
edUcon 2026 is heading to Puerto Rico — a destination where bold ideas and transformative learning take center stage.
Consider EC26 your proving ground for discovering innovative strategies, practical tools, and emerging solutions that will shape the future of business events.
Expand your expertise through interactive workshops, on-location learning experiences, and collaborative discussions designed to challenge your thinking and spark new approaches.
Build meaningful connections through shared experiences that foster community, collaboration, and celebration of progress across our industry.
PCMA edUcon 2025
June 1–4, 2025
Louisville, KY
Omni Louisville
Louisville Marriott Downtown
edUcon 2025 is headed to Bourbon City for a blend of innovation, education and connection — served neat.
Consider EC25 your test kitchen for discovering fresh new concepts, tools, and strategies to tackle the challenges of our industry.
Boost your knowledge and expand your perspective with hands-on workshops on diverse topics, location-based learning opportunities, and immersive tours.
Strengthen your network with activities and events designed for authentic connection, giving back, and celebration.
What to Expect in 2026
Stirring Things Up in 2025
You asked. We listened.
Targeted content for senior-level business events professionals to drive your event strategy, personal brand, and business outcomes.
Expanded sessions allow for real-time, hands-on testing of the latest trends and tools in a workshop setting.
Off-site education sessions bring new skills and approaches to life through location-based learning.
Get a Taste for EC26
Get a Taste for EC25
What’s in store:
850+
Engaged Participants
30+
Interactive Learning Sessions
10+
Networking Activities
Convincing Your Boss
Download our helpful template to gain support for your participation at EC25.
Convincing Your Boss
Download our helpful template to gain support for your participation at EC25.
Apply for a Scholarship
Business Events Strategists: Submit for a chance to receive free registration and a travel stipend, courtesy of Louisville Tourism.
Convincing Your Boss
Download our helpful template to gain support for your participation at CL25.
Apply for a Scholarship
Submit for a chance to attend CL25 for free, courtesy of the PCMA Foundation.
Need a Visa?
PCMA can provide an invitation letter to help you secure a visa for Convening Leaders 2025 in Houston, Texas.
Become a Hosted Buyer
Apply here for the opportunity to receive a VIP experience during Convening Leaders 2025.
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“I joined PCMA in the early 90’s and have made an effort to attend Convening Leaders and the Education Conference ever since. Over the years I’ve actually come to enjoy EduCon more than CL because it is somewhat more intimate and consequently navigating the education, networking and still handling my responsibilities with my clients is less daunting. EduCon provides focused sessions that help me with my relationships with colleagues, clients and suppliers and offers me the opportunity to engage more actively in the sessions I attend.”
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“The PCMA EduCon Conference should not be missed. In addition to the extraordinary networking opportunities available to all attendees, the conference content is top notch. The sessions offer something for everyone and you always take home a nugget or two to take back to your team. Plus, I love the size of this event, you get a chance to connect with everyone.”
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“Attending PCMA EduCon is a must-do for any planner or supplier in our industry. I love the size of the meeting because I am able to see old friends and network within smaller groups to make new connections. The education sessions are new & fresh and tend to cover topics that other conferences are not. I returned to my office with a list of innovative ideas that I wanted to implement.”
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“Every year I look forward to attending EduCon because of the education and personal connections I make there. It’s a smaller group so it’s more intimate and it’s easier to have meaningful one-on-one conversations. The experiential learning sessions are interesting and a great way to get out of the traditional meeting rooms to learn something new.”
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“At EduCon, PCMA experiments with new and innovative learning environments, offering content around key and driving topics. I look forward to the event each year, it’s the right size all sessions very approachable for networking and learning over the course of a few days.”
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“Over the years that I have not only attended but actively participated at the PCMA-EduCon, I have learned, grown and felt immediate enrichment in my professional as well as personal life. EduCon affords a unique way to learn in a different mode that allows you to toss away the Gen this and X that categories and explore in “personas”. EduCon causes me to pull out my thoughts and ways of interacting and examine them to give either a yes, I will continue down this road or someone share a new way that I should consider. In the synergistic aura that permeates this intimate meeting, I feel free to explore, challenge and learn with no judgements or “wrong methods”. The meeting of the minds, the growing of thoughts and openness to new ideas is what I so look forward to at every EduCon meeting…and I have yet to be disappointed.”
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“PCMA EduCon is one of my most favorite education and networking events. The size and intimacy of PCMA EduCon has resulted in deeper connections, and the ability to engage and learn in a comfortable environment. Some of my biggest business opportunities have resulted by my attendance at this annual conference. I highly recommend the investment!”
