PCOA launches new podcast series – Published by micenet; written by Joyce DiMascio
Article published by micenet and produced in partnership with the PCO Association Inc and Connected Event Group.
A timely conversation about sustainability with inventor Veena Sahajwalla is part of a new podcast series to be launched by the Professional Conference Organisers Association (PCOA) on June 6.
The high-profile materials science professor at the University of New South Wales is amongst a diverse group of people who are sharing their views to help the association create easily accessible educational opportunities for the business events industry.
Among others sharing their expertise and insights are professional speaker Michael McQueen and aviation expert Matthew Findlay. The first podcast will feature McQueen’s insights.
Through its collaboration with Connected Event Group, the PCOA will initially present seven talks designed to give behind the scenes access to a range of people, most of whom are from within the industry.
The conversations are designed to get people thinking about collaboration, innovation and resilience.
PCOA’s director of business partnerships Maxine Tod says the podcasts will be available to the industry on the association’s website.
“The PCOA really wants our members and business partners to know that the association is adapting to change by offering the podcast series. It gives members and business partners additional educational and learning options,” she says.
“But they’re also available to the wider business events community. We really feel there is something here for not only members and business partners, but the broader community.”
Members, partners and the wider industry will have free access to each podcast, she said.
The first seven podcasts will be supplemented with more interviews later in the year.
Libbie Ray, co-director of Connected Event Group, anchors the interviews. The series is called A Breath of Fresh Air.
Ray says the conversations are not about the doom and gloom of the pandemic.
“This podcast series isn’t about COVID war stories…they’re more about the way our industry has changed and the opportunities that exist in the future,” she says.
“By providing the podcast to their members and our industry, PCOA is able to bring together multiple sectors of the industry and showcase their hard work and dedication during the toughest setback our industry has seen.
“This resilience is a testament to how we have adapted to change and embraced new opportunities, a topic which is covered in the podcast and will shed light on emerging trends that members will be interested in hearing,” Ray says.
The podcasts are 25-35 minutes long – perfect for watching and listening while travelling to and from work and at leisure, Ray believes.
The series comprises:
Episode 1: Journey to becoming a professional event speaker with Michael McQueen
Episode 2: How changes to the aviation industry will impact your event with Matthew Findlay
Episode 3: The role of event industry bodies with Dr Leo Jago OAM
Episode 4: What it means to be a PCO councillor with Paula Leishman
Episode 5: How New Zealand worked together to overcome lockdowns to events with Arna Wahl Davies
Episode 6: Working towards a sustainable future with Professor Veena Sahajwalla
Episode 7: How the event industry has adapted to life during and after the pandemic with Adrienne Readings
Ray says she learnt so much from the people she interviewed.
“Get ready to learn more about the brave new world of the business events industry.
“I personally have learned so much about how we as a company, and myself individually, can help support our colleagues and also how we can create more sustainable events to ensure the growth and longevity of our industry while reducing our impact on the environment,” she says.
The first podcast with McQueen can be accessed from June 6. Others interviews will follow.
micenet are a PCOA business Partner.