For the first time in PCMA’s history, two Asia-Pacific executives will serve among its executive officers, marking another step in the region’s growing presence within the global business events community.
ASIA-PACIFIC – Two Asia-Pacific business events leaders will join the executive officer ranks of PCMA in 2027, the first executives from the region to do so in the organisation’s history. PCMA members have approved Deborah Caldwell, Senior Vice President and Asia Pacific Head of Global Events at Bank of America, as Chair-Elect, while Ong Wee Min, Vice President of Sales and MICE at Marina Bay Sands, becomes Secretary-Treasurer. Their terms begin on 13 January 2027 at the conclusion of PCMA Convening Leaders in Miami Beach. Robin Preston, Vice President, Meetings and Exhibits at the American Academy of Ophthalmology, will serve as Chair.
The appointments are noteworthy beyond the individuals involved. Asia Pacific has become an increasingly important part of the international association and business events landscape, both as a source of delegates and associations and as a host region for global congresses. Yet representation from the region within the senior leadership of major international meetings organisations has not always reflected that growing economic importance. Caldwell and Ong’s appointments further indicate this is changing.
PCMA describes itself as the world’s largest community for business events strategists and has regional communities across APAC, EMEA and Latin America in addition to its North American chapters. For the region’s associations and meetings professionals, stronger APAC representation within international industry bodies may offer another avenue for regional perspectives to contribute to discussions on technology, workforce development, sustainability, and the future of meetings.
It also reminds us that Asia Pacific is increasingly not simply participating in the global business events industry—its professionals are helping shape its leadership.
