PCMA Expands Leadership Structure for International Regions

The Professional Convention Management Association has expanded its international leadership structure to support growth in the Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Europe, Middle East and Africa regions.

Florence (Flo) Chua has been named managing director, APAC, effective Aug. 2. The Singapore-based Chua, who has more than 20 years of experience working with both corporation and associations in the region, will expand on the momentum of PCMA's region-specific events, thought leadership, community building, education and content. Chua was most recently vice president of growth and brand management for Entrepreneurs' Organization.

Karen Bolinger, who has served as PCMA's managing director for the region on a part-time consultancy basis since April 2020, will continue to support the organization in a consulting capacity. During Bolinger's tenure, PCMA launched its inaugural Convening APAC and hosted the omnichannel Convening Leaders 2021 from Singapore.

Lucio Vaquero has been appointed regional director, LATAM, also effective Aug. 2. The Buenos Aires-based Vaquero will work to build an regional team to engage the business community and help to implement education, content, commerce and community-building efforts using an omnichannel approach. Vaquero brings more than 20 years of experience in the region's MICE industry, most recently as LATAM business development director for MCI LATAM.

PCMA also named its first Mexico-based strategic marketing team member, "20 in Their Twenties" alum Marcela Torres. The new marketing manager of digital products reports to COO Bruce MacMillan and will work closely with the Chicago-based headquarters.

Belfast-based Jaimé Bennett, who has served as PCMA's business director, EMEA, since September 2020, has been promoted to regional director. Bennet's task will be to ensure the organization delivers high-value initiatives as the varied region navigates the industry's recovery.

“There has never been a greater need for people and communities everywhere to come together to confront our economic and social challenges,” said PCMA president and CEO Sherrif Karamat, CAE. “Business events have the power to do just that, and we need localized presence by region with impactful leaders to make it happen.”