CEMA Newsletter: November 2025

CEMA Power 100 of 2025

We are beyond excited to unveil the 2025 CEMA Power 100, recognizing the most inspiring and influential professionals shaping the future of event marketing and experience strategy. This year’s list spotlights 50 Champions—seasoned leaders who have consistently elevated the craft of events through innovation, creativity, and strategic impact—and 50 Rising Stars, the emerging visionaries who are redefining what’s possible with fresh perspectives, bold ideas, and unstoppable drive. You can download the booklet here.

The CEMA Power 100 celebrates the individuals who move our industry forward. These honorees are the storytellers, strategists, technologists, producers, and innovators who bring ideas to life and connect communities in meaningful ways. From global brand experiences to intimate executive programs, they embody the passion and excellence that define CEMA’s vibrant community.

As we celebrate this year’s honorees, we’re reminded that the strength of our industry lies in its people—the leaders who inspire teams, champion collaboration, and continuously raise the bar for what live, hybrid, and digital experiences can achieve. The Power 100 is more than a list; it’s a reflection of a community that thrives on creativity, courage, and connection.

We invite you to explore the 2025 CEMA Power 100 and celebrate the achievements of these extraordinary Champions and Rising Stars. Share their stories, amplify their accomplishments, and join us in congratulating the talented professionals who are shaping the next era of experiential marketing. Together, we continue to build the foundation for success—one incredible event at a time.

Community

Member Spotlight: Ashley Hodges

“Stay curious and stay kind.”

Meet Ashley
Ashley Hodges, CMP, DES, is the Senior Event Marketing & Planning Director at Vizient, Inc., where she leads large-scale conferences, executive forums, and symposiums that bring healthcare leaders together to collaborate, learn, and innovate. She specializes in driving the strategy and execution of high-impact programs that inspire connection and elevate the attendee experience. With a passion for creating meaningful, purpose-driven events, Ashley blends strategy, creativity, and heart in everything she does. CEMA has become a valued part of her professional community, inspiring her to keep learning and growing alongside fellow event leaders.

How CEMA Reignited My Passion for Events
Ashley joined CEMA about a year ago, drawn to a community of peers who truly “get it” — professionals who think strategically about the future of events rather than focusing solely on logistics. Since joining, she’s found CEMA to be a refreshing space for learning, collaboration, and inspiration. The experience has reignited her curiosity and reminded her why she loves the industry: the people, the creativity, and the constant evolution that keeps events dynamic and meaningful.

Moments That Moved Me
Attending the CEMA Summit proved to be a turning point for Ashley, reigniting her excitement for what’s possible in event strategy. After years of craving more meaningful industry education, she found the sessions at Summit to be both relevant and forward-thinking, sparking new ideas and inspiration. The CEMA Study Tour became another defining experience, where she met incredible professionals who have since become trusted collaborators and friends. Together, these experiences showed Ashley the true power of the CEMA community — a network built on authentic, lasting connections and shared passion for advancing the industry.

Designing Experiences with Purpose
Ashley is passionate about reimagining the way executive experiences are designed — crafting purposeful, human-centered environments that spark genuine conversation and connection. She’s currently exploring how data can play a larger role in event strategy, blending creativity with measurable impact to drive more intentional outcomes. For her, there’s a powerful opportunity to elevate how leaders engage, ensuring every moment feels meaningful, authentic, and strategically aligned.

Grounded in Gratitude
Ashley’s faith and family form the foundation of her life, keeping her grounded and reminding her of what truly matters. When she’s not planning events, she loves spending time in the kitchen baking sourdough or sharing great food with the people she loves. Those moments of slowing down and connecting over a meal help her recharge creatively and bring renewed energy to her work.

Words to Work By
Ashley lives by the mantra, “Stay curious and stay kind.” She believes curiosity fuels continual learning and growth, while kindness builds the meaningful connections that make both the events industry—and the experiences it creates—truly special.

Designing the Future of Connection
Ashley believes the bar for personalization and purpose in events continues to rise. Today’s attendees don’t just want to show up — they want to feel seen, connected, and inspired. She sees the greatest opportunity for the industry in creating experiences that balance intention with impact, designing moments that are as thoughtful and human centered as they are memorable.

Quick Takes with Ashley

Favorite event destination? Southern California
Go-to productivity hack? a color coded to-do list
Event-day essential? coffee… lots of coffee, and comfy shoes 😊

Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn or say hello at the next CEMA Study Tour.

Thank you, Ashley, for sharing your journey and passion with the CEMA community!

Secure Your Membership Rate Ahead of 2026

CEMA membership pricing will increase in 2026, reflecting our continued investment in new programs, exclusive events, and expanded member benefits. This is our first increase since 2008. Renew now to lock in the current lower rate before the new pricing takes effect! Your membership keeps you connected to the industry’s top minds, study tours, executive forums, and resources that elevate your career and brand. Don’t miss this opportunity to renew early and save—secure your 2026 membership today and continue to grow with the CEMA community that powers event excellence.

