PCMA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE TO SHINE HOLLYWOOD SPOTLIGHT ON HOW TO BE AN EFFECTIVE AND INSPIRATIONAL LEADER

CHICAGO, IL, May 23, 2008 -- Adding some Hollywood flair to its annual educational event, the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) is bringing the 2008 PCMA Leadership Conference to the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, June 8-10. "Lights, Camera, Leadership…A Call to Action!" is the theme for this year's event, which is expected to attract over 200 PCMA members and industry professionals.

"The 2008 Leadership Conference will offer innovative programs and a unique environment that will motivate meeting professionals to become inspirational 'directors' of their teams and 'producers' of great results," said Deborah Sexton, PCMA President and CEO. "Though the conference is now open to all PCMA members, we are limiting the number of participants in order to preserve an intimate setting. It's one of the best ways to get introduced to PCMA, or to deepen important relationships."

Looking for some real-life leadership examples that are guaranteed to inspire?
Attendees will hear from Maria Elena Durazo, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO. Durazo is responsible for leading over 300 local unions (representing more than 800,000 workers) and will share key lessons she's learned along the way.

Don't believe that "ordinary" people can conquer the "impossible?"
James Bradley--author of the #1 New York Times Best Seller Flags of our Fathers--will discuss the true story of six men, including Bradley's father, who raised the flag in 1945 on Iwo Jima and were captured in the most reproduced photograph in history. Bradley will address the mindset it takes to achieve success and will dramatically illustrate how ordinary people have done extraordinary things.

Want to examine your own leadership style and what might be holding you back?
In "L(earn)2 Lead Naturally," Doug Bolger, Chief L(earn)ing Officer at L(earn)2, will help attendees create an environment in which success happens naturally, instead of being forced. Other career-boosting programs will include "No Box Thinking" and "Crazy Busy Nuts: Getting Off the Conveyor Belt of Life™." In the Reverse Mentor roundtables, attendees will be paired with the recipients of Leadership Conference Student Scholarships to get some first-hand perspectives from Generation Y.

Networking opportunities are also incorporated throughout the event, and receptions will offer some of the sparkle and energy that L.A. is known for.

Also at the conference, PCMA's Network for the Needy program will be collecting books or bookstore gift cards for children ages 6-18 to donate to The Al Wooten, Jr. Heritage Center in South Central Los Angeles. The Wooten Center provides a safe after-school environment where hundreds of boys and girls are supported personally, academically and socially. PCMA's Network for the Needy program regularly supports local charities in the cities where PCMA holds meetings. GES Exposition Services is the founding and principal sponsor of Network for the Needy.

The 2008 Leadership Conference will take place at Los Angeles' premier choice for celebrities, presidents and dignitaries for over 80 years. The Millennium Biltmore Hotel offers historic grandeur and modern convenience in the heart of the city. It is located steps away from the Staples Center, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Dodger Stadium and the Museum of Contemporary Art, and is a short drive from Hollywood and the beaches. The Leadership Conference is being hosted by LA INC. The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau.

A limited number of registrations are available for press to attend at no charge. Contact PCMA Communications Manager, Julie Fawcett at jfawcett@pcma.org for more information. For more information about the PCMA Leadership Conference and all upcoming educational programs, visit www.pcma.org. 

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The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) is the professional resource and premier educator for the meetings and convention industry. Founded in 1957, PCMA represents the interests of meeting management executives from associations, non-profit organizations, corporations, independent meeting planning companies, and multi-management firms who recognize the importance of meetings to their organization. PCMA empowers members with the tools they need to succeed as meeting professionals and to promote the value of the industry to their organizations and the general public. Headquartered in Chicago, PCMA has 16 chapters throughout the United States and Canada. For additional information, please visit the PCMA Web site at www.pcma.org.