September marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall—a season of change. Change can bring both growth and discomfort, yet within it lies opportunity. Approaching change with curiosity rather than apprehension allows us to adapt, evolve, and be a catalyst for change.

As business event strategists and suppliers, we know change is a constant. Destinations may be booming one season and face a decline the next season. Similarly, associations/corporations may thrive with larger budgets and record attendance one year, only to encounter tighter resources and fewer participants the following year.
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The power of relationships to support one another through change unites our community, making the hospitality industry a true catalyst for transformation. Change is constant. Leadership is optional, choose to adapt.

Enjoy the remaining weeks of the summer sun as we embrace for fall.

Key highlights within this months newsletter include:

Upcoming Events:

• September 9 Educational Event (Rosemont, IL)
• September 11 Milwaukee Mingle (Milwaukee, WI)
• September 23 Webinar
• Strategic Plan Update
• Sponsorship Opportunities

Be the Change… Do Better, Be Better.

Thank you for being a member of the PCMA Greater Midwest Chapter.

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

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

This award was created by the Greater Midwest Chapter in 2019 to recognize an active chapter member (professional or supplier) who does not reside and/or have a physical office in the greater Chicago area.

Greater Chicago area is defined as the following:
Cook, Will, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Kankakee & Lake counties in Illinois
Lake, Porter & LaPorte counties in Indiana

CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE A COLLEAGUE FOR AN AWARD 

​​​​Award Criteria:

• Annually awarded
• Nomination by a PCMA GMC member in good standing or automatic entry for those members who have received Star of the Quarter award during the calendar year
• Minimum of 5 years membership in PCMA GMC and 7 years professional experience
• Not a current member of the PCMA GMC Board of Directors nor GMC Awards Committee
• Has actively been engaged on one GMC committee during the current calendar year
• Is a PCMA GMC member in good standing

​​​​​​Congratulations to Emily Stephens, at The International Coaching Federation, for being named the GMC Q2 Star of the Quarter. Emily participates on the Professional Development committee and was nominated as follows: Emily has been invaluable in helping put together the PCMA GMC quarterly webinars. She’s confirmed dates, speakers, and topics almost singlehandedly, working with speakers to develop webinar titles and descriptions. She’s been a total superstar!

Thank you, Emily, for your contribution to the Chapter!

Thanks to all who joined us Thursday, August 21 from 12:00 pm– 1:00 pm CDT for a virtual PCMA GMC Webinar: Sustainability Redefined: Pioneering Strategies for Impactful Events!

This eye-opening session dove into the cutting-edge world of sustainable event planning. Participants learned how to:

• Rethink traditional approaches to event sustainability
• Implement innovative eco-friendly practices that pack a punch
• Balance environmental responsibility with unforgettable experiences
• Create and implement social offsets to maximize positive community impact

From reducing carbon footprints to creating “Instagrammable” green moments, this session equipped listeners with the tools to make planet-friendly and crowd pleasing events. Participants also discovered how to give back to local communities through strategic social offsets, turning their events into a force for good.​​​

Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025
Time: 12pm CDT
Speakers: Ellie Hurley, SEPC; Patrick Macellaio;
Beth Surmont, FASAE, CMP – Fellow
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CHECK OUT THE RECORDING HERE

REGISTRATION NOW LIVE 

Date: September 9, 2025
Time: 1pm – 6pm
Location: Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
Education Sponsor
Thank you to Destination Toronto, our education sponsor for this event!

Planner Registration Sponsor
Planners can register for free using the code MCNW2025 thanks to our Planner Registration Sponsor Meet Chicago Northwest! Limited free registrations available; secure your spot now!