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“My team calls PCMA Educon our ‘little secret’, and not sure that we want everyone to know how inspiring it is. We love the smaller format and rich learning and connections that flows from that. Don’t tell anyone.”
Your Recipe for Success
blend
your experience design
Dive into the art of blending creativity, strategy, and cutting-edge tech to produce standout, immersive events that leave a lasting impression on participants.
innovate
your personal brand
Elevate your professional identity by combining unique strengths with the latest industry trends, building a compelling narrative that sets you apart and propels your career.
craft
your event strategy
Create standout, effective event strategies by honing negotiation skills, mixing innovation with data-driven insights, and optimizing resources to maximize both efficiency and impact.
On the Main Stage
Imani Ellis
Carrie Freeman Parsons
Denim Richards
Lauren Ansley & DJ Jeff Taylor
Call for Proposals
Calling all event industry leaders–Bring your expertise down South! Inspire your peers to explore new tools, apply new skills, and develop new strategies. Submit your proposal for a 75 to 90-minute interactive workshop that encourages practical application and urges participants beyond their comfort zone.
Submissions must be received by Wednesday, March 5.
EC26 Agenda at a Glance
*Subject to change. All times are in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
Sunday, June 21
| 9:30 a.m. | Registration Desk Open |
| 1:00 p.m. | Hospitality Helping Hands |
| 1:00 p.m. | Chapter Leaders Workshop |
| 1:00 p.m. | Sunday Labs |
| 5:00 p.m. | First Timers Experience |
| 6:30 p.m. | Opening Reception |
Monday, June 22
| 6:30 a.m. | Get Fit with the Foundation: 5K Fun Run/Walk |
| 7:00 a.m. | Registration Desk Open |
| 7:30 a.m. | Networking Breakfast |
| 8:30 a.m. | Opening Main Stage |
| 11:00 a.m. | Workshop Sessions |
| 12:15 p.m. | Networking Lunch |
| 1:30 p.m. | Innovation Labs & Learning Excursions |
| 4:30 p.m. | Networking Experiences |
| 9:00 p.m. | Give Back Bash |
Tuesday, June 23
| 6:30 a.m. | Get Fit With the Foundation: Soundbath & Puppy Yoga |
| 7:00 a.m. | Registration Desk Open |
| 7:15 a.m. | Networking Breakfast |
| 8:30 a.m. | Main Stage Experience |
| 9:45 a.m. | Innovation Labs & Learning Excursions |
| 12:15 p.m. | Networking Lunch |
| 1:30 p.m. | Workshop Sessions |
| 3:15 p.m. | Closing Main Stage |
| 4:30 p.m. | Networking Experiences |
| 7:00 p.m. | Closing Networking Reception |
Wednesday, June 24
| 8:00 a.m. | Farewell Experience |
| 10:00 a.m. | Depart |
All times are in Eastern Standard Time (EST).
| Sunday, June 1 | ||
| 9:30 a.m. | Registration Desk Open | |
| 11:30 a.m. | Hospitality Helping Hands | |
| 1:00 p.m. | Sunday Labs | |
| 5:00 p.m. | First Timers Experience | |
| 6:30 p.m. | Opening Reception - Churchill Downs | |
| Monday, June 2 | ||
| 6:30 a.m. | Get Fit with the Foundation: 5K Fun Run/Walk | |
| 7:00 a.m. | Get Fit with the Foundation: Sound Bath | |
| 7:00 a.m. | Registration Desk Open | |
| 8:00 a.m. | Networking Breakfast | |
| 9:00 a.m. | Opening Main Stage | |
| 11:00 a.m. | Workshop Sessions | |
| 12:15 p.m. | Networking Lunch | |
| 1:30 p.m. | Innovation Labs & Learning Excursions | |
| 4:30 p.m. | Networking Experiences | |
| 9:00 p.m. | Give Back Bash | |
| Tuesday, June 3 | ||
| 7:00 a.m. | Get Fit With the Foundation: Elevate & Puppy Yoga | |
| 7:00 a.m. | Registration Desk Open | |
| 8:00 a.m. | Networking Breakfast | |
| 8:30 a.m. | Main Stage Experience | |
| 9:45 a.m. | Innovation Labs & Learning Excursions | |
| 12:15 p.m. | Networking Lunch | |
| 1:30 p.m. | Workshop Sessions | |
| 3:15 p.m. | Closing Main Stage | |
| 4:30 p.m. | Networking Experiences | |
| 7:00 p.m. | Closing Networking Reception | |
| Wednesday, June 4 | ||
| 8:00 a.m. | Farewell Experience | |
| 9:00 a.m. | Depart | |
