PCMA Unveils Their 2018 ‘20 in Their Twenties’ Class
October 2, 2017
The 20 in their Twenties program, supported by the Professional Convention Management Association Education Foundation and Visit Seattle, is designed to engage the best and brightest young professionals in the business event industry. By recognizing emerging leaders, and their talents, PCMA helps to support a new generation of business event strategists around the world.
“The 20 in their Twenties program is a great way to recognize and engage rising stars in the industry,” said Rob Hampton, senior vice president of Convention Sales and Services for Visit Seattle.
He added, “It gives young professionals the opportunity to build camaraderie among their peers and gives ushe veterans in the industry - a chance to hear fresh ideas and perspectives and nurture new talent. This is a program Visit Seattle is proud to support.”
20 in their Twenties Class of 2018
Alexandra Adsit, CMP, CEM
Meeting Planner
AAMC
Charlottesville, VA
Chloe Armstrong
Bid Executive
Melbourne Convention Bureau
Melbourne, Australia
Sina Bünte, DES
Events Manager
ICCA
Amsterdam Netherlands
Erica Critzer, CMP
Regional Director of Sales
Visit Dallas
Arlington, VA
Patrick Crosson, CMP
Producer
agencyEA,
Chicago, IL
Carmen Ferrari, CMP
Events and Marketing Manager
European Photonics Industry Consortium
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Idil Findikoğlu,
Marketing Manager
Kenes Group
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Karin Hagemann
Head of Convention Bureau
Montreux-Vevey Tourisme & Convention Bureau
Bern Area, Switzerland
Caitlin Hume, CMP
Business Events Manager
Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc (RIMS)
New York, NY
Chloe Lai
Conference Producer
Medical Conference Partners
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Annamarie Luccarelli
Project Coordinator, Conferences and Educational Programs
Harborside Press
Trenton, NJ
Samantha Mele
Proposal & Product Developer
JPdL
Toronto, ON
Cahal Mowery, MBA, CMP, CTA
Director of Sales & Catering
JW Marriott Houston Downtown
Houston, TX
Brittany Saylor
Senior Meeting Planner
Right Hand Events
San Diego, CA
Barrie Schwartz
Founder/CEO
My House Social
New Orleans, LA
Allison Shebek
Associate Director of Experience Design
AlliedPRA
Phoenix, AZ
Kyle Smith, DES
Digital Event Strategist
Conference Consultancy South Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
Sara Stehle, CMP
Conference Specialist
International Association of Fire Chiefs
Washington, DC
Andrew Sykes
Assistant General Manager
FMAV
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Rasheena Wilson, CMP
Meeting and Exhibits Coordinator
American Society of Nephrology
Washington, DC
“This is our fifth class of the 20 brightest talents in the industry worldwide. Each year, we continue to be inspired by the passion and insights these individuals bring to the business events community. It is our honor to recognize the excellence of these emerging innovative leaders,” said Deborah Sexton, PCMA president and CEO.
Criteria for applicants was to be employed full time in the business events industry, be 29 years old or younger at the time of recognition and to demonstrate ways they consider themselves to be industry leaders. Applicants were not required to be PCMA members.
A committee made up of veteran industry professionals and 20 in their twenties alumni reviewed approximately 50 applications in detail before deciding on the class.
The individuals selected will receive a scholarship registration to attend PCMA’s signature event, Convening Leaders this January in Nashville, Tenn.; complimentary registration for PCMA’s June conference in Cleveland, Ohio, in June 2018; as well as one year of PCMA membership. In addition, recipients will receive membership and registration discounts for the next two years.
Recipients will be recognized at Convening Leaders this January, as well as in Convene Magazine and other PCMA communications.
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.
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