CEMA Newsletter: July 2025

The Power of Community: Coming Together in Support of Texas at CEMA Summit

Brian Mason, MBA
VP, Strategy & Operations | CEMA

This month, the heart of Texas will beat a little louder as the Corporate Event Marketing Association (CEMA) brings its highly anticipated annual Summit to Austin.

As we prepare to travel to Texas, our hearts go out to all those that have been affected by the terrible flooding that has taken place in the past week. We have heard from many of you that you would like to help. Our friends at Visit Austin have created this landing page with various organizations where you can give your support.

The PCMA Foundation will also have an onsite activation that will support those in need.

We will have three vibrant days, where our community of corporate event professionals will gather to reconnect, recharge, and reignite our passion for the events industry — and what better place to do it than Austin, a city known for its bold creativity, soul-stirring music, and warm, welcoming spirit.

More than just a conference, the CEMA Summit is a homecoming — a place where industry friends become family, and new ideas are born from old connections. It’s a time to come together with the people who understand our work, our challenges, and our drive. Whether you’re leading the charge in global event strategy, innovating brand experiences, or just looking to grow, this summit offers a space to learn, collaborate, and to be inspired.

This year’s agenda is nothing short of exceptional. We’ll be joined by two extraordinary keynote speakers who are set to challenge our thinking and spark new possibilities. Elaine Welteroth — New York Times bestselling author, former editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue, and a passionate advocate for designing a career with purpose — will share her insights on leadership, creativity, and reinvention. Meanwhile, Dr. David Burkus, celebrated business thinker and best-selling author, will bring research-backed ideas on teamwork, collaboration, and the power of connection in a world where the rules of engagement continue to evolve.

But it wouldn’t be a CEMA Summit without the unforgettable evening experiences that bring us even closer together. This year, we’re thrilled to partner with Visit Austin, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), and CEMA to deliver three unique and memorable networking events that celebrate the local culture and the power of community. From rooftop views and local bites to live music and a little cowboy flair, each evening promises to be as meaningful as the sessions themselves — a time to laugh, share stories, and build the relationships that fuel our industry forward.

So, pack your boots, your questions, and your biggest ideas. Whether you’re a long-time CEMA member or attending your first Summit, this is your invitation to be part of something special. The countdown is on. Let’s make this a Texas-sized celebration of our work, our people, and our shared future.

See you in Austin!

Community

Member Spotlight: Anita Harris

Meet Anita Harris, a London-based events leader with 20 years of experience across public and private sectors. She currently shapes global event operations at Moody’s, and she recently joined CEMA to connect with diverse industry professionals, expand her network, and collaborate on challenges like sustainability and creativity in financial events.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got involved with CEMA?

I have been in the event industry for 20 years in a range of public and private sector roles. I joined Moody’s over ten years ago, managing the regional programs and events team, and more recently event operations and internal flagships.

I have a strong interest in how we design event experiences to look and feel consistent, but with regional differences that make them relevant to their audiences. And trying to encourage financial events to be more creative where possible!

I joined CEMA earlier this year. I was referred to join by Moody’s Head of Events, Bridgette who is a longstanding member and really recommended the opportunity to connect with event professionals from different industries. I’m really grateful to be part of the community.

Can you share a memorable way that CEMA has expanded your network or created new professional opportunities?

I recently attended the CEMA Study Tour: Salesforce – World Tour London which was my first CEMA event. It was really insightful to see how such a significant event comes together behind the scenes and meet with event professionals from different backgrounds and industries. The ability to simply share how we all operate and the challenges/opportunities we face is really valuable.

What are you currently learning about (either professionally or personally)?

Personally, I am currently learning how to create tablescapes with fruit and flowers. Professionally, there is (unsurprisingly) a focus on leveraging AI to streamline workload, as well as refining processes, embedding creativity, and building consistency across our global events team

What are you most passionate about outside of work?

At the moment, the summertime in London and spending time outside.

What is the best piece of advice someone has given you?

Celebrate progress over perfection. As event professionals – often natural perfectionists, we’re constantly working toward immovable milestones. It’s essential to pause and acknowledge how much we achieve along the way, even in the face of relentless deadlines!

As an industry leader, what challenges do you see on the horizon for the events industry, and how can event professionals collaborate to turn those challenges into opportunities?

I’m going to bypass AI because it is weaving into everything and both a challenge and an opportunity for the industry.

Sustainability is a major priority; bringing people together often involves temporary structures and a considerable carbon footprint. By engaging with industry communities like CEMA, we can exchange insights, learn from diverse perspectives, and set clear targets to create more environmentally responsible event experiences.

Executive Profile: Stephanie Turner

Stephanie Turner brings over 30 years of hospitality experience and an unwavering commitment to her hometown of New Orleans. As Senior Vice President of Convention Sales and Strategies at New Orleans & Company, she leads efforts to attract and support meetings, conventions, and major events that drive both tourism and economic impact for the city and state.

Stephanie oversees a high-performing team across sales, services, and marketing, guiding clients from the earliest planning stages through to successful event execution. Her leadership ensures that New Orleans consistently delivers unforgettable experiences while setting the standard for excellence in event hosting.

She spearheaded the launch of Built to Host, a strategic brand that highlights New Orleans’ proven capacity to manage complex, high-profile events with signature hospitality and innovation.

Stephanie’s passion for her city, coupled with her strategic vision, has helped position New Orleans as a premier global destination. Her work continues to shape the city’s reputation as a place where culture and business come together seamlessly.