EC25 Agenda at a Glance
*Subject to change. All times are in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
Sunday, June 1
| 9:30 a.m. | Registration Desk Open |
| 1:00 p.m. | Hospitality Helping Hands |
| 1:00 p.m. | Chapter Leaders Workshop |
| 1:00 p.m. | Sunday Labs |
| 5:00 p.m. | First Timers Experience |
| 6:30 p.m. | Opening Reception - Churchill Downs |
Monday, June 2
| 6:30 a.m. | Get Fit with the Foundation: 5K Fun Run/Walk |
| 7:00 a.m. | Registration Desk Open |
| 7:30 a.m. | Networking Breakfast |
| 8:30 a.m. | Opening Main Stage |
| 11:00 a.m. | Workshop Sessions |
| 12:15 p.m. | Networking Lunch |
| 1:30 p.m. | Innovation Labs & Learning Excursions |
| 4:30 p.m. | Networking Experiences |
| 9:00 p.m. | Give Back Bash |
Tuesday, June 3
| 6:30 a.m. | Get Fit With the Foundation: Soundbath & Puppy Yoga |
| 7:00 a.m. | Registration Desk Open |
| 7:15 a.m. | Networking Breakfast |
| 8:30 a.m. | Main Stage Experience |
| 9:45 a.m. | Innovation Labs & Learning Excursions |
| 12:15 p.m. | Networking Lunch |
| 1:30 p.m. | Workshop Sessions |
| 3:15 p.m. | Closing Main Stage |
| 4:30 p.m. | Networking Experiences |
| 7:00 p.m. | Closing Networking Reception |
Wednesday, June 4
| 8:00 a.m. | Farewell Experience |
| 10:00 a.m. | Depart |
All times are in Eastern Standard Time (EST).
| Sunday, June 1 | ||
| 9:30 a.m. | Registration Desk Open | |
| 11:30 a.m. | Hospitality Helping Hands | |
| 1:00 p.m. | Sunday Labs | |
| 5:00 p.m. | First Timers Experience | |
| 6:30 p.m. | Opening Reception - Churchill Downs | |
| Monday, June 2 | ||
| 6:30 a.m. | Get Fit with the Foundation: 5K Fun Run/Walk | |
| 7:00 a.m. | Get Fit with the Foundation: Sound Bath | |
| 7:00 a.m. | Registration Desk Open | |
| 8:00 a.m. | Networking Breakfast | |
| 9:00 a.m. | Opening Main Stage | |
| 11:00 a.m. | Workshop Sessions | |
| 12:15 p.m. | Networking Lunch | |
| 1:30 p.m. | Innovation Labs & Learning Excursions | |
| 4:30 p.m. | Networking Experiences | |
| 9:00 p.m. | Give Back Bash | |
| Tuesday, June 3 | ||
| 7:00 a.m. | Get Fit With the Foundation: Elevate & Puppy Yoga | |
| 7:00 a.m. | Registration Desk Open | |
| 8:00 a.m. | Networking Breakfast | |
| 8:30 a.m. | Main Stage Experience | |
| 9:45 a.m. | Innovation Labs & Learning Excursions | |
| 12:15 p.m. | Networking Lunch | |
| 1:30 p.m. | Workshop Sessions | |
| 3:15 p.m. | Closing Main Stage | |
| 4:30 p.m. | Networking Experiences | |
| 7:00 p.m. | Closing Networking Reception | |
| Wednesday, June 4 | ||
| 8:00 a.m. | Farewell Experience | |
| 9:00 a.m. | Depart | |
Savor the Charm of Louisville
Voted Best Places to Travel by Travel+Leisure, Louisville is an entirely different type of Southern.
What makes Bourbon City so appetizing?
- Distinct neighborhoods known for iconic attractions, live music, buzzing entertainment and local artisan marketplaces.
- An impressive variety of settings for corporate events, from historic landmarks to modern venues to quaint, charming meeting spaces.
- A renowned bourbon and culinary scene — there are 140 restaurants in walking distance of the convention center!
Keep edUcon Updates on Your Menu
convene Covers edUcon 2025
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How entrepreneur Imani Ellis has built a first-of-its kind community for Black creative […]
- Behind the Scenes at edUcon 2025on June 2, 2025
Have you noticed what’s different this year? Here are some standout features.
convene Covers edUcon 2024
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Matt Kalb led edUcon participants in two interactive sessions on how to prevent burnout while […]
- Practicing Self-Promotionon June 24, 2024
Marketing and communications expert Sherron Washington shared instantly actionable advice on […]
- Feeling Stuck? Find Your Why, Not Just Your How.on June 24, 2024
In a two-part edUcon workshop, strategist and coach Yvette Simpson aims to help attendees discover […]