Keynote Speaker:
Beyond the Acronym: Exploring the Gray in DEI
Michael Dominguez, President & CEO, Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI)

Panel Presenters:
Cie Armstead, Owner & Principal of Owlservations, LLC
Tyronne Stoudemire, Senior Vice President of Global Human Resources at Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Sharon White, CHRO, National Association of Realtors

Education Sponsor:

Planner Registration Sponsor:

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REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Date: Thursday, September 11, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Harley-Davidson Museum | 500 W Canal St, Milwaukee, WI 53203

Planners Register for Free!
Planners can register for free using the code “VisitMKE2025″ thanks to our Planner Registration Sponsor Visit Milwaukee.
Limited free registrations available; secure your spot now!​​​​​

Join us for the GMC Milwaukee Mingle—an evening of networking, scenic views, and fun at the iconic Harley-Davidson Museum! Located on the 1903 Bridge and Patio, this casual social event brings together PCMA GMC members and industry friends for an energizing experience along Milwaukee’s Menomonee Riverfront.
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Thank you to our Milwaukee Mingle sponsors!

Photobooth Sponsor:

Table Display:

Planner Registration Sponsor:

More information coming soon!

Register today for virtual PCMA GMC Webinar: No More Smoke and Mirrors: Navigating the New Era of Pricing Transparency on Tuesday, September 23 from 12:00 pm – 1:00pm CDT!

Get Ready to pull back the curtain on hidden fees! The FTC’s game-changing rule is set to revolutionize how we plan meetings and events. In this eye-opening session, you’ll:

• Decode the nuts and bolts of the FTC’s new rules and its impact on your bottom line.
• Learn to play ball with the hotels and venues in this new landscape of upfront pricing.
• Master the art of crystal-clear event ticket pricing that keeps attendees smiling.
• Discover how to turn pricing transparency into your secret weapon of success.

Don’t get caught off guard! Join us to future-proof your meeting planning strategies and stay ahead of the curve. It’s time to say goodbye to sticker shock and hello to smooth sailing in the world of transparent pricing. Your budget (and your attendees) will thank you!​​​

Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Time: 12pm CDT
Speaker: Donna Johnson, CMP, CEM
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REGISTER HERE

For more information click here!

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Location: Chicago, IL

Ever wondered what it takes to bring the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) conference to life? Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour followed by a panel that takes a look at the complex logistics and strategic planning that make this premier event possible.

In this session, key members of the CHEST planning team will share insights into their planning process and how they got here. You will learn how they navigated vendor relationships between Freeman, Encore, and McCormick Place, managed large-scale production needs, and executed a seamless experience for over 9,000 attendees. Whether you’re an event professional, prospective supplier, or simply curious about what happens behind the curtain, this discussion will provide a fascinating deep dive into the intricate world of conference logistics.

SCHEDULE:
10am Check in
10:30am – 11:30am Tour
11:30am – 12:30pm Panel & Lunch – McCormick Place East Building, 271
12:30pm – 1pm – Wrap up/ Networking

Join us at Bowl Bash 2025!

Date: November 12th
​​Time: 5pm- 8pm
Location: 10pin Bowling Lounge 330 N State St | Chicago, IL 60654

REGISTER TODAY!

Industry Partners, don’t forget to secure your lane with 8 complimentary registrations for Bowl Bash!

New for 2025 – Fashion Show partnership

For anyone also attending the PCMA Foundation Fashion Show, GMC is partnering with them to make these events the perfect day of industry networking! These back-to-back events offer an exceptional platform for you to connect with clients, industry peers, and local membership in a vibrant and engaging setting. You may select the $75 discounted registration type if you plan to register for both events. If you do not register for both, you will be invoiced the difference post-event. 

Event Details

PCMA Fashion Show 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM
This lively event will be followed by a trolley ride to continue the festivities.

GMC Bowl Bash Begins at 5:00 PM. Bowling will not begin until after 5:30 pm.

Planner Participation
Planners: Apply to be hosted to attend. Be sure to select whether you’d like to participate as a bowler or attend as a cheerleader.

Supplier Opportunities
Suppliers: View the hosted planner list to sponsor players or cheerleaders.

Silent Auction
Fill out this form to donate to the silent auction. If you would like to donate, but are unsure of what your donation will be at this time, please fill out just your name and contact information so we can contact you when the event gets closer.

Wine Pull
Fill out this form to donate to the wine pull that will take place at Bowl Bash.

Interested in sponsoring this event? 
Review our 2025 sponsorship prospectus here.

Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions or to reserve your spot.