2017 Convening Leaders Main Stage

Last week I was in Austin, Texas, for PCMA's Convening Leaders conference for meetings, conferences and events professionals. It was my third year attending, and every time I learn something new from my peers and from PCMA. 

I could go on about the excellent programming, from the opening session entitled "Collaboration & the Meaning of Trust in the Digital Age" by Rachel Botsman, to learning about SXSW's history and logistics strategy from Chief Logistics Offier and Partner Mike Shea, to a touching and inspirational closing session with Isaac Lidsky, author of "Eyes Wide Open", I won't (although I will include Isaac's TEDTalk here because I thought he was absolutely fantastic). I could tell you about the great music and fun receptions throughout the conference, include celebrity appearances by Matthew and McConaughey and Willie Nelson (onsite!) but I won't. YOU just had to be there. 

However, as a professional who looks to others to see "what are they doing" in order to spark creative design...and budget...for my events, I like to take particularly take note of what is done by PCMA for Convening Leaders. I thought this was pretty impressive -- exactly the reaction any conference manager wants from an attendee or stakeholders as a first impression. It sets the mood and expectations for the rest of the conference. 

Just to give you an idea of what I experienced onsite, check out this clip:

I believe the rigging lines in this room are meant for all the light required for the main central stage and smaller, wing stages on either side. I later learn that the two center panels  lift up like a curtain to debut a speaker (or band) behind stage. It may not be intentional but I felt the rigging added to the depth of this room. The lighting colors changed, depending on the tone of the presentation. Though this production is quite extravagant for my events, it still gives a spark of inspiration and I'll hold on to this as reference. Just in case. 

Click on links for more information about 2017 Convening Leaders or about the Austin Convention Center where the conference was held. 

2017 Convening Leaders was held at the Austin Convention Center. For more information on the center, click here. For more information on the Convening Leaders Conference, click here. 

~T~