PCMA and the Strategic Alliance of the National Convention Bureaux of Europe (SANCBE) are gearing up to launch Convene 4 Climate, a sustainability conference for the global business events industry. Set for Oct. 2-3 in Barcelona, the inaugural gathering is open to select participation in a workshop-based environment and aims to drive responsibility, harness the power of technology, and deliver transformative solutions to address climate change challenges. 

The big picture: Convene 4 Climate’s curated programming will explore three central themes–Reimagine, Inspire, and Movement–and allow for meaningful discussions, collaborative problem-solving, and the development of actionable strategies to help transform what the event industry offers and how it produces business events, according to PCMA officials.

Need to know: Located In Barcelona's Business district, the Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona is the HQ hotel for Convene 4 Climate 2024. Within walking distance of the Barcelona Convention Center, Diagonal Mar shops and the marina, the beach hotel features on-site dining, pool bar, terrace and event venues. Attendees may have the opportunity to check out a qualifying regatta during the Louis Vuitton 37th America's Cup Barcelona, which kicks off Aug. 22. The America's Cup Match starts on Oct. 12. 

What they’re saying: “Together with SANCBE, PCMA is co-creating a way forward for a regenerative future that empowers the global business events industry to continue to operate in a commonsense way while driving positive change for a new economy,” said Sherrif Karamat, president and CEO of PCMA and CEMA. “Now is the time to embark on this transformative journey to reimagine the future, inspire sustainable progress, and ignite a movement towards a more resilient tomorrow.”

Why it matters: Convene 4 Climate participants will reimagine the future of business events through the lens of sustainability, be inspired by the potential for long-term profitability in harmony with environmental stewardship and join a global movement that is optimistic in the face of climate challenges.

Deeper dive: “Business events offer platforms for addressing complex issues, and they act as crucial catalysts for successfully merging sustainability and digitalization,” said SANCBE Co-Chairs Matthias Schultze, managing director, German Convention Bureau (GCB) and Eric Bakermans, director marketing meetings and conventions, Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions (NBTC). “Europe, as a hub for meetings and conferences, leads this twin transformation with initiatives such as the European Green Deal, offering not only a consistent strategic framework, but also avenues for practical solutions. To invigorate our collective mission, it is now vital to synchronize our efforts and, above all, find inspiration in one another.”

Interested participants can submit an expression of interest here.

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