CEMA Newsletter: May 2026
CS26 Industry Panel Announcement
 What does it take to lead successful event programs in 2026? In this highly anticipated CEMA Summit tradition, senior event marketing leaders come together for a candid, forward-looking conversation on the realities shaping the industry today—and what’s coming next.
Sara Reed (VP, Global Events), Leslie Hasvold (Sr. Director, Corporate Events, Cloudflare), Deborah Caldwell (Head of Events, APAC, Bank of America) Dan Preiss (Vice President of Global Experiental Events Marketing and Sponsorships)
As they share how they are navigating shifting budgets, proving business impact, scaling global programs, and integrating new technologies including AI—into their strategies.
This session will go beyond trends to deliver real-world insight from leaders managing complex, global event portfolios. Expect an honest discussion on what’s working, what’s not, and how event marketers can continue to evolve from execution to strategic influence in an increasingly dynamic environment.
Community
Member Spotlight: Jodi Morrisson
CEMA Member Since:Â 2010
Jodi, with over two decades of experience in event planning, has worked extensively on both vendor and corporate sites. Her career at Oracle spanned over 19 years, where she was part of the Corporate Event team. She played a pivotal role in organizing global conferences such as Oracle OpenWorld, NetSuite SuiteWorld, Modern Business Experience, and Modern Customer Experience, focusing on technology and operations. Jodi’s extensive travel experience has taken her to Europe, Asia, and Latin America, where she contributed to the production of various Oracle events.
Jodi brought her wealth of experience and training to Lenos as they expanded the reach of their Event and SMMP Platforms. Her diverse background in organizing events of all sizes across the globe equipped her to collaborate effectively with a wide range of clients.
Also, Jodi has served as a CEMA Board Member three times and participates in the membership committee currently.
Your CEMA StoryÂ
Q: What first drew you to CEMA, and how has being part of the community shaped your professional journey?
A: I was drawn to CEMA for education and meeting contacts in the event industry, both planners and possible vendor partners in a relaxed, non-selling environment.
A Defining CEMA MomentÂ
Q: Can you share a moment or connection through CEMA that made a lasting impact — a collaboration, insight, or opportunity that stands out?
A: One memorable moment at CEMA Summit, early on in my membership. A co-worker and I sat with Megan Powers, who was with AV Concepts at the time. We had a great conversation about our experience in events, no selling, just fun and interesting conversation. We chose to include them in our next RFP, and we switched to AV Concepts after that RFP. After that switch, I have met many event colleagues that I consider long-time friends.
What’s Inspiring You Right NowÂ
Q: What’s something you’re currently working on or exploring that excites you — whether it’s a project, a new skill, or an emerging trend?
A: I am currently looking for a new position, but I am taking the time between my job hunt efforts. I’m looking into the available AI solutions available to the event industry. I am super excited to see so many options like Spark, DestinAItor and other products that offer more than writing content. I am looking forward to assisting in getting this information out to the industry. The solutions will not replace us as event professionals but assist us with monotonous items that allow us to be strategic and assist with ROI.
Passions That Fuel YouÂ
Q: What outside interests or passions help you show up stronger in your work?
A: I have a few items that help me recharged for work and job search currently.
- Pilates / Gyrotonic classes
- Playing with and walking my two rescue dogs
- Building Lego Kits
Words to Work ByÂ
Q: What advice, mindset, or mantra has guided you in your career?
A: Always keep learning and surround yourself with individuals and partners that you trust and are experts in their fields.
Looking AheadÂ
Q: What shifts or challenges do you see shaping the future of events, and where do you think our community has the biggest opportunity to lead?
A: AI will remain, but it will not replace us. I believe the most important thing is to stay current in trends and technology. Don’t be scared to try things! Most event folks are willing to implement new experiences, but we all need to be fearless when it comes to trying and working with new technology.  The second crucial part of the process is looking at the result with a critical eye.
