Volunteer Opportunities

Work alongside fellow members to develop your leadership skills and contribute to the meetings and convention industry. You'll meet new people, experience new ideas and work toward advancing your career and PCMA - your industry association.

Getting involved in PCMA will not only benefit the future of our industry, but will also help advance your career. Consider the following benefits:

  • Recognition as a leader in the industry
  • Networking with colleagues with similar interests
  • Access to innovative ideas to use in your organization
  • Leadership training
  • New skills development
  • Leadership visibility for career enhancement and future roles within PCMA

The 2009 Call for Volunteers is now closed.

Types of Volunteer Opportunities

Follow the links below for more detail on volunteer opportunities available for PCMA Headquarters, Education Foundation, and Chapters.

PCMA Headquarters Volunteer Opportunities: 

 
Committee and task force assignments appointed by the PCMA Chair-elect to work in support of PCMA's goals and objectives as defined in the Strategic Plan.

PCMA Education Foundation Volunteer Opportunities:

Task Force assignments appointed by the PCMA Education Foundation to support the Foundation's fundraising events and activities.

PCMA Chapter Volunteer Opportunities:

Various PCMA Chapter Committees and Task Forces.  For specific information on the opportunties available, please following the link above to contact your local chapter.

Time Commitment for Volunteers

In-Person Meetings

  • Meeting held during the PCMA Annual Meeting in New Orleans - January 11-14, 2009
  • Meeting and educational sessions at 2009 Leadership Conference - June 7-9, 2009 in Austin, TX - required for PCMA headquarters volunteers only

Conference Calls

  • Number of calls varies depending on the volunteer group.  See individual committee and task force descriptions.

Other Involvement

  • Work outside of meetings and conference calls--time commitment varies depending on the volunteer group. See committee/task force descriptions for more details


Expenses Associated with Volunteering

PCMA does not reimburse volunteers for registration fees, travel, lodging and other expenses associated with volunteering for PCMA. Please keep this in mind when completing your volunteer commitment. More detail on expenses will be provided once committee and task force assignments are made.


As a volunteer, you should:

  • Attend and fully participate in all scheduled volunteer meetings and/or events
  • Be open and willing to learn from your fellow volunteers
  • Be knowledgeable in the area for which you are volunteering; you don't need to be an expert, but a general understanding of the topic is very helpful
  • Be familiar with PCMA's goals and direction
  • Be open to new ideas and ready to share experiences
  • Participate with energy and commitment to the volunteer experience

Volunteer Appointment Process

Once you complete the Volunteer Form, you can expect the following:

  • September 1, 2008: Deadline to submit online volunteer form
  • Early October 2008: PCMA Chair-Elect makes volunteer appointments
  • Late October 2008: Volunteers are e-mailed details of assignments and will be asked to submit Commitment to Serve and Conflict of Interest forms prior to beginning their committee service
  • Mid-December 2008: Committees hold a brief introductory conference call (some committees/task forces will meet earlier)
  • January 2009: First in-person meeting at 2009 PCMA Annual Meeting in New Orleans

Volunteer appointments are made by the PCMA or Foundation Chair-elect. Terms officially begin January 1, 2009* and end during the 2010 PCMA Annual Meeting. Volunteer appointments are made based on your past involvement and participation as a PCMA volunteer, indication of skills and strengths, and the needs of PCMA. Every effort will be made to make use of your time and talents in a way that will be meaningful to you and beneficial to PCMA.

*The Leadership Program Committee and Foundation Task Forces will hold their initial meetings in the Fall of 2008.

The deadline to submit a 2009 Volunteer Form is September 1, 2008.

For more information about PCMA Volunteerism contact:
Stacey Shafer
Manager, Board and Volunteer Relations
Direct: 312.423.7215
Email: sshafer@pcma.org