland Scholarship includes registration
Dear PCMA Heartland Chapter Members, I hope everyone is looking forward to the warmer weather next week! It is with great excitement (and gratitude) that I introduce myself as the new President of the PCMA
I was honored to receive the Heartland Chapter scholarship to attend PCMA Convening Leaders January 13-15, 2025, in Houston! I had not been able to attend Convening Leaders for several
A huge congratulations to our talented Chapter Member, Kaylee Harris, Maritz, for being recognized with the prestigious “20 in Their Twenties” award by PCMA! This remarkable achievement highlights Kaylee’s exceptional contributions and
The PCMA Heartland Chapter recognizes an exceptional young professional from the business events industry residing within the boundaries of the chapter. In 2025, the inaugural year for this award, we
Kate was our chapter scholarship winner for EduCon and recieved reimbursed registration fee, three nights of accommodation at host hotel and airfare (up to $500). I appreciate the scholarship that
Leyla was one of our two chapter scholarship recipients. Recipients recieved $500 in reimbursement towards their expenses for E3 conference. Attending my first E3 conference was an exciting and enlightening
Tyece was one of our two chapter scholarship recipients. Recipients recieved $500 in reimbursement towards their expenses for E3 conference. Attending the E3 conference in St. Louis was a fabulous
Our E3 Conference held at Live! by Loews Saint Louis was an incredible success! We had 90 registered to attend. The speakers and programming were engaging and lots of memories
Welcome to our new Chapter member Katie Kinsella, CMP, Convention and Events Strategist, American Academy of Family Physicians The first concert I went to was: hmm, hard to remember but possibly
Welcome to new Heartland Chapter member Dustin Roberson, Regional Sales Director, Encore. The first concert I went to was: Sick and Twisted Tour with Korn and Staind around 1997. My
The Best in Class Program was successful and enjoyable with more than 40 members/nonmembers in attendance. Thank you to Meg Fasy, Founder of FazeFWD & eventsGIG who presented The Future
At the Heartland Chapter’s February 2, 2023, Annual Awards & Installation Banquet, 2022 President Vicki Baker presented five awards. “All of these awards acknowledge a meeting professional who excels in
Today, Hayley Neverve, our new Chapter president, shares these insights about her and her vision for our Chapter during 2023. When did you become involved in the PCMA Heartland Chapter
What an incredible experience! This is my third time attending Convening Leaders and each time I spend the flight home thinking of all the phenomenal experiences that I have had over the last few days.
Our featured speakers Justin Meyer, Deputy Director of Aviation – Marketing & Air Service Development, Andrea O’Hara, Executive Director of the Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Kansas City, and
Written by Tauhni Willenborg and Maycee Quick Every semester, the Advanced Events class at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln plans live events with and for our community partners. Every three
The Student Industry Exploration Trip was enlightening for everyone involved! PCMA’s Heartland Chapter, Emerging Leaders Committee last month welcomed 15
More than 100 people participated in this year’s Annual Golf Classic event on September 29, 2022, at T-Shotz in Kansas City, MO. Thank you to the event sponsors: Visit KC
Key takeaways from panel discussion on F & B trends in the industry.
Nearly 40 Chapter members attended the June 12-14 E3 Conference at the Margaritaville Lake Resort in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. The two-day conference featured educational panel discussions and networking
Focus On A Member Series: Heather Miller
Highlights from Annual Awards Banquet and Auction
Thank you, Sandy, for your remarkable service to the Heartland Chapter during 2020 and 2021 as Chapter president. Your leadership, perseverance, and dedication have been truly remarkable. We are all
Our Chapter’s Annual Awards, Installation Banquet & Auction on Thursday, February 10, 2022 featured among many things the following speech from incoming Chapter president, Vicki Baker, Senior Account Executive, Association Account Sales Organization, Marriott International. Please read on to learn more about Vicki, her vision and theme for the Chapter for 2022, and the advice past Chapter presidents shared with Vicki as she embarks on her new role for the Chapter.
Cheri Jones recaps her experience at CL 2022.
Meet chapter member Amber Prosser
Smiling faces (even behind masks) was the key takeaway from the Chapter Reception at PCMA Convening Leaders in Las Vegas earlier this month. How great it was to be in-person,
The Heartland Chapter is honored to be teaming up with Kansas City Hospice for their Stockings for Seniors Program this holiday season. We will be filling stockings and gift bags
PCMA Heartland Chapter is pleased to present our proposed 2022 Slate of Officers and Board Members. The 2021 Board of Directors wish to thank these dedicated members for their continued
The PCMA Chapter Challenge is here! PCMA Foundation is hosting the annual PCMA Foundation Raffle. To get everyone excited for Convening Leaders 2022, PCMA Foundation has added some extra fun.
We have two new Membership committee members that we wanted to introduce you to. Please welcome Bel Hanson, CMP, DES, Senior Manager of Operations and Programs for International Society for
Thank you to our fellow Chapter members who responded to the survey Sandy recently sent. Here is some of the feedback received so far regarding food and beverage, hotel negotiations
As this year unfolds and we then enter 2022, returning to in-person events will be both welcoming and perhaps even revelational. Rich Vallaster, CEM, DES of Personify A2Z Events shared
Today we spotlight Visit Wichita Kansas – one of the Heartland Chapter’s valued sponsors. What is recently new in Wichita, KS? Our Flexibility Promise offers no attrition, no food and
This week in our Focus On A Member Series, we hear from Taylor Abbate, CMP What was your favorite Netflix binge during 2020? New Girl! I have probably watched the
This week for our Focus On A Member series, we hear from Kristin Malek, PhD, CMP, CED, DES, CHE. What was your favorite Netflix binge during 2020? Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
This week for our Focus On A Member series, we hear from Melissa Whitaker CMP, DES Meetings Consultant What was your favorite Netflix binge during 2020? So many to choose from: Virgin
