10 Photos That Stood Out From PCMA Convening Leaders 2026

January 23, 2026

Tyler Davidson

The Gardiner Brothers dance it up on the mainstage at PCMA Convening Leaders 2026. Credit: Tyler Davidson.

PCMA Convening Leaders 2026 lived up to its standard of being one of the premier meetings industry events in North America.

Following are 10 snaps from, or featuring (for the last one), Meetings Today's Tyler Davidson that made an impression.

1. Pitbull Tears the Roof Off

Closing night featured an energetic performance by headliner Pitbull at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

Photo of Pitbull in concert at PCMA CL 2026.

2. Celebrating 70 Years of PCMA

PCMA gathered key leaders to celebrate the history of the association with a retrospective in The District exhibit area.

3. Trevor Noah Closes the Show

Author and comedian Trevor Noah (right), seated with emcee Holly Ransom, closed out PCMA Convening Leaders with a seated discussion.

Author and comedian Trevor Noah (right), seated with emcee Holly Ranson, closed out PCMA Convening Leaders with a seated discussion.

4. Dance Like Everybody's Watching

The Gardiner Brothers danced their way into attendees’ hearts during a general session at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

The Gardine Brothers danced their way into attendees’ hearts during a general session at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

5. Cuteness Overload!

It’s tough work being adorable. Naptime at Puppy Park after a full day of melting hearts and hoping for a furever home.

It’s tough work being adorable. Naptime at Puppy Park after a full day of melting hearts and hoping for a forever home.

6. NOLA Puts on a Presser

Key members of New Orleans meetings community gathered for a press conference. From left: Stephanie Turner, New Orleans & Company; Jim Cook, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center; and Elaine Williams, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

7. Top Guns

Adam Grant delivering his keynote during the opening session, with Tom Cruise of Top Gun fame used to illustrate a point on the left.

8. Shine a Light on Me

Attendees engaging in some mobile photo fun during the opening night reception at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

9. Giant Jenga vs. The Phillie Phanatic

The Phillie Phanatic creating chaos at the Philadelphia CVB’s “Tailgate” reception in The District.

10. Pitbulls in the House!

Meetings Today V.P. and Chief Content Director Tyler Davidson hamming it up with two Pitbull impersonators at the closing night concert.

Got a case of FOMO? Here's where you can find out more about PCMA Convening Leaders 2027 in Miami!

About the author

Tyler Davidson is the vice president and chief content director for Meetings Today, which publishes the meetings industry trade magazine Meetings Today as well as MeetingsToday.com, various newsletters, webinars, the in-person Meetings Today LIVE! Hosted-buyer events and other meetings and events industry B2B channels.

Tyler has covered the travel trade for nearly 35 years. In his role with Meetings Today, which recently won the prestigious FOLIO: Eddies Award for best magazine issue, Tyler leads the editorial team on its mission to provide the most in-depth meetings content in the industry. Previously, he worked as the Asia, Canada, Pacific Northwest and Western U.S. editor at Travel Weekly magazine and TravelAge West. Before joining the dual editorial staff producing destination sections for Travel Weekly and TravelAge West, Tyler was the Africa, Israel, Middle East, Switzerland and Pacific Northwest editor at TravelAge West. He also undertook general news and feature assignments while working at the magazines.

Besides reporting on the travel trade, Tyler has covered the real estate industry, held various editorial positions at the San Francisco-based national satire magazine The Nose, wrote freelance technology industry pieces and covered the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders for a bilingual newspaper in San Francisco. He has a B.A. in Journalism from San Francisco State University, where he worked in various editorial capacities on its award-winning student magazine, Prism.

Contact: tyler.davidson@meetingstoday.com