Pittsburgh and San Francisco have been chosen as future
hosts of the annual Convening Leaders conference – billed as ‘the definitive
event for the business events industry’.
Organisers the Professional Convention Management
Association (PCMA) have inked in Pittsburgh for 2019 and San Francisco for 2020
following next year’s event in Nashville, Texas.
Held in January, more
than 4,000 delegates attend the
three-day event, which is based on educational collaboration and
orchestrated networking.
Pittsburgh, PA, or ‘ The Steel City’, has transformed itself into a technology
lightening rod with companies such as Google, Apple, Bosch, Facebook, Uber,
Nokia, Autodesk, and IBM among the 1,600 technology firms generating $20.7
billion in annual payrolls and intellectual capital.
Craig Davis, president and CEO of VisitPittsburgh, said: “We
are so excited to host the 2019 PCMA Convening Leaders Conference in Pittsburgh
in 2019 that five minutes after the announcement the team started our planning.
Although our historical roots are in steel, our work ethic has transitioned our
region to become a hot bed for education, medicine, technology, banking, energy
and tourism. “
San Francisco, in California, is famous for technology, trend-setting
cuisine and postcard views, and has a developed a reputation as one of the most
tolerant and progressive cities in the world.
Joe D’Alessandro, president and CEO of San Francisco Travel,
said: “Attendees will see changes in the neighbourhood including the new Central
Subway, the Mexican Museum and the Salesforce Transit Center and we’ll have new
hotels, many with trendy rooftop venues.”
Deborah Sexton, president and CEO, PCMA, added: “Both
Pittsburgh and San Francisco are unique welcoming destinations with tremendous
knowledge capital communities that will contribute valuable ideas and intuitive
talents to our program.”
