PCMA Convening Leaders 2026 earns second consecutive Platinum certification to EIC Sustainable Event Standards

PCMA Convening Leaders 2026, held in Philadelphia, achieved Platinum Level Certification to the EIC Sustainable Event Standards for the second year running. The event drew more than 4,200 participants from 43 countries, including over 1,100 first-time attendees. The certification trajectory is itself the story: Convening Leaders 2024 in San Diego earned Silver and set a baseline framework; the 2025 edition in Houston jumped straight from Silver to Platinum by building sustainability criteria into planning from the outset; and by 2026 those criteria had become part of how PCMA evaluates destinations, venues and partners, covering carbon-reduction infrastructure, public transport access and sustainable local supply chains. The Pennsylvania Convention Center supplied a foundation through its LEED and EIC certifications, existing donation infrastructure and community partnerships. Operational measures included eliminating polyfoam signage, removing aisle carpeting, composting or recycling food and beverage service ware, and cutting vinyl banner printing by nearly 4,000 square feet. Community programmes were also counted: over 140 volunteers supported Pathways to Housing PA alongside a US$10,000 PCMA Foundation contribution, more than 100 volunteers assembled 350 care packages for the American Cancer Society, over 60 volunteers prepared 350 packages for Cradles to Crayons, and an onsite blood drive was held. PCMA President and CEO Sherrif Karamat said the repeat certification marks not just a milestone but a direction of travel.