Global industry association PCMA has announced the appointment of Neil Brownlee, head of business events at VisitScotland, as its first non-North American chair elect for 2024.
The announcement comes following the approval of the 2024 board of directors and trustees slate, which was presented to PCMA members on 1 September, 2023. Directors and trustees will assume office immediately following PCMA’s Convening Leaders, taking place 7-10 January 2024 in San Diego, California.
With 35 years’ experience in the international hospitality and business events industry, Brownlee will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role of chair elect. His role at VisitScotland Business Events, which he has held for the past 15 years, requires close liaison with Scottish government and the development and implementation of business events strategy at a national level.
Alongside incoming chair Leonard Hoops, president and CEO at Visit Indy, Brownlee aims to lead PCMA into “a new era of global impact.” Both will work closely with PCMA’s board of directors and trustees, as well as with PCMA and CEMA president and CEO Sherrif Karamat, and his team to continue “promoting economic and social transformation through business events worldwide.”
Brownlee commented: “PCMA is an organisation close to my heart, and I am looking forward to playing an active role as chair elect next year, supporting my colleague and PCMA chair, Leonard Hoops. My experience with VisitScotland Business Events’ Policy Driven Model aligns perfectly with PCMA’s own mission, and I am excited to take on the challenge and honoured to be the organisation’s first non-North American chair elect.”
Karamat added: “Leadership throughout the PCMA community comes in many forms, and volunteer roles are critical to achieving our 2030 vision as the platform for the global business events industry. Neil’s leadership and vision is precisely what we need at the Board level. He will continue to be a champion for the global community and his solid understanding of the characteristics and needs of professionals will result in strong advocacy within the Board when representing their interests.”
