Various ways PCMA wants to improve the world

First, the association has committed to combat child exploitation by signing The Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism in collaboration with ECPAT-USA – the only voluntary set of principles that companies and organizations in the travel, business travel and tourism industries can implement to prevent and eradicate the trafficking and exploitation of children. “As an industry worth over $150 billion, we have the power of raising awareness of the human trafficking epidemic, and have a stronger voice for the vulnerable”, said PCMA Foundation Chair and President of Maritz Global Events, David Peckinpaugh. 

Second, the association’s foundation confirmed its intense activity, and announced they have already given 156 scholarships, enabling young professionals to get the best training to enter or grow in this industry. 

Third, and extremely relevant for the future of our industry, this initiative is part of a broader vision that PCMA has amply communicated in this event: that business events drive social positive transformation. Its slogan “Driving global economic and social transformation through business events” indicates a resolute shift to event effectiveness, innovation, and away from logistics and planning. “We don’t talk about meeting planners anymore”, says Sheriff Karamat, PCMA’s CEO, “but of business events professionals or business events strategists”. Events can yield amazing results if properly and strategically planned and executed. This, besides the sheer economic importance of the industry, makes it necessary to analyse and maximise our impact in the world, the economy, and society. 

Collaboration with entities for awareness-building, a foundation to have an impact higher and more strategic value for its members and the industry as a whole: three ways an association strives to bring a new, more responsible type of value. A trend which will hopefully (and predictably) carry on.