pcma
Photo: PCMA

PCMA has selected 20 emerging leaders from the next generation of global business events professionals for its annual “20 in Their Twenties” program. This highly competitive program – in its 12th year – honours young professionals who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and a clear commitment to advancing the global business events community.

The class of 2026 represents organizers 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) January 11-14 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

“PCMA’s 20 in Their Twenties program 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.”

pcma
Photo: PCMA

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 & 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 & Sales Specialist
    Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting
  • Kaitlin Payne, CMP
    Meetings and Events Manager
    National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS)
  • Ashlen Rosenbaum
    Content and Program 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.


Find out more about PCMA here

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