Convening EMEA is PCMA EMEA’s annual flagship event, bringing together the global business events industry for an immersive 3-day programme in Europe.
The event attracts 600+ business event strategists from over 45 countries and is designed to connect people who share a common purpose to unlock tomorrow’s potential today.
As our world evolves, and we are challenged by uncertainty we need to navigate with agility and purpose. Our advantage is we are in the business of human connections which we do better than anyone else.
Join us to build a more connected, integrated, and future-ready business events industry.
Let's unlock tomorrow’s potential, today.
Programme Themes
In 2025, the entire events eco system is under pressure to prove value, deliver sustainable impact, and innovate in an increasingly complex and uncertain world.
Our three themes offer a clear roadmap for individuals, teams and organisations, dive a little deeper and explore what’s in it for you.
Future: Building Tomorrow Together
The business world is evolving rapidly, and to remain at the forefront, we must embrace change with agility and a clear vision for the future. Here we will explore how organisations and individuals can lead with purpose, empower teams to thrive amidst complexity, and create a future that serves us all. This theme is about empowering leadership, fostering resilience, and creating hope for what lies ahead.
What’s in it for you?
- Adapt and lead in a rapidly changing environment.
- Build a future-ready mindset in your teams and organizations.
- Gain the insights and tools to empower yourself and your organization to thrive.
Connection: Unlocking Potential Through Meaningful Connection
In today’s hybrid world, fostering authentic relationships has never been more critical. We will delve into how to bridge the gap between digital and physical spaces, creating opportunities for cross-regional, cross-sector, and cross-generational collaboration. For individuals, this is a chance to expand your network. For teams, it’s about strengthening bonds that drive collective growth. And for the industry, it’s a powerful opportunity to create long-lasting partnerships that drive shared success and innovation.
What’s in it for you?
- Unlock opportunities for building authentic relationships.
- Bridge the digital-physical divide to connect meaningfully with your community, colleagues and stakeholders.
- Collaborate across borders to solve industry challenges.
Integration by Design: Seamless, Strategic, and Sustainable
The future of business events depends on our ability to integrate people, technology, data, and purpose into one cohesive experience. This theme emphasizes how to design ecosystems that don’t just function but thrive—where technology and people work hand-in-hand to create sustainable and strategic solutions that generate measurable impact.
What’s in it for you?
- Learn to design future-ready experiences that seamlessly integrate all components.
- Equip your team with strategies to deliver sustainable outcomes and impactful events.
- Position your organization as a leader in strategic innovation and operational excellence.
Programme Architecture
Our programme architecture supports our overall themes while giving participants the freedom to curate their own experience, based on their interests, experience level, and personal or professional growth goals. Whether you’re focused on developing yourself, your team, or your organisation, the journey is yours to shape.
SPEAKERS
CALL FOR CASE STUDIES
Convening EMEA is built on an audience-first ethos which is why we are inviting you to contribute to our insight’s series. Whether you have an innovative success story, a fresh perspective on event tech, or a bold approach to integrating sustainability across an event lifecycle, we encourage you to submit a proposal.
This is your chance to:
Shape the Conversation
Collaborate with Peers
Connect and Elevate your Network
Join us in co-creating a dynamic, solution-focused programme that resonates across borders, sectors, and experience levels.
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
| DAY 1: Tuesday 14th October | ||
| *TIMINGS | DETAILS | |
| 11:00 Onwards | Registration Opens | |
| 15:30 – 18:30 | Rotterdam Exploration Tours (Various Options) | |
| 18:30 – 22:00 | Welcome Party | |
| DAY 2: Wednesday 15th October | ||
| *TIMINGS | DETAILS | |
| 07:00 – 08:00 | Morning Escapism Activities | |
| 08:30 – 09:00 | Registration & Networking | |
| 09:00 – 10:30 | Opening – Welcome & Main Stage Keynote | |
| 10:30 – 11:15 | Refreshment Break – Networking & Exploration | |
| 11:15 – 12:45 | Concurrent Sessions | |
| 12:45 – 14:00 | Networking Lunch & Exploration | |
| 14:00 – 14:45 | Main Stage Keynote | |
| 14:45 – 15:45 | Concurrent Sessions | |
| 15:45 – 16:30 | Refreshment Break – Networking & Exploration | |
| 16:30 – 17:15 | Concurrent Sessions | |
| 19:30 – Late | Set Sail with Rotterdam Dinner | |
| DAY 3: Thursday 16th October | ||
| *TIMINGS | DETAILS | |
| 07:00 – 08:00 | Morning Escapism Activities | |
| 08:30 – 09:00 | Networking & Exploration | |
| 09:00 – 10:00 | Day 2 Opening Main Stage | |
| 10:00 – 10:45 | Refreshment Break – Networking & Exploration | |
| 10:45 – 12:15 | Concurrent Sessions | |
| 12:15 – 13:30 | Main Stage Keynote & Event Close | |
| 13:30 – 14:30 | Farewell Lunch | |
EXPLORATION TOURS
Experience Rotterdam from many different vantage points on the curated tours taking place on 14th October. You can choose to experience the city’s innovation from the water visiting a floating farm or why not see how Rotterdam is dealing with climate change on the rooftops. Rotterdam is a highly diverse city embracing over 170 nationalities so find out how the city has ensured that the next generation is integrated and yet culturally individual.
Cycling empowers and changes lives so experience how Rotterdam is a city made for cyclists and enjoy some healthy treats en route! Visit the ‘Cape’ and see smart urban planning which has completely transformed this once undesirable peninsula in Rotterdam.
What will you choose?
