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PCMA EduCon Recap

PCMA’s EduCon Storytelling Theme Inspired This Year’s Chapter Scholarship Winner

By: Taylor Abbate – Meetings Planner, American Public Works Association

Let me start by saying I had a FABULOUS time at PCMA Educon 2019! (June 25-28 in Los Angeles, CA). I am so grateful to have received a scholarship from the PCMA Heartland Chapter to attend my very first industry conference! 

Taking my first steps into the JW Marriott in Los Angeles, I was instantly greeted with the large PCMA letters in bright colors behind the hotel staff checking guests in. I saw other industry attendees greet each other – some recognizing familiar faces, others meeting each other for the first time. The positive energy in the room was contagious! 

I went up to my room, got settled, and freshened up. Before heading to the opening reception, I met up with a friend in the industry for dinner. Being the big Bravo TV fans that we are, we headed to SUR Restaurant and Lounge in West Hollywood. We are both HUGE Vanderpump Rules fans and we were crossing our fingers to see one of the cast members there – and we did! They were also filming the next season, which was awesome to see. I wish someone could have taken a picture of the look on our faces when we saw it all happening – I am pretty sure both of our jaws hit the floor as the hostess walked us to our table. Though we were both so starstruck, we mustered up the courage to ask for a picture. If anyone is familiar with the cast of Vanderpump Rules, I am standing next to Raquel Leviss! Ahhhh-mamzing! 


After dinner I headed to the welcoming reception at The Novo. The opening reception did not disappoint! PCMA brought EnVougue to perform! It was so much fun – everyone was loved it! 

 

The fun did not stop at PCMA Educon, that’s for sure. The speakers Educon had this year were all incredible – I’ll even admit, I teared up listening to some of them. What I really enjoyed about the speakers they chose was that they all had a story to tell – though all their stories motivated and inspired each and every single one of us, we were all able to connect to each speaker’s story in our own personal way, without feeling like we just got preached a motivational speech. If you asked me to pick who my favorite keynote was, I would have to say all of them! All of them were so diverse provided such moving stories and inspiration to be our best selves in the workplace and in our personal lives. Talking with other attendees, we all kept saying how refreshing it was to hear speakers tell a story and not talk “at you”. 

 

The very first speaker on the first day was John Ondrasik – also known as Five For Fighting, was one of the most unique keynotes I have ever listened to. For being a music icon known all around the world, everyone I’m sure was at least able to recognize one of his many well-known songs, “Superman (It’s Not Easy),” “100 Years,” “The Riddle,” “Chances,” and many more.  I learned there is much, much more to him than his music. His keynote was moving, and I was able to relate to him on a personal level as well as a professional level. I believe his keynote truly set the tone for the whole conference (and he played a few of his songs as well which was awesome!). 

 

Tamara Catchings had everyone in their feelings while she told her story and shared with us how each of us can find our superpower(s). At one point I was reaching for the tissues I had in my purse and then before I knew it, I was on my feet cheering with my peers. When you shift your mindset, make necessary adjustments, are 100% yourself all the time, are ready to take chances and succeed, and remembering that the action of smiling takes you places, you are destined to take home the gold in your personal life, career, and in relationships

Ritu Bhasin, an incredible speaker, spoke to us about the Authenticity Principle. She connected with all of us so well on what it means to understand what it really means to be yourself, live your truth, and stand in your power. I think a lot of people my age (25 years young) struggle with this in the professional world. We are taught to always be professional – down to the way we dress, act, and speak at work. Ritu’s commitment to disrupting the status quo to build a world in which each of us celebrates our own differences and the differences of others, she helped us all find ways to empower ourselves to courageously choose to be who we really are – with ourselves, in relationships, and work.

 

I believe this conference really spoke with the theme of storytelling. From the speakers each having their own story, each attendee learning what their story is (more on that later), each education session connecting their knowledge of the topic to their own personal story and experience, down to each meal (themes included diner, picnic, sport outing, on the beach, and more!) it all flowed together seamlessly. 

PCMA had its own story to tell – it was a story that PCMA did an excellent job making come to life. The theme continued to carry on during the breaks, networking receptions, and dinners – it provided an opportunity for people with various roles in the industry to share their story with one another. It was incredible to network with other attendees to hear their story about their experiences in the industry and how they got to where they are today. Being a young professional in the industry (about three years), it is incredibly beneficial to me to hear the stories of others and learn about how they got to where they are in the industry today. Though we all only got to spend time together for just a few days, I know the friendships I made at this conference will last a lifetime. 

 

One of the most unique and moving experiences I had at Educon was the Dear World: Your Story, Your Words, Your Journey keynote, which talked about the three-step method in helping each of us find our story. Keshia Hannam guided us all to foster powerful connections with one another and really dig deep and find our story. I got to tell my story to a few of my peers as well as having the opportunity to hear others tell their story. It was truly a moving experience. Like many others, I did not know I even had a story to share – but going through this process, I was able to find my story and came to realize that my story essentially drives how I live my life every day. At the end of the session we were all able to take photos with words of our story written on our bodies… I know this sounds weird, but it was a really cool experience. I am looking forward to seeing how the photos turned out. I highly recommend everyone checking out their website

PCMA Heartland Chapter, I cannot thank you all enough for giving me the opportunity to experience my first industry conference. The knowledge I gained at this conference, the friendships I made, and the memories to look back on are priceless. 

Jacky ListonPCMA EduCon Recap