Education Day and Trade Show

Please join us for the annual PCMA PHL Education Day and Trade Show on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center! Join your colleagues and 50 exhibitors from CVBs, hotels, AV companies, exhibit and transportation companies, and more, as we come together to learn, network, socialize, and have fun!

Agenda:
10:00am-11:00am: Registration
11:00am-11:30am: Welcome
11:30am-12:30pm: Education Session I: Josh Grimes, Esq., Attorney at Law, Grimes Law Offices, LLC
12:30pm-2:30pm: Networking Lunch and Exhibits
2:30pm-2:45pm: Welcome Back
2:45pm-3:45pm: Education Session II: PCMA Best in Class Speaker, Kimberly Hardcastle Geddes, President & Chief Marketing Strategist, mdg, A Freeman Company
3:45pm-4:00pm: Closing Remarks
4:00pm-6:00pm: Exhibits and Networking Reception with entertainment and prizes

Click here for quick access to register!

Education Session I
“Just When I Thought I’d Seen it All!”: New Considerations in Contracting
Joshua L. Grimes, Esq., Attorney at Law, Grimes Law Offices, LLC
In the ever-evolving landscape of meeting and event planning, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. Within the last 12-18 months, planners and suppliers have been faced with historic weather events, data breaches, massive travel disruptions, new and increasing fees, high turnover in sales roles, controversial new laws, and heightened security concerns.

Join noted veteran industry attorney, Joshua L. Grimes, Esq., as he dives into the latest trends in contracting, what’s driving these changes, and how planners and suppliers can successfully work together to build fair contracts and successful meetings. Whether you’re a seasoned planner or new to the field, this session offers indispensable knowledge to elevate your contracting game.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify and analyze the latest developments in contracting
• Discuss insights into crafting contract terms that protect all parties involved and ensure successful event outcomes.
• Incorporate creative and flexible solutions to address new and evolving legal implications related to meeting planning.

Networking Lunch and Exhibits:
Enjoy lunch on our trade show floor!  This is your opportunity to mix and mingle with our incredible exhibitor partners. A list of exhibitors attending this event can be found here.

Education Session II
10 Fresh Insights That Will Transform How You Plan, Produce, and Market Events
PCMA Best in Class Presenter: Kimberly Hardcastle Geddes, President & Chief Marketing Strategist, mdg, A Freeman Company
This dynamic session will dive into essential new event industry insights you can’t afford to ignore, including everything from strategic planning to campaign execution to the onsite experience. Kimberly will discuss how generational and societal shifts will require a fresh approach to event design, the promotional channels to use, and how messages are conveyed to prospective participants. In addition, Kimberly will engage the audience in a peer-to-peer discussion about how to translate insights into action.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify and analyze key trends and developments in the event industry.
• Explore how generational shifts impact event design and participant recruitment and engagement.
• Participate in peer-to-peer discussions to share experiences and strategies.

Reception & Exhibits:
Join us for a reception on our trade show floor hosted by Aramark.  This is another opportunity to connect with our exhibitors. We will have entertainment provided by EBE Talent, along with prizes!

Hotel Room Block:
A discounted room block of $99.00 is available at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel located at 1200 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA. The booking link is PCMA PHL Education Day. The cutoff date is August 21.

Meeting Rooms, Directions & Parking:
This event will take place in Ballrooms A and B at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The PACC is located at 1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA. Click here for information about getting to the PACC and area parking. The closest entrance to the Ballrooms is the Market Street entrance. When you enter from Market Street, go up the escalator to the Marriott gate. Once inside the gate, go directly to the escalators straight ahead, or to the elevator located on the east side of the 200-level hallway. Ascend to the top, and you are in the Ballroom AB Pre-function area where registration will be. Please note: Upon entry at Market Street, there are a few stairs. If you need an alternate route to avoid stairs, please contact [email protected].

Registration Information:

• Membership in the PCMA Greater Philadelphia Chapter is not required to attend. Guests are welcome.
• If you are not a member, click here to learn more about membership.
• If you are a member of PCMA, but not a member of the Philadelphia Chapter, please contact [email protected] to add the Philadelphia Chapter to your account. The cost to add a chapter to your membership is $30.00.
• Early registration closes on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 11:59pm. After that, only onsite registration will be available beginning at 10:00am on September 12, 2024.
• If you are a planner in need of financial assistance in order to attend this event, please contact [email protected].
• Click here to register or click on the blue button below.

Thank you to our hosts and sponsors!