CEMA Newsletter: January 2026

CEMA showed up at Convening Leaders as one unified brand—and it mattered.

It was a great week in Philadelphia at Convening Leaders 26. Event marketers showed up for the content, the networking, and the connections, and together we strengthened CEMA’s presence under our new brand.

What stood out most was the energy—real conversations, new relationships, and a shared sense of momentum around where CEMA is headed. It felt like a turning point in how we show up as a community and how our members show up for each other.

And this is just the beginning. There’s so much to look forward to in 2026.

Letter from the Chair: Building Forward Together

Gary Murakami, CMP-Fellow, CMM, DES
Chair, CEMA Advisory Board

As we begin a new year, I find myself reflecting on the momentum we now carry forward as a community. Stepping into my second year as Chair of the CEMA Advisory Board is both an honor and a responsibility—one grounded in the momentum we built together in 2025 and the opportunity that lies ahead.

Last year was a defining one for CEMA. We saw unprecedented engagement, deeper participation across our membership, and a renewed sense of purpose in how we advance corporate event marketing. More than milestones or metrics, it was the collective energy—our willingness to lean in, share openly, and challenge convention to innovate—that truly set the tone for what’s next.

As CEMA continues to evolve alongside PCMA, I’m grateful and honored to have completed my service last year representing CEMA on the PCMA Board of Directors, and I’m proud of the thoughtful evolution that now expands leadership engagement through our Vice Chair role. This recent bylaw update now enables the Vice Chair to represent CEMA at the PCMA Board level, strengthening alignment, succession, and our leadership pipeline. Maintaining continuity in our Advisory Board leadership during this transition ensures stability and focus as we move into our future.

Looking ahead, our focus is clear: building forward. Through continued investment in education, connection, and innovation—from Study Tours and Regional Dinners, the addition of our inaugural Executive Summit, to the evolution of our signature CEMA Summit—we are committed to creating spaces where ideas flourish and develop, and meaningful relationships are formed.

This year also marks an evolution of our Advisory Board with the addition of new members who bring fresh perspectives alongside the institutional knowledge of returning leaders. Together, this balance of continuity and new insight strengthens our ability to reflect the needs of today’s event marketing community and to lead with intention.

The strength of CEMA has always been its people. Event marketers and industry partners alike bring diverse experiences, curiosity, and collaboration to everything we do. It is a privilege to serve alongside such a passionate community, and I am excited for what we will accomplish together in the year ahead.

With optimism and gratitude,

Gary Murakami, CMP-Fellow, CMM, DES
Chair, CEMA Advisory Board

Study Tours have become the backbone of CEMA programming—and for good reason.

At the heart of every Study Tour are two things our members value most:

Behind-the-scenes access to some of the most iconic events in the industry, and direct access to the executives who design, lead, and measure the business impact of those experiences. Hearing firsthand how these events drive strategy, revenue, and brand connection is what makes CEMA Study Tours truly unique.

And then there’s the bonus you can’t put on an agenda: the friendships. Spending two days learning, exploring, and sharing meals with fellow event marketers creates relationships that last well beyond the tour itself.

CEMA works hard to curate the very best experiences in the industry, and 2026 is shaping up to be an exceptional year. In the first half of 2026, we’ve already secured the following Study Tours:

February 18–19 – Cirque du Soleil, Las Vegas
(Sponsored by Cirque du Soleil, MGM & LVCVA)
March 16–18 – SXSW, Austin
(Sponsored by SXSW, Visit Austin & InGo)
April 17–19 – Kentucky Derby Festival
(Sponsored by Visit Louisville)
Coming soon! May 20–21 – DocuSign Momentum (Sponsored by DocuSign)

Registration for these tours is now open in Event Hub on the CEMA website.

We’ll continue confirming additional Study Tours throughout 2026, so keep an eye on your inbox and our site as new opportunities are announced. Don’t miss your chance to experience these one-of-a-kind events—and walk away inspired to elevate your own programs.

Visionary Awards Finalists: Corporate Event Marketer of the Year

The Visionary Awards are here, and we’re recognizing the best in corporate event marketing with the Corporate Event Marketer of the Year award. This award honors excellence in event strategy and execution from the corporate and brand perspective.

The finalists are…
Adele Durham (Veem Software)
Kim Hastings (Procore Technologies)
Keri Ibbitson (Danaher Corporation)

Visionary Awards will take place on May 7, 2026 in Washington DC. The awards recognize the best in the industry across various catergories.

Community

Member Spotlight: Brittany Collings

Meet Brittany

Brittany is a tier-one event Strategist and marketer currently serving as the Experiential Events Director at Docusign. With over two decades of leadership in the events and experiential marketing sector, she specializes in translating complex business objectives into high-impact, scalable brand experiences.

Her career is defined by its remarkable breadth and operational scale. Brittany’s background in large-venue operations, including the strategic launch of TCF Bank Stadium, provided a foundation for her tenure producing over 300 large-scale productions for Live Nation. She has consistently demonstrated an ability to navigate market volatility, leading critical initiatives for the Salesforce World Tour with Upstaging and pioneering digital-first strategies at The Event Studio and Notified during the global pandemic.

