PCMA has announced the appointment of Neil Brownlee, Head of Business Events at VisitScotland, as its first non-North American Chairman for 2024.
The announcement comes after the successful approval of the 2024 Board of Directors and Trustees Slate, which was presented to PCMA members on September 1, 2023. Directors and Trustees will assume their positions immediately following PCMA’s Convening Leaders, which will take place January 7-10, 2024 in San Diego, California.
With 35 years of experience in the international hospitality and corporate events industry, Neil will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role of chairman. His role at VisitScotland Business Events, which he has held for the past 15 years, requires close working with the Scottish Government and the development and implementation of a business events strategy at a national level.
Together with new chairman Leonard Hoops, president and CEO of Visit Indy, Neil will be well prepared to lead PCMA into a new era of global impact. Leonard and Neil will work closely with PCMA’s Board of Directors and Trustees, as well as PCMA and CEMA President and CEO Sherrif Karamat, CAE and his team to continue to advance economic and social transformation through business events around the world.
Neil Brownlee commented: “PCMA is an organization close to my heart, and I look forward to playing an active role as President-elect next year, supporting my colleague and PCMA President, Leonard Hoops. My experience with VisitScotland Business Events’ Policy Driven Model aligns perfectly with PCMA’s own mission, and I am excited to take on the challenge and honored to be the organization’s first non-North American Chair.”
Sherrif Karamat, CAE, president and CEO of PCMA and CEMA said, “Leadership within the PCMA community takes many forms, and volunteer roles are critical to achieving our 2030 vision as THE platform for the global business events industry. Neil’s leadership and vision are exactly what we need at board level. He will continue to be a champion for the global community and his deep understanding of the characteristics and needs of professionals will result in strong advocacy within the Board of Directors in advancing their interests.”