GLOBAL convention management association PCMA has named its Asia Pacific advisory board for 2026-2027, bringing together 15 senior industry figures to help guide the association’s strategy across one of the fastest-evolving business events markets.
Announced by president and CEO Sherrif Karamat, the board is tasked with shaping localised initiatives and strengthening engagement across the region, at a time when Asia Pacific continues to play a leading role in the sector’s recovery and transformation.
The following leaders enter the first of a two-year term
(2026-28):
– Anna Patterson, Founder & Managing Director, Sight
– Mayumi Ninomiya, General Manager, Jack Morton JapanLeaders serving the final year of a two-year term (2026-27):
– Lisa Hopkins, Chief Executive Officer, BEIA
– Mala Dorasamy, Chief Executive Officer, Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre
– Philip Goh, Head, APAC Event Marketing, Intuitive
– Will Kataria, Country Head and Senior Director, Cvent
Karamat described Asia Pacific as “the fastest-growing region for business events”, pointing to its capacity for innovation and its ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and business models in response to diverse market demands.
The advisory group will play a central role in ensuring that PCMA’s programmes – spanning education, community-building and thought leadership – remain relevant and impactful for members and stakeholders in the region.
“Asia Pacific is at the forefront of innovation and growth in business events, and its influence on our global community will only continue to accelerate,” Karamat said.
He added that the board brings together “exceptional leaders” with a deep understanding of the region’s opportunities and complexities, whose input will be critical in shaping future education, experiences and industry solutions.
Florence Chua, PCMA’s managing director for Asia Pacific, said the advisory board reflected both the diversity and collaborative spirit of the region’s events community.
Leaders returning for an extended two-year term (2026-28):
– Anne Jamieson, Chief Executive Officer, Saxton
– Kerry Lau, Head of Marketing, Asean, Oracle
– Ronald Lim, Co-Founder & Event Producer, Think Tank Productions.
– Sakurako Ogawara, Director, Conferences, Gartner
– Shelley Ryan, Events & Incentives Manager, FUJIFILM Business Innovation Australia
– Stuart Frank, Senior Director, Strategic Events, Salesforce
– Tamsyn Barker, Managing Director, APAC, FIRST agency
“The APAC Advisory Board unites exemplary business event leaders across the region who are not only accomplished leaders, but they are kindred souls who are committed to elevating the industry and profession,” she said.
Chua added that the group’s combined expertise would help ensure PCMA remained aligned with local market needs while advancing the association’s wider global mission.
Leaders returning for an extended two-year term (2026-28):
– Anne Jamieson, Chief Executive Officer, Saxton
– Kerry Lau, Head of Marketing, Asean, Oracle
– Ronald Lim, Co-Founder & Event Producer, Think Tank Productions.
– Sakurako Ogawara, Director, Conferences, Gartner
– Shelley Ryan, Events & Incentives Manager, FUJIFILM Business Innovation Australia
– Stuart Frank, Senior Director, Strategic Events, Salesforce
– Tamsyn Barker, Managing Director, APAC, FIRST agencyLeaders serving final year of an extended term (2026–27):
– Genevieve Lim, Assistant Vice President, MICE & Sales, Marina Bay Sands
– Melissa Holdsworth, Chief Operating Officer, AusIMMGlobal Board liaison: Deborah Caldwell, Senior Vice President, Regional Lead, APAC, Global Events, Bank of America
Staff liaison: Florence Chua, Managing Director, PCMA APAC
Main picture: Shutterstock
