September 2026 GMC Newsletter
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President’s Message
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Dear GMC Chapter Members,
As we enter September and the fall season, I find myself reflecting on how this time of year mirrors our leadership journeys.
For many, fall signifies “back to school.” From kindergarteners with new backpacks to college students settling into campus life and professionals returning to classrooms for certifications and continuing education, this season serves as a reminder that we are all students in one way or another. Regardless of our titles or experience, we continuously learn, evolve, and refine how we show up as leaders.
Fall is a time of transition, harvest, and maturity. The changing colors and cooler air invite us to pause and consider how far we’ve come. In this spirit, it’s an ideal moment to reflect on our own leadership paths:
- What have we learned from the challenges we’ve faced this year?
- How have our mentors, colleagues, and clients shaped the way we lead?
- Where have we grown more confident, compassionate, or intentional?
In my role as president of the Greater Midwest Chapter, I have felt like a student as well. Every conversation, event, committee meeting, and decision has taught me something new. I have gained insights not only into our industry but also into what it means to serve, listen, and lead with humility. These experiences and the wisdom so many of you have shared will stay with me for life.
Education, of course, is not limited to the classroom. In the business events industry, our “curriculum” is developed every day as we navigate change and uncertainty, innovate our experience designs, balance business goals with human connection, and uphold standards of professionalism, ethics, and inclusivity.
Each program we attend, event we plan, and relationship we build teaches us something about who we are and how we lead. Whether in our careers, volunteer roles, or personal lives, we are constantly learning, and those lessons shape us into better leaders and, ultimately, better human beings.
I am profoundly grateful to you, our Greater Midwest Chapter members, for embodying the spirit of lifelong learning in countless ways. Through your engagement, willingness to share knowledge, and dedication to our business events community, you are true stewards of the GMC Chapter and our industry’s future. You exemplify what it means to foster leadership through curiosity, education, and experience.
As we embrace this autumn season, I encourage each of us to take a moment to reflect on our “harvest” of learning this year, the skills we’ve gained, the perspectives we’ve broadened, and the relationships we’ve deepened. May we carry those lessons forward with intention and use them to lead with even greater purpose.
Wishing you a lovely autumn season filled with growth, reflection, and renewed inspiration.
Phillip C. Ridley, CMP
President, PCMA Greater Midwest Chapter
Director, Meetings & Events
Emergency Nurses Association
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Calling All GMC NextGen Event Professionals (Age 30 and Under)!
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We are looking to highlight the incredible and upcoming talent within our community. We’d love the chance to feature you in a spotlight post on our social media channels. How it works:
Members can self-submit via the questionnaire, answering as many or as few questions as they wish. We are accepting submissions on a rolling basis for upcoming features on our LinkedIn and Instagram. HERE is the form to get started!
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2026 Award Nominations Now Open
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 PCMA GMC volunteer committee members are the reason GMC is one of the most successful and active of all PCMA chapters. Their commitment to our chapter and the business events industry continues to drive innovation, connection, and growth within our community.
Every year, we celebrate individuals who have gone above and beyond to make a lasting impact on our chapter with our Annual Awards. Nominations for 2026 awards are open now! Submit your nominations by September 30, 2026 at 11:59pm.
NOMINATE HERE!
Learn More About PCMA GMC Awards
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GEM Award Highlight
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 The GEM Award is presented to a professional or supplier who is both a newer member (defined as 5 years or less) and is currently serving on a Chapter committee. Nominated by committee chairs and vice chairs, this volunteer demonstrates passion, and has taken an active role in the achievements of that committee by consistently Going the Extra Mile.
CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE A COLLEAGUE FOR AN AWARD
Award Criteria:
- Annually Awarded
- Nomination by GMC PCMA Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs
- GMC PCMA committee member who has actively served on a committee(s) for five (5) years or less
- Not a current member of the GMC PCMA Board of Directors, GMC Awards Committee, or a committee chair or vice chair nor a previous recipient of this award
- GMC PCMA Committee member in good standing
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Call for 2026 Bowl Bash Wine Pull & Silent Auction Donations
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 We are seeking donations of wine, spirits, and champagne, as well as silent auction items to help raise funds at this year’s event. Whether it’s a favorite bottle of wine, a gift card, unique experience, event tickets, or specialty item, your generosity will help ensure the Bowl Bash is a success and our community continues to thrive.
Silent Auction Donations:
Contribute items such as experiences, services, tickets, or gift cards. Please note: all items should be digital. If donating a physical item or basket, please plan to arrange shipping after the event.
Complete Silent Auction Form
Wine Pull Donations:
Provide a bottle (or more!) of wine, spirits, or champagne to be featured in our popular wine pull. If you would like to provide a monetary donation toward purchasing wine, there is a place in the form for that.
Complete Wine Pull Form
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Thank you to our Newsletter Sponsor
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Ready to connect your events + education strategy?
Our new Member Growth Playbook walks through 4 actionable plays to help you align teams, streamline workflows and measure what truly matters. 
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Thank You to Our Sponsor
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Thank You to Our Sponsor
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2026 Sponsorship
Opportunities Now Open!
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Increase your brand’s visibility and connect with your target audience through event sponsorship. Supporting an upcoming event is a great way to foster genuine relationships and strengthen brand recognition.Check out the 2026 Sponsorship Prospectus HERE!
Contact [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
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Calendar of Events
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Save the date for upcoming events:
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Thank You to Our GMC PCMA Sponsors
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Don’t Forget to Follow Us
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Please like our Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn profiles. Invite others to follow and be sure to re-post content that we share throughout the year. |
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