Renew now »

Expand Your CEMA Experience with PCMA Chapters

As part of the PCMA community, CEMA members can tap into a powerful local network through PCMA Chapters. Chapters offer year-round opportunities to connect with peers in your region, exchange ideas, and collaborate on challenges that matter most to event marketers and strategists.

Chapter events and programs complement CEMA’s national experiences—like the CEMA Summit and Study Tours—by keeping the connections and learning going all year long, right in your own backyard.

Check out the local programs in your area:
Northern California Chapter
San Francisco Bay area, Silicon Valley, Monterey Bay and Central Valley

Pacific Northwest Chapter
WA, OR, ID, AK and MT

New York Area Chapter
NY, southern CT and northern NJ

Gulf States Chapter
TX, LA and MS

Find a full listing of PCMA Chapters »

Located in the heart of the Strip, The Venetian Resort Las Vegas is an all-suite resort with over 7,000 suites. Starting at 650 square feet, each spacious suite offers plush comfort
that is conveniently located near more than 40 restaurants, Prestige Club Lounge, world-class entertainment, high-end shopping, and all the meeting and convention spaces.

For over 25 years, The Venetian Resort has inspired attendees at its fully integrated resort—and now they’re unveiling what’s next. With over $1.5 billion invested across suites, restaurants, entertainment venues, and more, the resort blends its Italian heritage with a modern, elevated aesthetic. The Venetian Convention & Expo Center, spanning 2.25 million square feet, is also receiving a $188 million transformation, featuring upgraded technology, additional digital screens, and flexible, customizable spaces. Meanwhile, the award-winning banquet team, led by global culinary talent, is reimagining both exhibit booth catering and the banquet experience with a focus on organic ingredients, creative preparations, and sustainable practices.

As part of their ongoing commitment to sustainability, The Venetian Resort has partnered with The Just One Project to launch the Food Rescue Alliance—a first-of-its-kind initiative advancing large-scale food rescue in Las Vegas. This partnership doubles the number of fresh, nutritious meals donated annually to those facing food insecurity. The program received national recognition in September 2022, when Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff highlighted it during a White House briefing as part of the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities by 2030.

While The Venetian Resort is renowned for its scale, it’s never too big to host your most intimate gatherings. The Stella Studio, a modern 7,000-square-foot space with natural light and Strip views, is ideal for receptions or seated presentations. For an outdoor option, The Venetian pool deck combines relaxation and style, featuring amenity-rich super cabanas with HD TVs, stocked refrigerators, and dedicated hosts, perfect for intimate gatherings.

The comprehensive plan for reinvesting in the resort is well underway, and the best part is that it isn’t impacting business. Groups can look forward to all these updates while enjoying the same impeccable service that’s synonymous with The Venetian Resort.

Ready to request a proposal? »

Turning Surplus Into Sustainability: How The Venetian Resort Is Redefining Food Rescue in Meetings & Events

The Venetian Resort Las Vegas is transforming how the hospitality industry approaches sustainability through its Food Rescue Alliance, a program that turns surplus convention food into meals for those in need. The U.S. hospitality sector generates over 18 million tons of food waste annually, as large-scale hotels prepare millions of meals each year, inevitably creating surplus. Traditionally, this food went to waste—but The Venetian Resort recognized an opportunity to align sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and community impact.

In partnership with Las Vegas nonprofit The Just One Project, the Food Rescue Alliance collects unserved, high-quality food from events and safely redistributes it to families experiencing food insecurity. Southern Nevada faces one of the nation’s highest food insecurity rates, making this initiative both a moral imperative and a practical solution. Since its inception, the program has rescued over 600,000 meals—equivalent to more than $350,000 in food value—while significantly reducing CO₂ emissions and conserving water. Team members volunteer thousands of hours, ensuring that rescued food reaches the community efficiently.

The process is highly organized: culinary staff move surplus food to a holding area, then it is transported in temperature-controlled boxes to The Just One Project’s Food Rescue Kitchen. Within hours, meals are repackaged for distribution through a robust network of local agencies. Every tray is logged and tracked, generating measurable impact metrics that appeal to clients and support ESG reporting.

Beyond direct impact, the Food Rescue Alliance is inspiring broader change in the Las Vegas hospitality sector. Other resorts are exploring similar partnerships, and city-wide event producers are leveraging the model for one-time food rescues. The Venetian Resort offers a clear roadmap for industry adoption: partner locally, build efficient logistics, measure impact, engage staff, and tell the story.

According to Anna Schmid, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, what began as a CSR initiative evolved into a strategic sustainability program valued by clients. Food rescue at The Venetian Resort is not just charity—it’s embedded into the resort’s culture, Green Meetings strategy, and guest experience, demonstrating that doing good and doing well can go hand in hand.

