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Get to know one of the members of the 2018 Class of 20 in Their Twenties. She’s a rising star in the events industry who is aiming to stay ahead of the trends in technology and elevate event management in the academic arena.
Sina Bünte, DES
The rising stars who receive PCMA’s 20 in Their Twenties honors are the game-changers and difference-makers who will shape the next generation of attendee engagement. As the PCMA Education Foundation aims to accelerate the trajectories of the most promising minds in the business events industry, PCMA’s editorial team caught up with one of the members of the 2018 class. Get to know Sina Bünte, the events manager at the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and a recent recipient of the Digital Event Strategist certification.
What do you like most about your job?
I’m very much a social person who enjoys meeting new people and getting to know other cultures. It gives me a clearer perspective about how the world works, and to be living and working in one of the world’s most prominent social and cultural melting pots — Amsterdam — amplifies this innate thirst. I feel very lucky as well that my job provides me with the opportunity to travel and see more. I get to meet many of our members several times a year, and so to me, they become like my own ICCA family.
From an organizer’s point of view, I really thrive on project management and project coordination. Working with an international team with various stakeholders to create great events has its many perks and challenges. However, nothing beats the adrenalin rush and pure excitement that I get to experience when I arrive on site and see all the months’ worth of preparations actually come to life. Watching the participants enjoying our events, gaining knowledge, and making new connections is a very gratifying experience.
What’s the best day you’ve had in the meetings industry so far?
I’ve had many great moments, but if I have to mention one in particular, that would be the last day of our conference in Japan this year. I was tasked to see through the whole event alongside managing our department, the speakers, and local partners. With 150 participants, it was the biggest conference so far that I’ve autonomously dealt with. It was a very successful conference, and to receive positive feedback and clear confirmation about what a success it was from members and other stakeholders made me feel proud and humbled at the same time. Moreover, at ICCA we create events for both professionals who are new to the field and seasoned experts in the industry. This aspect makes it equally challenging and refreshing, since involving both audiences in the whole equation results in learning and deeper understanding of the industry we’re in.
Where would you like your career to go?
My ultimate career goal is to become an events designer: a professional consultant for companies and associations who can help improve their meetings strategy and offer fresh new ideas for increased engagement and interaction. I would like to be an expert in the latest technology trends that can be used for events in order to keep on reinventing.
Additionally, I’ve always enjoyed helping people. Having said this, I would also like to teach at the university level someday, especially in central Europe, where there is a lack of event-management courses at public universities. Lastly, I’d like to generate more interest in association meetings management and make this industry more attractive to students, who potentially will be the future leaders of our field.
Now Accepting Applications for the 2019 Class
Do you know someone who deserves to be considered for the 2019 class of 20 in Their Twenties? Or are you that someone? Click here to submit your application before the August 10 deadline.