Rapid Fire
- Favorite event destination: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Go-to productivity hack: Never struggle trying to figure out something and use AI to help me find the answer, so I can continue with my project.
- Event-day essential: ABC / info guide and contact sheet searchable on my phone or tablet.
- Someone in the CEMA community who inspires you: Richard Steinau, he encourages the introverts in events to come out of their shell. He is a long-term friend.
- Biggest lesson you’ve learned this year: It is critical to have a network of industry contacts you can reach out to. I have been using PCMA Axis for that since it was launched earlier this year.
Closing ThoughtÂ
I have learned to be open to conversations and insights from others at CEMA and throughout the industry. For us, to continue growing and staying relevant to our executives and attendees, we need to learn and share with each other.
Don’t Let AI Ghost Your Relationships
I’ll be the first to admit it: I’m a late adopter. While everyone else was diving headfirst into AI, I was skeptical. But recently, I watched a colleague build a functional website right in front of my eyes in minutes. Then I used it myself to knock out social copy and event names that used to take me hours of staring at a blank cursor.
I’m a believer now. It’s a tool that works.
But as I’ve started using it more, I’ve had a nagging realization. In a world where we can automate almost everything, we have to be even more intentional about the one thing a machine can’t do: actually showing up for people.
I’ve always said that my real superpower is my contact list. Not just the names, but the people behind them. The ones you call when a project is falling apart at 10:00 PM. The ones who help you find a solution—not because there’s a contract in place, but because they know you’d do the exact same for them.
I recently took on a project that gave me that familiar, heavy “2020 pivot” feeling. You know the one: no time, no budget, and a mountain of work.
AI helped us chip away at the tasks. It handled the “what.” But it couldn’t handle the “how.”
I started out feeling like I had to carry the whole event on my back. Then I remembered I didn’t have to. I reached out to an agency partner who jumped in just because they enjoy working with us. Internally, I pulled together a “tiger team” that included brand, design, and operations who pitched in simply because I asked.
That’s the part AI can’t replicate. A prompt can’t inspire a team to go the extra mile. Only a relationship can do that.
And that’s why I’m heading to the CEMA Summit in August.
Yes, I want to see how everyone else is using these new tools to be faster and more efficient. But mostly, I’m going to be in the same room with the people who make this industry worth being in. Of course I want to talk about the trends, but I really just want to reconnect.
AI might be able to help us get the work done, but it’s the CEMA community that keeps us sane while we do it.
Sarah Shaheen
Sr. Director of Events | dbtLabs
2026 PCMA Visionary Award – Corporate Event Marketer Award
2026 PCMA Visionary Award – Corporate Event Marketer Award
We’re proud to announce that the inaugural Corporate Event Marketer Award goes to Kim Hastings, CMM. This award honors professionals who use corporate events as a core marketing channel, driving brand visibility, audience engagement, and business impact through intentional, event-led strategy.
Kim leads Procore’s flagship event strategy, blending creativity and operational excellence with long-term strategic planning. Last year, she transformed Procore’s Groundbreak conference delivering a 27% increase in attendance, record sponsorship and registration revenue, and a 14% lift in brand sentiment, while also securing long-term venues to support future growth.
Congratulations to Kim on setting the standard for excellence in corporate event marketing!
You can catch Kim on an upcoming episode of Leadership in 10!!
Meet PCMA AXIS
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Need help navigating PCMA Axis? Register for our upcoming webinar to see how Axis can elevate your member experience.
Applications for the 2027 CEMA Advisory Board are Now Open!
Interested in contributing your perspective and industry expertise? Consider joining the CEMA Advisory Board. Advisory Board members guide programming, elevate the member experience, and ensure we’re delivering real value to this community.Â
Learning
Kentucky Derby Recap
Alison Frederick | OneStream Software
The Kentucky Derby Festival was an energizing reminder of what’s possible when an entire city rallies around a shared vision. My biggest takeaway was the extraordinary level of cross‑collaboration happening behind the scenes Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby Museum, the City of Louisville, and countless partners all operating independently, yet delivering a guest experience that feels seamless and unified. It’s the kind of operational harmony every marketing professional dreams of.
