More than 600 business events professionals from over 40 countries are set to gather in Lisbon this September for PCMA’s annual Convening EMEA event.
Taking place from 13-15 September at FIL – Lisbon Exhibition and Congress Centre, the three-day programme will combine main-stage content, interactive learning and networking with opportunities to experience the Portuguese capital.
Designed as a leadership forum for the business events industry, Convening EMEA aims to give attendees the space to step back from their day-to-day roles, explore the challenges facing the sector and turn new insights into practical action.
micebook will be attending to report on the conversations, ideas and trends emerging from the event.
Here are some of the highlights to look forward to…
Content shaped around three key themes
This year’s programme has been built around three themes: connection, integrity and the future.
The connection strand will explore how events can turn relationships into stronger communities and measurable value in an increasingly hybrid, cross-cultural and multi-generational world.
Integrity will focus on leadership and decision-making at a time when expectations, commercial pressures and organisational values do not always align, while future-focused sessions will examine how event professionals can turn emerging trends and uncertainty into informed decisions.
Together, the themes respond to many of the realities currently facing the sector, from rising delivery costs and pressure to demonstrate greater value to the impact of AI, misinformation and changing patterns of global mobility.
A choice of learning formats
Rather than relying solely on traditional conference sessions, Convening EMEA will feature five different content formats across four main stages.
Alongside main-stage keynotes, the programme includes Micro Labs, Insights Series sessions and Level Workshops, allowing attendees to choose content according to their experience, current challenges and professional development goals.
Speakers announced so far include diversity and inclusion expert Dr Poornima Luthra and psychologist and bestselling author Dr Elke Geraerts.
Lisbon becomes a living laboratory
The host destination will play an active role in the programme, beginning with a choice of five Exploration Tours on Sunday 13 September.
Positioned around the idea of Lisbon as a “living laboratory for creativity and collaboration”, the tours will explore themes including transformation, identity, creativity, collaboration and future thinking.
The experiences are designed to showcase how the city’s heritage, culture, sustainability initiatives and creative communities can inspire new approaches to events.
Connections beyond the conference room
With more than 12 networking opportunities planned across the three days, connection will be embedded throughout the event rather than confined to scheduled breaks.
The social programme begins with a welcome reception at Pátio da Galé on Sunday evening, following the Exploration Tours. On Monday, attendees will head to Lisbon’s LX Factory for an evening of Portuguese food, entertainment and hospitality.
The daytime agenda will also include Connection Starters, Mix and Mingle sessions, networking lunches and informal exploration periods.
Sustainable by design
Sustainability will underpin the delivery of the event through PCMA’s “Ask, Consider, Decide” approach, which encourages environmental and social impact to be considered at each stage of the planning process.
The programme will also explore how sustainability can move beyond operational measures to support wider social and economic progress through business events.
Convening EMEA 2026 takes place at FIL – Lisbon Exhibition and Congress Centre from 13-15 September. Find out more and register.