PCMA Unveils 2023 Class of Emerging Leaders for ‘20 in Their Twenties’ Program

November 18, 2022

The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) is ushering in the next generation of global business event professionals with the selection of 20 people for its annual “20 in Their Twenties” program. The class of 2023 represents business event strategists, suppliers and destinations from the North America and EMEA regions.

Supported by the PCMA Foundation and Experience Columbus, the class of 2023 will be honored at PCMA Convening Leaders 2023, set for Jan. 8-11 in Columbus, Ohio.

“These 20 leaders represent the future of the global business event industry, as they are making a significant impact for their organizations and helping to advance the profession overall,” said Meredith Rollins, PCMA’s chief community officer and executive director of the PCMA Foundation. “We are fortunate to have a committed task force comprised of members, including class alumni, to review, discuss and ultimately select this next generation of industry leaders.”

The PCMA “20 in Their Twenties” class of 2023 includes:

Nikki Bibbero
Founder, Event Manager
Bibbero Meetings and Events


Laura Caprioli
Acting Business Events Manager
VisitBritain/VisitEngland


Sarah Chen
Convention Marketing Manager
Visit Anaheim


Malcolm Farrell-Mitchell
Senior Business Development Manager – UK & Europe
Business Events Perth


Kate Fries
Meeting Manager and Business Development Manager
Bostrom


Nikki Gonzales
Chief of Staff
Soundings


Sibley Guilianelli, CSEP, CIS
Registration Manager, Customer Experience & Insights
Creative Group, Inc.


Tomell Harbison
Meeting & Event Coordinator
Talley Management Group


Eimear Hone
Senior Association Account Manager
ICC Belfast


Anna Lommatzsch, CMP, DES
Event Manager
Informa Markets, Global Licensing Group


Siena Manoogian, MBA
Annual Meetings Coordinator
American Urological Association


Mary Kate McBurney, MBA
Conference Manager
Meeting Expectations


Ashley Montoya
Chief Staff Executive & Membership Manager
Civica Associations Conferences & Exhibitions


Kadejah Omokaro, MBA, DES
Manager of Conferences and Events
National Head Start Association


Mara Rodas
Sales Coordinator, Global Sales & Service
Destination Toronto


Cole Sales
Marketing Manager
eShipping


Taylor Savage
Regional Director
Experience Columbus


Jenna Sopko
Manager, Business Meetings and Events
National Association of REALTORS


Heather VanderVoet
Event Coordinator
Hamilton Convention Centre by Carmen’s


Diana Zarate, MA
Client Relationship Manager
Shocklogic


The class of 2023 receives a variety of benefits, including a scholarship to participate in Convening Leaders 2023, complimentary registration for PCMA EduCon 2023 in Montreal, one-year complimentary PCMA membership and a feature story in PCMA’s Convene magazine.

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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.