The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and the Corporate Event Marketing Association (CEMA) have announced the appointment of the 2026–2027 Asia Pacific (APAC) Advisory Board, comprising 15 senior industry leaders who will help guide the association’s strategic direction and strengthen its engagement with the business events community across the Asia Pacific region.
Representing a diverse cross-section of destinations, venues, agencies, corporations and event professionals, the Advisory Board will provide regional insights to support PCMA’s education programmes, community development and thought leadership initiatives, ensuring they remain relevant to the evolving needs of the Asia Pacific business events industry.
Asia Pacific is at the forefront of innovation and growth in business events, and its influence on our global community will only continue to accelerate. The APAC Advisory Board brings together exceptional leaders who understand the opportunities and complexities of this region, and their guidance will be instrumental as we co-create education, experiences, and solutions that drive economic and social progress for our industry. ~ Sherrif Karamat, CAE, President & CEO, PCMA and CEMA
The following industry leaders begin the first year of a two-year term (2026–2028)
- Anna Patterson, Founder & Managing Director, Sight
- Mayumi Ninomiya, General Manager, Jack Morton Japan
Leaders serving the second year of their two-year term (2026–2027)
- Lisa Hopkins, Chief Executive Officer, BEIA
- Mala Dorasamy, Chief Executive Officer, Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre
- Philip Goh, Head, APAC Event Marketing, Intuitive
- Will Kataria, Country Head and Senior Director, Cvent
Leaders commencing an extended two-year term (2026–2028)
- Anne Jamieson, Chief Executive Officer, Saxton
- Kerry Lau, Head of Marketing, ASEAN, Oracle
- Ronald Lim, Co-Founder & Event Producer, Think Tank Productions Sdn. Bhd.
- Sakurako Ogawara, Director, Conferences, Gartner
- Shelley Ryan, Events & Incentives Manager, FUJIFILM Business Innovation Australia
- Stuart Frank, Senior Director, Strategic Events, Salesforce
- Tamsyn Barker, Managing Director, APAC, FIRST Agency
Leaders serving the final year of an extended term (2026–2027)
- Genevieve Lim, Assistant Vice President, MICE & Sales, Marina Bay Sands
- Melissa Holdsworth, Chief Operating Officer, AusIMM
The APAC Advisory Board unites exemplary business event leaders across the region who are not only accomplished leaders, but they are kindred souls who are committed to elevating the industry and profession. Their collective expertise and values ensure we remain relevant to local market needs while advancing our global mission. We are grateful for their dedication and the positive impact they have on the business events industry. ~ Florence Chua, PCMA Managing Director, APAC
The Advisory Board will be supported by Deborah Caldwell, Senior Vice President, Regional Lead, APAC, Global Events, Bank of America, as Global Board Liaison, while Florence Chua, Managing Director, PCMA APAC, will continue to serve as Staff Liaison.