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Peggy Daidakis Reflects on a Long Career in Venue Management
Peggy Daidakis, executive director of the Baltimore Convention Center and the first woman to lead a U.S. convention center, will officially retire in September.
New Chief Diversity Officer on ‘Complex’ Task Ahead
Just one day after she officially started as Destinations International’s inaugural chief diversity officer, Sophia Hyder Hock chatted with Convene. Here’s what she brings to the CVB industry and where she’ll be focusing on making an impact.
How This Groundbreaking Event Professional Remains an Eternal Learner
Yolanda Simmons Battle, senior manager, meetings at AHIMA and one of this year’s PCMA Groundbreaker Award nominees, shares how she has found success through asking questions, listening, and bringing her own seat to the table so others can follow.
Lessons Learned Doing Business During a Pandemic
Akshar Patel, vice president of conventions for AAHOA and one of this year’s PCMA Groundbreaker Award nominees, shares how COVID-19 has allowed him to “learn and sharpen” his skillset as an events executive.
How This Sustainability Leader Found Purpose In Her Field
Kimberly Lewis, board chair of clean energy nonprofit Groundswell, spoke with Convene about finding her calling, uplifting diverse communities into leadership roles, and making events people-centric.
Being a ‘Part of the Solution’
Visit Baltimore President and CEO Al Hutchinson is grateful for the opportunities he has had in the travel and tourism business. At the same time, he’s seeking ways to make CVBs — and the communities they serve — more equitable, diverse, and inclusive.
Telling the Stories of Underrepresented Communities
Melissa Cherry has made a career out of telling destinations’ often overlooked stories of diverse communities. In her new role with Miles Partnership, she’s using her 25 years of tourism experience to help organizations make DEI part of every conversation.
Michelle Mason Comes Full Circle
After stumbling into association management, Mason turned barriers into opportunities and used her platform to elevate others who are underrepresented. She now leads ASAE as president and CEO.
‘Be Yourself, and Everybody Else Can Adjust to You’
PCMA Groundbreaker Ashlee Ammons, president and co-founder of event tech company Mixtroz, on how she and her mother found funding — and their way — in a white, male-dominated industry.
Lessons From Lifelong Learner Wanda Johnson
The path to the top doesn’t always follow a straight line. For ASPEN CEO and PCMA Groundbreaker Wanda Johnson, it’s what she did with what she learned along the way that’s made all the difference.
‘Never Accept a Ceiling That Someone Else Might Create for You’
After 30 years in the travel and meetings industry, Elliott Ferguson, president and CEO of Destination DC and a PCMA Groundbreaker, is carving a path for a new generation of leaders to follow.
In a Career of Firsts, Yet Another for Events Industry Pioneer Carol Wallace
Carol Wallace, recipient of the inaugural PCMA Groundbreakers Award, talks about her 35-year career that included 24 years as president and CEO of the San Diego Convention Center Corporation.