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 While most meeting industry observers state that the meeting market has been on an upswing, a double digit increase in attendance from one year to the next is still unusual. But that boast can be made by the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) 2007 Leadership Conference. Attendance grew by 30 percent over the previous year’s event—more than 250 PCMA members and meetings industry professionals—which was in April at  Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

In addition to the event’s innovative educational theme— "Creating a People-Centric Culture"—the attendance jump was the result of a new PCMA policy that opened attendance to the entire PCMA membership for the first time—previous shows were open only to members who served on PCMA committees at the national and/or state chapter levels.

The change in attendance policy was made to correspond to an expanding definition concept of leadership within the meeting industry profession. "Many PCMA members are leaders within the meetings industry," said Sharon DelaBarre, CMP, PCMA 2007 Chairman. "They are continually working to refine their leadership skills, and enhance the work environment of those around them."

 Insightful educational sessions were led by inspiring speakers and well-known industry leaders.  Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Consuelo Castillo-Kickbusch kicked off the opening general session by sharing her emotional journey from living in a ghetto known as the "devil's den" to becoming the highest-ranking Hispanic woman in the combat support field in the U. S. Army. A lecture by Meg Crofton, president of the Walt Disney World Resort,   focused on how Disney inspires a workforce of more than 60,000 "cast members" to deliver exceptional service.

Another leadership seminar featured a dynamic panel led by moderator John Folks, president, Minding Your Business, Inc. Panelists included Gary Sain, president, Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau; Nicki Grossman, president and CEO, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau; James Youngblood, CEO, Heart Rhythm Society; and Michael Payne, executive vice president and managing director, SmithBucklin. 

The PCMA Leadership Conference is an annual event designed to help PCMA members grow leadership skills and motivate their teams. "The Leadership Conference is one of the most intimate educational and networking opportunities available for these professionals," added DelaBarre.