What’s the most effective way to fuel your company’s growth and your career growth? Master event-led growth: a go-to-market strategy that uses events as the primary channel for customer acquisition, retention, and expansion. When done well—and backed by the right tech—it’s one of the most powerful levers teams have to drive real business outcomes: awareness, engagement, revenue, and everything in between.

In a recent survey of over 1,000 U.S.-based marketers*, 72% said events are their most effective marketing channel, outperforming digital, product-led, and partner-led strategies. What sets these marketers apart from those who do not see the same level of business impact from their events? Embracing event-led growth (ELG).

ELG focuses on creating data-driven programs that integrate with larger marketing and company initiatives. This enables organizations to provide as much value as possible to their growing customer base using event programs at scale. The teams using ELG are seeing stronger customer relationships, better brand awareness, increased opportunity generation, and new or stronger partnerships.

Of course, making that shift takes more than intention. It takes support.

That’s where the new Event-Led Growth Masterclass from Cvent comes in, helping marketers turn events into a consistent engine for growth. The course is designed to meet marketers and event pros where they are, whether you’re just hearing about ELG or ready to double down on a program you’re already scaling. 100% on-demand, the content is fun, engaging, and covers everything from event program strategy development to execution to measurement and ROI.

And when it’s time to scale what you’ve learned, Cvent’s platform is here to back you up, with tools that help you run smarter, connect deeper, and turn every event into a growth opportunity. Discover how simple Cvent makes launching and managing high-frequency events, elevates brand experiences, streamlines appointment scheduling for high-value meetings, handles lead capture and follow-up from in-person events, and enables scalable digital engagement for webinars and virtual events.

Enroll today in Cvent’s masterclass and get certified in event-led growth. Use code CEMA100 at checkout for 100% off the course (a $250 value).

The masterclass is open. The momentum is real. Register now »

Learning

Cvent CONNECT Study Tour Recap

By: Ashley Jenkins, Study Tour Participant
Event Operations Administrator, First Due

Attending the CEMA Study Tour at Cvent CONNECT was an enlightening and energizing experience. From exclusive production insights to immersive event showcases, the tour offered a rare glimpse into how Cvent CONNECT comes to life. I gained a deeper appreciation for the value and quality of an event’s partnerships with its suppliers and host city—relationships that are clearly a key ingredient to the event’s success.

One of the highlights was the walking tour of the event venue, which included a behind-the-scenes look at the general session stage, a spotlight on sustainability practices, and a panel discussion with the event’s key stakeholders.

Beyond the event itself, exploring the vibrant city of San Antonio and connecting with fellow event professionals added tremendous value. Overall, it was a powerful reminder of the creativity, strategy, and community that fuel our industry. I highly recommend any CEMA Study Tour to event professionals looking to be inspired, build meaningful connections, and stay ahead of industry trends.

Just Released: Watch Our Latest CEMA Connects Webinar

Our June installment of the CEMA Connects webinar series is now available on demand!

Check it out:

How Art Basel Scaled Its Influence with Strategy, Branding, and Global Reach »

UPCOMING EVENTS

July 27-29 | Austin, TX
CEMA Summit 2025
Preview our education program! The best and brightest minds in the industry will lead can’t-miss sessions delivering fresh insights, strategies, and connections that will help you excel.
Details »

Upcoming Networking Dinners for Event Marketers:
Across the country, event marketers are connecting over real conversations, shared challenges and bold ideas. We’re saving you a seat, pull up to a sponsored CEMA Regional Exchange dinner near you.

We’re adding more opportunities to connect in multiple cities. Check cemaonline.com often for new dates and locations.

August 12, 2025 | 11:00 am CDT
CEMA Study Tour Recap: Salesforce World Tour London 2025
Go behind the scenes of Salesforce World Tour London. Hear firsthand reflections from panelists who explored the event’s bold moments, standout strategies, and lessons they’re bringing home.
Details»

September 24-26, 2025 | Las Vegas, NV
CEMA Study Tour: Oktane
Step inside Okta’s annual conference where identity, security, and innovation intersect. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the full experience of Oktane, from hands-on activations to mainstage production and tech integration.
Details »

Learning

Grow Your Career with the PCMA Institute!

The Event Leadership Institute has a new identity, but it’s still providing business events professionals with top-tier learning and development opportunities. And don’t forget about your exclusive 20% member discount!

New courses! Register today for Sustainable Events Blueprint and Mastering Business Acumen for Events Professionals.
July 24: Expert panelists share tips on Budgeting for a Shifting Global Economy during our upcoming webinar, brought to you by IHG® Hotels & Resorts
Already AI-savvy? Use it to power your event strategy with our live, online intensive July 30.
Build a strategic foundation for your events: Advanced Event Design & Strategy begins August 4.
Drive business growth with Event Measurement & Analytics starting August 11.

Explore all courses »

INDUSTRY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

InGo is the referral marketing platform built for event marketers. We empower your attendees, speakers, and sponsors to become co-marketers – sharing your event with one click and driving authentic, word-of-mouth buzz at scale. InGo drives 10x more referrals through your event participants.

Read their full profile »

INDUSTRY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Planning an event in a new city and not sure where to start? Destinaitor takes the guesswork out of destination research with AI-powered insights tailored to your event’s needs. From finding the perfect venues and hotels to surfacing hidden gems for off-site activities, Destinaitor helps you design experiences that are anything but ordinary. Whether you’re hosting an executive retreat or a large-scale conference, you’ll have the data—and confidence—you need to make every decision count.

Learn more »