An advocate for data-driven decision-making, Brittany leverages deep analytical insights to optimize event performance and drive measurable ROI across global live, virtual, and hybrid portfolios. She is recognized as an innovative, solutions-oriented leader who balances technical rigor with a creative, “anything is possible” mindset. Grounded in her philosophy of “One Team, One Dream,” Brittany fosters a culture of radical collaboration to deliver customer-first experiences that drive sustainable brand growth and long-term engagement.

Meet the CEMA Advisory Board: 2026–2027

We’re proud to introduce the Corporate Event Marketing Association (CEMA) 2026–2027 advisory board, a group of leaders shaping what’s next for event marketing. Together, they’ll drive bold education, meaningful connections, and innovative experiences that move our industry forward.

New Online Community Coming in Q1

Our brand-new online community is launching in Q1! You’ll be able to connect with peers in your area, join conversations tailored to your role, and take part in lighter, fun discussions designed to help you build meaningful connections across the CEMA community.

We’ve designed everything with you in mind—delivering the ultimate in ease, convenience, and seamless planning for the professionals who make things happen. With nearly 300,000 square feet of meeting space and 11,000 guest rooms across eleven exceptional hotels, Universal Orlando Resort gives you the freedom to create unforgettable meetings or events of any size.

Choose from an array of indoor and outdoor venues, immersive themed environments, and spaces that feel intimate no matter how large your group may be. Add in unbeatable proximity to Universal’s four theme parks and the Universal CityWalk dining and entertainment complex, and suddenly every item on your agenda can unfold in one incredibly convenient destination. It’s a oneofakind setting designed to inspire, motivate, and entertain.

At Universal Orlando Resort, hospitality leader Loews Hotels & Co and entertainment icon Universal come together to offer an extraordinary meetings portfolio defined by quality, creativity, and innovation. From uniquely themed environments to a wide range of flexible meeting solutions, our seasoned team of professionals is dedicated to helping you craft engaging, memorable experiences. We’re your partner from start to finish.

Universal Orlando is the only location you need.

Our collection of worldclass hotels and function spaces offers endless variety. Looking for tropical and serene? Explore Loews Sapphire Falls Resort or Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Prefer the charm of an Italian seaside village? The iconic Loews Portofino Bay Hotel awaits.

For expansive, modern meeting options, The Loews Meeting Complex at Universal Orlando connects two premier properties into one impressive venue, offering 247,000 square feet of combined meeting space and 2,000 guest rooms.

Want sophistication with a little edge? The legendary Hard Rock Hotel® delivers style, attitude, and unforgettable energy. Every property showcases the immersive theming we’re known for—guaranteed to make your attendees stop and stare.

And now, our newest hotels, Universal Terra Luna Resort, Universal Stella Nova Resort, and Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, introduce your attendees to a bright, modern sanctuary. Rising above the shimmering waters of Celestial Park, Universal Helios Grand Hotel features 500 rooms, 35 suites, and nearly 5,000 square feet of meeting space, all with breathtaking views of Universal Epic Universe.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Online | 1:00pm CST | January 29, 2026
CEMA Town Hall: Q1
Join us for the first CEMA Town Hall of Q1 for an open conversation on what’s ahead, what’s changing, and how to stay engaged.
Details »

Digital Learning | 1:00pm CST | February 12, 2026
CEMA Connects: Analytics to Action with Anthony Vade
Ready to move beyond execution and make more confident, strategic decisions? This session shows how to diagnose challenges, identify opportunities, and turn analysis into clear next steps using practical, real-world frameworks.
Details »

New Study Tours Announced!
Cirque du Soleli | SXSW | Kentucky Derby Festival
Explore how Cirque du Soleil, SXSW, and the Kentucky Derby Festival are delivered at scale, unpacking the behind-the-scenes decisions that drive execution. Apply today.

Cirque du Soleli | February 18-19 »
SXSW | March 16-18 »
Kentucky Derby Festival | April 17-19 »

Registration is coming soon for Docusign Momentum 2026!

Networking Dinners for Event Marketers Only
CEMA Regional Exchanges
New opportunities have been announced to connect with fellow event marketers, including a special dinner during CL26. Seats are limited.

Seattle, Boston, and NYC dinners are on the way! Keep an eye on CEMAonline.com for newly added dates and locations.

Toronto, CA | August 9-11, 2026
Reminder! Save the Date: CEMA Summit 2026
CEMA Summit 2026 planning is underway, bringing the CEMA community together for an energizing experience designed for corporate event marketers and strategists. Mark your calendar and stay tuned for registration details—we’ll see you in Toronto, August 9–11, 2026.
Details »

Member Benefits

What will you learn next with your CEMA member benefits?

PCMA Institute’s annual subscriptions are included in your CEMA membership and grant you unlimited access to a digital library. You can also take advantage of a 20% discount on certificate courses.

INDUSTRY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Marriott International offers the industry’s most powerful and diverse portfolio, featuring more than 30 leading brands and nearly 9,700 properties across 143 countries and territories. This global footprint provides unmatched opportunities for people and planners to connect, experience, and expand their world. Through Marriott Bonvoy Events, meeting and event planners gain access to inspiring venues, thoughtful design, and curated details that elevate every gathering. Whether hosting an intimate meeting or a large-scale conference, our hotels deliver the ideal space and style to make each event both seamless and memorable.

Read their full profile »