Curt Wagner

Kreuzberg

Digital Editor at Convene

Digital editor at PCMA's Convene mag. Creator at Society6 (https://t.co/RCiQNwtxZ5). Cat dad, TV watcher, tennis fan and resident of Berlin.

Articles

Measuring Emotion

3 weeks ago | pcma.org | Curt Wagner

While meeting organizers understand the primary role that emotional engagement and experiential factors play in their events, they find those things difficult to measure. We’ve set out to explore how to define, design and how to quantify emotional engagement and make meaningful improvements as a result. Author: Convene Editors This article and those listed below are part of Convene’s April 2025 issue.
People on the Move

3 weeks ago | pcma.org | Curt Wagner

Author: Convene Editors Recent announcements about career changes include:Mara CraftMara Craft has been promoted to General Manager of the Raleigh Convention Center and Red Hat Amphitheater. Craft has worked at the Raleigh Convention Center for 27 years, starting as an assistant to most recently serving as Director of Sales and Marketing. She is an active member of the IAVM and serves on various committees for PCMA.
People on the Move

1 month ago | pcma.org | Curt Wagner

Author: Convene Editors Recent announcements about career changes include:Marilyn HunterThe National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) announced the promotion of Marilyn Hunter from senior director of meetings and conferences to vice president of meetings and conferences. Joining NACDS in 1997, Hunter initially served the association’s membership in the policy, regulatory, and legal affairs function.
How Is DOGE Impacting the Meetings Industry?

1 month ago | pcma.org | Curt Wagner

Author: Dave Lutz, CMP The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cost-efficiency initiative executive order includes a section for “Non-Essential Travel Justification”: “The Agency Head shall prohibit agency employees from engaging in federally funded travel for conferences or other non-essential purposes unless the travel-approving official has submitted a brief, written justification for the federally funded travel within such system.” Recently, the American Council of Education and...
Kaylee Harris, Member of PCMA’s 20 in Their Twenties 2025 Class

1 month ago | pcma.org | Curt Wagner

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve gotten? Always seek out mentorship and be open to learning from others, regardless of their age or experience level. Building relationships with mentors has provided me with invaluable insights and guidance throughout my career. Additionally, mentoring others has been equally rewarding, as it allows me to give back and help shape the next generation of event professionals. What do you like most about your job?
Halee Grimsdale, Member of PCMA’s 20 in Their Twenties 2025 Class

2 months ago | pcma.org | Curt Wagner

If you could transform the industry with the snap of your fingers, what would be the one thing you’d change for good? I would make sustainability a fundamental aspect of every event. While we’ve seen significant progress in recent years — such as the adoption of zero-waste practices, reducing single-use plastics, and the rise of eco-conscious venues — there’s still much to be done.
People on the Move

2 months ago | pcma.org | Curt Wagner

Author: Michelle Russell Your colleagues are on the move, find out who is going where. Scott BeckScott Beck has joined the JLL Global Tourism & Destination Advisory Group, playing “a key role in JLL’s mission to create sustainable and actionable strategies for destinations of all sizes,” according to a company press release.
Sierra Davey, Member of PCMA’s 20 in Their Twenties 2025 Class

2 months ago | pcma.org | Curt Wagner

What do you like most about your job? Being a meeting planner gives me the opportunity to wear different hats and challenge myself in many ways. Sometimes I’m a show runner and AV tech, other times I need to be a graphic designer and DJ — I’ve even stepped in as a tour guide and janitor. The obstacles of planning unique events and executing them successfully always give me the chance to refine a wide variety of skills.
People on the Move

2 months ago | pcma.org | Curt Wagner

Author: Casey Gale Your colleagues are on the move, find out who is going where. Joyce LevestonThe New York Convention Center Operating Corporation (NYCCOC) has selected 30-year convention industry veteran Joyce Leveston as the new CEO of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. She will join the team on Feb. 10 and officially take the helm on March 10.
Julia Catanese, Member of PCMA’s 20 in Their Twenties 2025 Class

2 months ago | pcma.org | Curt Wagner

What made you choose the events industry as a career? I’ve been planning and coordinating events since I was a child — my mom would say that it is no surprise I joined this industry because I meticulously staged tea parties for my sister and me. As I gained insight into the industry, I truly loved being a part of something bigger. Whether that is a celebration or educational program, it is capturing a moment in time.