Happy Holiday Season PCMA GMC Members!

I wish you all a healthy, happy and joyous holiday season. May you find time to recharge, enjoy fellowship with family and friends and embrace the spirit of the season.

Throughout 2025, the Board of Directors have worked diligently to strengthen the Chapter framework and serve the business events industry across the greater Midwest region. Their efforts have positioned the Chapter for continued success in the years ahead.

As I conclude my term President, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Chapter. Serving in this role has been an incredible honor, and I am deeply grateful for the trust, collaboration, and support throughout the year.

Looking ahead to 2026, with a strong foundation in place and a dedicated leadership team, the Chapter is poised to deliver even greater value to all of you.

As you reflect on the professional and personal goals you set for 2025, focus on all of your successes and carry forward or realign your goals for 2026. My personal 2025 goals focused on the “Year of Yes and…” I certainly accomplished many “Yes and…” moments while continuing to achieve a personal milestone by March.

Key highlights within this month’s newsletter include:

• Volunteer Thanks
• Calendar of Events
• 2025 Recap

It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the 2025 PCMA Greater Midwest Chapter President. Thank you for allowing me to lead the best Chapter!

Dawn Amaskane, CAE, CMP
President, PCMA Greater Midwest Chapter

​​​Vice President, Governance and Meetings
American Osteopathic Association

GMC is successful due to the commitment of all the volunteers. Thank you to the committee chairs and members for your service in 2025.

A special note of thanks to the following members of the Board of Directors for their outstanding service and dedication as their terms conclude at the end of this year: Yolanda Simmons Battle, Lindsay Williams, Erin Ciavarella and Jenny Lynch. Your leadership and commitment have made a lasting impact, and the chapter is grateful for all you have contributed.

Are you interested in expanding your resume and your network through unique challenges and opportunities?

If so, we encourage you to look into joining one of the Greater Midwest Chapter of PCMA’s committees! If you’re still passionate about your current committee and want to stay on, please let your committee chair know.

PCMA GMC volunteer committee members are the reason GMC is one of the most successful and active PCMA chapters. Their unwavering commitment to our chapter and the business events industry continues to drive innovation, connection, and growth within our community.

LEARN MORE HERE

Our GMC Chapter membership is now at 1,205 YTD, and we’re continuing to grow!

Being part of the PCMA GMC Chapter offers incredible opportunities to:

• ​​​​​Connect with industry peers and expand your professional network
• Gain access to valuable resources, education, and industry insights
• Participate in events that foster growth, leadership, and collaboration
• Be part of a supportive community that’s shaping the future of our industry

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Heading to PCMA Convening Leaders 2026? Meet the Cadmium team to explore how our comprehensive event and education platform empowers associations, event planners, and learning professionals to deliver seamless experiences — from abstract submission to certification. Learn more here: https://www.gocadmium.com/events/pcma-convening-leaders 

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Bowl Bash on November 12, 2025!
We had an amazing turnout, with a total of 283 attendees!

Join us for the GMC Holiday Mixer at FatPour Tap Works McCormick Place! Come enjoy some food and drinks and network! This event is the perfect opportunity to connect planners and suppliers as you look to planning your 2026 events.

Learn more and register here!

Join us at the PCMA Greater Midwest Chapter Holiday Mixer on December 3rd and support ChiGiveBack’s 9th Annual Toy Drive. Our partnership will ensure children and families in need experience the magic of the holiday season!

Here’s how you can participate:

• Bring a toy to the PCMA GMC Holiday Mixer
• Purchase a toy from the Amazon Wishlist and show a screenshot of your receipt
• Make an onsite donation to ChiGivesBack (cash or digital)

A raffle ticket will be given for each donation, so the more you give, the greater chance of winning the Holiday Prize Package! We look forward to celebrating with you and spreading joy throughout our communities.

For more information on ChiGivesBack:

ChiGivesBack’s 9th Annual Toy Drive continues our mission of spreading love, joy, and hope throughout Chicago. Each year, we collect and distribute thousands of toys to children and families in need across the city. What started as a small grassroots effort has grown into one of Chicago’s largest community-driven holiday initiatives, bringing together volunteers, partners, and donors to ensure every child experiences the magic of the season.