From 14–16 October 2025, Rotterdam hosted one of the world’s leading business events industry gatherings – PCMA Convening EMEA 2025, organised by the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). This flagship event brought together over 600 leaders and strategists from more than 45 countries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
An immersive experience under the theme “Let’s unlock tomorrow’s potential, today”
The three-day programme in Rotterdam offered an immersive experience combining inspiring content, collaboration and networking. Designed with flexibility in mind, it allowed participants to build their own schedules, choosing sessions and learning paths tailored to their interests, experience and professional goals.
This participant-led structure encouraged deep engagement, knowledge exchange and relationship building. Numerous networking breaks provided space for conversations, new partnerships and creative thinking. The setup itself reflected human-centred event design – from varied seating and collaborative room layouts to inclusive catering and social zones that fostered wellbeing and connection.
Leadership, connection and sustainability in focus
The 2025 edition focused on three overarching themes:
- Leadership, resilience and vision for the future
- The power of authentic human connection in a hybrid world
- Creating sustainable, integrated experiences that blend people and technology
Speakers and organisers alike emphasised that today’s event professionals face the challenge of proving their industry’s value, driving sustainability and delivering continuous innovation.
Among the keynote speakers were internationally acclaimed experts:
- Noreena Hertz, British economist and bestselling author of The Lonely Century and Eyes Wide Open, who opened the conference with “Connection Is the New Currency”, highlighting the importance of rebuilding bonds and face-to-face interaction in an age of loneliness and digital overload.
- Thimon de Jong, Dutch futurist and behavioural expert, who explored the concept of polycrisis – the interlinked global challenges shaping social behaviours and business decisions.
Poland Convention Bureau as partner and programme contributor
As an official event partner, the Poland Convention Bureau of the Polish Tourism Organisation (Poland CVB) participated both in the exhibition area and the educational programme.
On 15 October, Poland CVB co-hosted a Micro Lab session titled Striking the Meeting Design Balance: Navigating the High vs. Low Touch Landscape, led by Felix Rundel, co-founder of futurehain and the Centre for Convening Minds.
During his talk, Rundel discussed the importance of balance between technology and the human touch in meeting design, reminding participants that the Greek origin of the word technology – techne – means “craft” or “art”, challenging the idea of technology as impersonal or detached.
Opening the session, Aneta Książek, Head of Poland Convention Bureau, introduced the concept of low sensory rooms – innovative spaces designed to enhance inclusivity and participant wellbeing. She encouraged closer cooperation with destinations and convention bureaux to leverage their local expertise and creativity.
Other speakers included Johanna Roth from the European Association for Research Managers and Administrators, who shared experiences in using digital badges to improve logistics and attendee engagement, and Julia Hossbert Grinike from Siemens Healthineers, who presented case studies on integrating event technology, including chatbots, apps and facial recognition tools.
Both underlined that technology should support, not overshadow, genuine human interaction.
The session concluded with an interactive reflection exercise, inviting participants to identify their own “balance point” between high-tech and human-centric meeting design. Felix Rundel echoed Aneta Książek’s call for collaboration with local convention bureaux, stressing that ambition and creativity are key to creating meaningful, transformative event experiences.
Technology and empathy – the essence of future events
“In the era of artificial intelligence and digital innovation, we must not forget about the emotional and human dimension of meetings. It is this blend of technology and empathy that gives events real value. During the Micro Lab, I presented examples of Polish best practices, such as creating sensory-friendly zones to help participants recharge and refocus during large events. I was delighted to see the organisers of Convening EMEA implement similar principles throughout the conference — from sustainable catering and inclusive service to inspiring session formats. Convening EMEA 2025 clearly showed that the future of events lies in connecting people, technology and purpose into meaningful experiences that inspire collective action. We are proud to have contributed as a partner to this forward-looking initiative,” said Aneta Książek, Head of the Poland Convention Bureau, Polish Tourism Organisation.
Insights, innovation and impact
Participation in PCMA Convening EMEA 2025 was not only an opportunity to be part of one of the industry’s premier events, but also a strategic investment in skills, collaboration and the future.
Three days of sessions, discussions and networking provided tangible takeaways and practical tools to apply in daily professional life.
Delegates left Rotterdam with a better understanding of how to adapt, lead and design events for the future – integrating people, purpose and technology in a balanced and sustainable way. The event also strengthened intergenerational and cross-sector relationships, which form the foundation of long-term industry growth.
Poland’s debut as a partner of PCMA Convening EMEA marked another important step in building the country’s global presence in the meetings and events sector. Through active participation in the programme and knowledge exchange with international leaders, Poland reinforced its image as a modern, empathetic and innovative meetings destination.
About PCMA EMEA
PCMA EMEA, led by Jaimé Bennett and based in Northern Ireland, represents event organisers and suppliers across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The EMEA community brings together passionate professionals from all segments of the meetings industry — from convention bureaux and associations to PCOs, venues, hotels and corporate planners.
Headquartered in Chicago, USA, PCMA operates in more than 59 countries, engaging with over 8,000 members and a network of 100,000 business events professionals who co-create the organisation’s educational programmes and global strategy.
Created by: Aneta Książek Photos: Poland Convention Bureau / PCMA EMEA 2025
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