Your Learning Journey Starts Here
PCMA Institute is your trusted source for learning and development in the business events industry.
Our mission is to empower current and aspiring leaders through comprehensive, academically rigorous programs—reflecting PCMA’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity.
Tell Us What You’re Curious About
Not sure where to start? Tell us what you’re most interested in and we’ll send the right details, updates, and next steps.
What These Offerings Are (At a Glance)
Custom Training for Enterprise & Universities
Flexible learning built around your goals: live workshops and training sessions, plus custom on-demand courses (adapted from existing content or built new) for employees or students to complete on their own schedule.
Talent Development Consulting
We partner with team leaders to design tailored learning and development pathways that build capabilities across their event teams and align with organizational goals.
Business Event Strategist (BES) Certification
The Business Event Strategist (BES) certification is the gold standard, recognizing your ability to shape strategy, influence stakeholders, and drive measurable business results.
Professional Meeting Management (7th Edition)
The updated, go-to reference for planning excellence and CMP preparation. Featuring refreshed content and modern approaches to design, technology, and today’s event operations.
Executive Leader Fellowship
This program for senior corporate event leaders is dedicated to building strategic capabilities like organizational leadership, negotiation, innovation, and stakeholder influence through real-world projects, executive coaching, and peer feedback.
Upcoming Webinar
State of the Industry & 2026 Outlook
January 29, 2026 | 11:00 AM CT
As we move into 2026, the business events industry stands at a pivotal intersection of strategic transformation and operational excellence. This webinar explores how event professionals can evolve from logistics coordinators to strategic business partners who drive measurable organizational value.
Drawing from the latest industry research and benchmarking data, we'll examine emerging trends, including:
- the shift from transactional to strategic event portfolios
- the integration of AI-powered analytics for ROI demonstration
- the evolution of hybrid engagement models
- the critical role of data storytelling in securing executive buy-in
Participants will gain frameworks for positioning events as business accelerators rather than cost centers, while navigating the continued demands for sustainability, personalization, and authentic human connection.
Can’t attend live? Register anyway and we’ll send you the recording.
Upcoming Instructor-Led Courses
January - March | Learn from Industry Experts
Advance your skills with expert-led programs designed for event professionals. Here’s what’s coming soon:
Event & Meeting Management Fundamentals — Starts Jan 20
Master the entire event planning process from budgeting to execution with Kevin White.
Event Accessibility Strategist — Starts Jan 26
Create inclusive, accessible events for every attendee with Joshua Klipp.
Event Measurement & Analytics — Starts Jan 28
Prove event ROI with data-driven strategies with Vinnu Deshetty.
CMP Exam Prep — Starts Feb 2
Get the tools and confidence to ace your CMP exam with Carolyn Browning.
Lead with Strategic Influence — Starts Feb 16
Shift from execution to strategy and earn your seat at the table with Anthony Vade.
Technical Meeting & Event Production — Starts Feb 23
Demystify AV and master technical production for events with Brian Monohan.
Enhancing Events with AI — Starts Mar 9
Harness AI to transform planning, marketing, and execution with Nick Borelli.
More Ways to Learn
The District Institute Stage
Learn from industry leaders on the PCMA Institute Stage. In short, expert-led sessions, you’ll get practical strategies you can apply immediately—plus a clear path to go deeper with PCMA Institute learning.
Monday, January 12
Two Truths and a Lie: AI & Data Privacy
11–11:30am with Nick Borelli
The 4 Cs of Sustainability
11:45am–12:15pm with Lauren Bruggemans
Navigating Event Labor: Insights & Strategies
1–1:45pm with Tammy Moore, Amanda Armstrong
CMP Demystified
2–2:30pm with Carolyn Browning
Your Magnetic Message
2:45–3:15pm with Leanne Calderwood
Tuesday, January 13
Evolving the Future: Why Business Change is Biology, Not War
10:45–11:15am with Anthony Vade
AI 201: Beyond Prompting — Building Simple Agents for Big Tasks
11:30am–12:00pm with Nick Borelli
Hospitality Heroes
12:15–12:45pm with Joann Bedrosian Ryan
Finding Possibilities: Unlocking Team Creativity
1:15–2:00pm with Anthony Vade
CMP Demystified
2:30–3:00pm with Carolyn Browning
Beyond the Buzzword: Claiming Your Seat as a Thought Leader
3:15–4:00pm with Leanne Calderwood
Global Student Competition: Designing for Serendipity
4:00–4:30pm with Meg Fasy, Leif Knudson, Natalie Silverman, Savannah Seda
Knowledge Hub
Expand your expertise in event leadership, design, analytics, and planning.
- Over 180 on-demand video lessons
- CMP credit opportunities
- Affordable subscriptions: Annual $179 or Monthly $20
Micro-Credentials (On-Demand)
Looking for a quicker way to upskill? Our Micro‑Credentials (On‑Demand) are focused, short‑format courses designed for quick skill‑building.
Accessibility Training for On-Site Event Staff Training
Prepare front-line event teams to deliver a more inclusive on-site experience with confidence and consistency. This course focuses on practical, real-world actions staff can take to better support attendees with disabilities.
Budgeting
Strengthen your budgeting fundamentals and build more accurate, decision-ready event budgets. This course helps you plan with clarity, reduce surprises, and communicate budget choices with confidence.
Contract Negotiation
Build confidence in negotiating event contracts by understanding the levers that protect your organization and improve outcomes. This course is designed to help you approach vendor conversations with clearer strategy and stronger language.
Spark AI
Explore how Spark AI can support smarter event planning, decision-making, and productivity across your workflow. This on-demand program helps you build practical AI confidence you can apply immediately in real event scenarios.
Strategic Event Audience Engagement
Design engagement more intentionally by aligning audience needs, brand goals, and experience strategy. This course supports event professionals in building stronger engagement before, during, and after the event.
Sustainable Events Blueprint
Build a practical sustainability approach you can apply across the full event lifecycle, from design through measurement. This course helps you move from intent to action with clearer strategy, tools, and reporting concepts.