In redefining food rescue, The Venetian Resort proves that the next frontier of hospitality excellence isn’t just in what is served—but in what is thoughtfully preserved. The resort’s model highlights how large-scale events can reduce waste, support communities, and set a standard for sustainable practices in meetings and conventions worldwide.

Download full white paper »
Ready to request a proposal? »

UPCOMING EVENTS

Philadelphia, PA | Pennsylvania Convention Center | January 11-14, 2026
Convening Leaders 2026
Trevor Noah, Tabitha Brown, and Adam Grant headline the keynote lineup, and event marketers get front-row access, plus perks like the Event Marketer Lounge, curated education tracks, and members-only dinners. Advanced rates end today—register now.
Details »

For Event Marketers Only
CEMA Regional Exchange: Networking Dinners
You bring the questions, we’ll bring the table. Join fellow event marketers for a candid, no-fluff dinner conversation on the work you’re navigating right now—plus a meal, on us.

Toronto, Canada | August 9-11, 2026
CEMA Summit 2026
Grab your passports—CEMA Summit 2026 dates are live. Meet us in Toronto for three days of intentional programming, peer-led dialogue, and closed-room collaboration. Save the date to get first access to registration (and a few early previews, too)!
Details »

Learning

Launch Your 2026 Event Marketing Strategy at CL26

Join CEMA at PCMA Convening Leaders 2026 in Philadelphia, January 11–14, for an unforgettable week of inspiration, learning, and connection! This year’s conference features an extraordinary keynote lineup—Adam Grant, Tabitha Brown, Zanny Minton Beddoes, and Trevor Noah—each bringing powerful insights on leadership, creativity, resilience, and the future of work.

As a CEMA member, you’ll enjoy exclusive event-marketer content and networking experiences designed specifically for corporate and agency leaders driving event strategy and brand experiences. Don’t miss the CEMA Happy Hour, where connections come to life, and our CEMA Event Marketer Dinner, an intimate evening with peers and industry innovators sharing bold ideas over great food.

Whether you’re shaping global events or exploring fresh inspiration for your next big program, CEMA at Convening Leaders is your hub for learning, collaboration, and community. Let’s kick off 2026 together in Philadelphia—where event excellence takes center stage!

Learn more about CL26 »

Experience the Convergence of Creativity, Innovation, and Culture at SXSW 2026

In a bold move to create a more integrated and dynamic experience, and in the absence of the Austin Convention Center, SXSW 2026 is reimagined as a seven-day, city-wide event where the Conference, Film & TV Festival, and Music Festival will run concurrently for the first time in decades. SXSW gathers trailblazers and creative minds from sports, business, tech, music, and film for a week packed with premieres, groundbreaking activations, and opportunities to spark new collaborations and ideas, all happening in Austin, TX from March 12–18, 2026.

SXSW 2026 brings a new opportunity for CEMA members. In addition to 15% off all badge types — Platinum, Innovation, Film & TV, Music, and EDU — CEMA will host an on-site SXSW Study Tour in Austin, offering a close look at venue design, production strategy, and brand activations powering the event’s seven-day, city-wide format. Members can access savings on SXSW’s most sought-after badges while gaining curated insights into the strategy behind the experience. Registration for the Study Tour will launch soon.

>>> Email membership@cemaonline.com with your preferred badge type to access the discount code. <<<

Promo codes and discounts are available to CEMA members only. Continue to monitor sxsw.com and sxswedu.com for information on rate increases, registration deadlines, and event information. If you have any questions, please reach out to alex.casolaro@sxsw.com.

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, including: CMP Exam Prep, Digital Event Strategist, Lead Events with Strategic Business Impact and more!

INDUSTRY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Caesars Entertainment, Inc. offers meeting and event planners one dedicated team, united nationwide, committed to providing the most successful meeting experiences possible. With one call or email, planners have access to more than 50 properties, offering more than 2.1 million square feet of meeting space and more than 50,000 guest rooms. Mix and match properties and venues within a destination under a single contract and minimum. Enjoy elite perks, rewards and privileges with our Caesars Rewards Meeting Diamond Program. For more information, please visit CaesarsMeansBusiness.com.

Products and Services:
Caesars Entertainment delivers extraordinary meetings and events across 50+ premier U.S. properties. Our experienced teams help meeting planners create unforgettable experiences in world-class venues. With in-market sales professionals who live where our clients do, we offer personalized service and local insight. We simplify planning with one sales contact, one contract, and limitless possibilities across our portfolio. Ongoing innovation ensures attendees enjoy modern amenities and exceptional comfort. Whether you’re planning an event in Las Vegas, on the East Coast, South, West, or beyond, Caesars Entertainment is your trusted partner for seamless, impactful extraordinary experiences.

Read their full profile »