US-based meetings industry association PCMA has selected 20 emerging leaders from the next generation of global business events professionals for its annual ’20 in their Twenties’ programme. Now in its 12th year, the programme honours young professionals who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and a clear commitment to advancing the global business events community.
The Class of 2026 represents organisers and suppliers from several PCMA countries, including Australia, Austria, France, Germany, Malaysia, Scotland and the United States. Supported by the PCMA Foundation and Experience Columbus, the 2026 Class will be introduced during Convening Leaders 2026 (CL26), 11-14 January in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
“PCMA’s 20 in Their Twenties programme stretches beyond individual recognition,” said Meredith Rollins, PCMA chief community officer and executive director, PCMA Foundation. “These young professionals are already shaping how our global business events community learns, connects, and creates economic and social progress. When we invest in future leaders, we invest in a stronger future for our community.”
The PCMA ’20 in Their Twenties’ Class of 2026 includes: Holly Barnett, project manager Touchpoint Meeting Services Anasthassia Bohne-Gattesco sales manager locations Messe München Rilee Bradshaw, CEM client relationship manager Freeman Makenzie Brown, international associations sales manager The Scottish Event Campus Katie Croy, manager, exhibit & sponsorship sales RE+ Events Jaden DiMeo, event coordinator Events DC Giulia Ferrero, director of event marketing Swapcard Saïda Florexil, CEO Imanyco Katharina Fressner, sales manager Austria Center Vienna Juan Pablo Garcia chief sales officer OZUM Events Shimal Jaykant, DES SEPC conference and events manager Medical Conference Partners Hannah Jennings, convention sales coordinator Visit Denver Sydney Lowe, senior manager of events Heartland Forward Abby Melville, executive meeting planner BCD Meetings & Events Sadie Noland, marketing and sales specialist, Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting Kaitlin Payne, CMP, meetings and events manager National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Ashlen Rosenbaum, content and programme coordinator, Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting Anna Schelling, manager events, GCB German Convention Bureau e.V. Rachel Smith, meeting coordinator Optica Blake Waravdekar, DES meeting planner Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
The Class of 2026 receives a variety of benefits, including a scholarship to participate in PCMA Convening Leaders 2026, complimentary registration for edUcon 2026, a one-year complimentary PCMA membership, and a feature profile in PCMA’s Convene magazine.
Headquartered in Chicago, IL PCMA has 17 North American Chapters, regional communities in APAC, EMEA and LATAM, and members in 72 countries and communities.