What stood out even more was how no detail goes unnoticed. For a program that’s more than 150 years old, the Derby continues to innovate and stay culturally relevant a powerful reminder that legacy doesn’t have to mean static. It’s a lesson I’m bringing back to my own events: tradition and reinvention can absolutely coexist.
I was also highly impressed by their OOH advertising strategy, especially the bold placements in markets like New York during Fashion Week leaning into Derby outfits and hats and in major attendee hubs like Chicago. It’s a clever, scalable way to position the Derby as a global, event‑of‑the‑year moment, not just a regional celebration.
One of the most memorable parts of the trip was the Kentucky bourbon tasting and the behind‑the‑scenes tour of how the distillery creates its bourbon. I’m not a bourbon drinker, but there was truly something for everyone. Experiencing the craft, the storytelling, and the pride that goes into each bottle sparked new ideas for how we design field experiences. Leading a field team, we do plenty of in‑region activations but this made me think more intentionally about tours, behind‑the‑scenes access, and immersive experiences for top target accounts. There’s real power in letting people step into the process, not just the product.
The behind‑the‑scenes Derby tours were equally special. You could feel the joy, pride, and deep history the Derby brings to Louisville not just as a tourism driver, but as part of the city’s cultural heartbeat. That sense of community connection is rare, and it made the experience even more meaningful.
Overall, I’m incredibly grateful to have participated. It was a unique, inspiring look at an iconic event, and I’m leaving with fresh ideas, renewed energy, and a deep appreciation for the people who make the Derby what it is. Thanks for having me it was unforgettable.
Leadership in 10
Only have 10 min? Great! Because we are sharing some amazing access to executive leaders from across the Industry. Leadership in 10 is our new video series that gives you short bits of inspiration, innovation, and career direction.
Executive Leader Fellowship
Step into enterprise leadership with PCMA’s Executive Leader Fellowship, a cohort for senior event leaders seeking boardroom‑ready skills, NYU‑backed rigor, and an elite peer network. Visit the ELF site to learn more.
Your Most Undervalued Event Strategy May Already Be on Your Team
As organizations work to better engage emerging audiences, this PCMA article explores why Gen Z employees may be one of the most valuable strategic resources event leaders already have. From attendee experience to community design, their insights can help shape more relevant, future-focused events.
UPCOMING EVENTS
 CEMA Regional Dinners
CEMA Study Tours
Executive Spotlight
Shannon Coldon
Shannon Coldon has been part of the Caesars Entertainment family since 1997, building a career that has taken her through over a dozen diverse roles across the organization — from accounting to catering and convention services, strategic accounts and her current role leading the West Coast and tech market.
After spending the last 15 years deployed in a different region, she returned to the West Coast in January 2025 and immediately knew she wanted to reconnect with CEMA. Shannon was previously involved with CEMA in the early 2000s, and jumping back in has felt like coming home. She’s loved meeting new people, reconnecting with familiar faces, and collaborating with the community over the past year and a half.
With nearly three decades at Caesars, Shannon brings a blend of deep industry experience, a solutions‑driven mindset, and a leadership style rooted in openness, humor, and genuine connection. She’s passionate about building relationships — both with clients and within her team — and believes that shared commitment and daily collaboration are what make this industry so special. Her career has been defined by standout results, but she’ll tell you the real highlight has always been the people.
A proud Las Vegan since 1989, Shannon is married, a mom to two adult sons, and a dog‑mom to three very spoiled pups who fully believe they run the household. When she’s not working with customers or cheering on her teams, you can usually find her soaking up the desert sunshine, supporting local nonprofits, catching a Golden Knights or Raiders game, or enjoying the incredible dining, shows, and concerts that make Las Vegas such an incredible place to call home.