PCMA has announced plans for growth by expanding its leadership in key global regions.

In an effort to facilitate the growth of business events and PCMA’s community, the organization has appointed a new leader in three regions: Asia-Pacific; Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA); and Latin America (LATAM).

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

See also: PCMA Convening Leaders Call for Innovation Everywhere

The Leaders

Florence Chua

Florence Chua will head the Asia-Pacific region as managing director; Lucio Vaquero will become regional director for LATAM; and Jaime Bennett will be regional director of the EMEA region. These changes will go into effect August 2.

Chua, who will be based in Singapore, most recently worked as vice president of growth and brand management for nonprofit Entrepreneurs’ Organization.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has leapfrogged the business events industry in embracing technology to facilitate connections and engagement,” Chua said. Last year, PCMA launched Convening APAC and hosted its first Convening Leaders live in Singapore, in January.

Jaime Bennett

Based in Northern Ireland, Bennett previously worked as PCMA’s business director. Before joining PCMA, Bennett was director of sales and marketing for Conference Partners International. She also served as a board member for Association of Irish Professional Conference Organizers.

Although PCMA currently has a chapter in Mexico City, Vaquero, to be based in Buenos Aires, will seek to engage the wider community throughout Latin America. He previously worked as LATAM business development director for MCI LATAM.

Lucio Vaquero

“Today’s business events industry environment presents great challenges and innumerable opportunities that require adaptation and continuous training as well as a solid network. Hence, I consider PCMA’s commitment to Latin America extremely encouraging,” Vaquero said. “I am honored, grateful and energy-filled for the opportunity to be part of this process.”

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