August 9-11, 2026
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Sheraton Downtown Toronto
where the world’s event marketers come together
CEMA Summit 2026
August 9-11, 2026
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Sheraton Downtown Toronto
Hosted by Destination Toronto
Event marketing is evolving fast across borders, cultures, and industries.
CEMA Summit is the annual moment that brings the world of event marketing together to compare strategies. We test ideas, we track lessons learned, and we unpack the best practices emerging as the industry evolves. Join event marketers from around the globe for three days of practitioner-led education, global case studies, and candid, future-focused conversation.
Global. Strategic. Community.
peer-to-peer, strategic learning
Every session is led by practitioners sharing real event programs — including what worked, what failed,
and what they would change.
global innovation without borders
Learn how leading brands scale event programs across markets while maintaining cultural nuance and measurable impact.
leadership that connects across continents
Today’s event marketers are business leaders. Explore the communication, influence, and executive strategies required to lead globally.
on the main stage:
Summit 2026 is coming to Toronto, Canada. “Where the World Comes Together.”
CEMA Summit 2026 in Toronto will be a celebration of global event marketing —uniting leaders, innovators, and rising stars for three unforgettable days of education, networking, and fun. It is the stage where innovation knows no borders, and where the event marketing community comes together to shape the future.
Global Gathering
CEMA Summit 2026 will convene the brightest minds from around the world to exchange ideas, strategies, and inspiration.
Innovation at Scale
Attendees will experience breakthrough ideas, technologies, and campaigns shaping the next era of events.
BREAKING NEW GROUND
A Look Ahead to CEMA Summit 2025:
CEMA Summit attracts visionaries, industry leaders, and innovators who share a passion for creating exceptional experiences. This is where our event marketing community comes together to build a foundation for success. It’s about bold ideas, fresh insights, game-changing strategies, and meaningful connections that last.
CONVINCE YOUR BOSS
Download our helpful template to gain support for your participation at CS25.
FAQs
Access the information you need to help you prepare for a successful CEMA Summit 2025.
CONVINCE YOUR BOSS
Download our helpful template to gain support for your participation at CS25.
FAQs
Access the information you need to help you prepare for a successful CEMA Summit 2025.
APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP
Event Marketer Members: Submit for a chance to receive free registration and hotel accommodations, plus an air travel stipend, courtesy of Visit Austin, Fairmont Austin, and Delta Air Lines.
Ebony Beckwith
Executive Coach, Founder of Framework
education content built on one conviction:
The best learning in event marketing comes from event marketers.
Expect to lean in strategically with an emphasis on:
IMPACT:
Design Experiences That Transcend Borders
A core challenge of modern event marketing is creating experiences that scale across the globe while celebrating cultural expectations alongside brand consistency. We’re looking for case studies from around the world demonstrating how leading organizations approach this balance — sessions that explore engagement models that drive participation, AI and data approaches that genuinely enhance attendee experience, and the development of repeatable event frameworks that adapt without requiring a complete redesign for each market.
INFLUENCE:
Lead With Impact and Purpose
The transition from tactical execution to strategic leadership requires distinct capabilities. We’re looking for sessions that examine the pathway from event marketer to executive roles — what it takes to build executive presence, communicate with influence, and earn visibility as a strategic function within the organization. Strong proposals in this pillar address high-performing cross-functional teams, diversity and inclusion as a leadership strength, and mentorship in both directions as the profession develops its next generation.
INTENTION:
Master the Craft of Meaningful Engagement
Memorable experiences require both creative vision and analytical rigor. We’re looking for sessions that explore the psychology of participant engagement, immersive experience design principles, the strategic use of storytelling and sensory elements, and emerging approaches to measuring emotional impact alongside traditional metrics. The strongest proposals show how creative ambition and business objectives reinforce rather than compete with each other.
On the Main Stage
David Burkus
Leading Business Thinker & Best-selling Author
Elaine Welteroth
Award-winning journalist, NYT bestselling author, TV host, Founder of birthFUND
Industry Panel
Panelists: Vivian Eickhoff, CMM, Jimmy Knowles, Monique Ruff Bell and Shawn Wagner
agenda at a glance:
sunday, august 9
| 11:30 a.m. | Registration Open |
| 12:00 p.m. | Welcome Experience |
| 5:00 p.m. | CEMA First Timer’s Reception |
| 7:00 p.m. | Industry Partner Dinners |
monday, august 10
| 6:30 a.m. | Get Fit: Sunrise Fit Walk |
| 6:30 a.m. | Foundation Bootcamp |
| 7:00 a.m. | Registration Open |
| 7:30 a.m. | Activations Open |
| 7:45 a.m. | Networking Breakfast |
| 9:00 a.m. | Main Stage |
| 10:45 a.m. | Education Sessions |
| 12:00 p.m. | Networking Lunch |
| 1:30 p.m. | Education Sessions |
| 3:00 p.m. | Main Stage |
| 4:30 p.m. | Networking Activities |
| 6:30 p.m. | Networking Reception |
tuesday, august 11
| 6:30 a.m. | Get Fit: Sunrise Fit Walk |
| 6:30 a.m. | Foundation Bootcamp |
| 7:00 a.m. | Registration Open |
| 7:30 a.m. | Activations Open |
| 7:45 a.m. | Networking Breakfast |
| 8:00 a.m. | Focus Groups |
| 9:00 a.m. | Main Stage |
| 10:45 a.m. | Education Sessions |
| 12:00 p.m. | Networking Lunch |
| 1:30 p.m. | Education Sessions |
| 3:00 p.m. | Main Stage |
| 4:30 p.m. | Networking Activities |
| 6:30 p.m. | Closing Reception |
REINFORCE YOUR EVENT MARKETING FOUNDATION
To register, you must create an account with RainFocus, our new event registration platform.
If you already have an account with CEMA, PCMA or PCMA Institute (ELI), we encourage you to use the same email address when creating your RainFocus account.
Industry Partners: We’ve sold out! Join the waiting list by clicking ‘Register Now.’
*For new CEMA members only. Please allow up to 5 business days for your new member benefits to update. Additional discounts not applicable.
save on your flight to toronto:
Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for PCMA.
Please Click here to book your flights.
You may also call Conferences and Events® at 1.800.328.1111* Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code NM56T.
*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.
Porter Airlines is pleased to offer up to a 10% discount on available base fares (excluding the lowest class fare during public seat sales) for travel to and from CEMA Summit 2026.
Booking Window: March 17 – August 13, 2026
Click here to book online or through your travel agent using promo code: CEMA26.
toronto’s all in.
Discover Toronto, a global city where more than 250 cultures and communities come together. From world-class cuisine, to vibrant neighborhoods and iconic landmarks like the CN Tower, the city reflects the very spirit of CEMA Summit: where the world comes together.
