The 20 in their twenties program is supported by the Austin Convention, the Visitors Bureau and the Austin Convention Center.

"We are privileged to strategically partner with PCMA, the PCMA Education Foundation and their 20 in their twenties initiative," said Bob Lander, President & CEO of the Austin CVB. "We are thrilled to support the development of new initiatives that involve and engage emerging leaders within the industry. This focus in Austin and throughout the industry is critical to its proactive growth and continuing success."

20 in their twenties Class of 2016

• Kalee Barnhardt, CTA, Sales Manager, Experience Columbus
• Jamie Bruce, CMP, Meeting Planner, Right Hand Events
• Edward Byers, CHRP, CMP, Manager of Professional Development & Events, REALpac
• Shannon DeSouza, MBET
• Michael Doane, Marketing Manager, CadmiumCD
• Bianca Ferrer, Creative Director & Producer, CoterieSpark
• Jessica Fitting, Assistant Event Manager, Stanford Alumni Association
• Sarah Gould-Stotts, CMP, Corporate Marketing Events Manager, Greystar Real Estate Partners
• Juraj Holub, Marketing and Content Manager, sli.do
• Irena Jelenova, Membership Development Executive, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)
• Noreen Leahy, Conference Planner, National Association of Attorneys General
• Victoria Lee, Global Travel & Meeting Services, Senior Associate, Estee Lauder, Inc.
• Alexander Plaxen, MTA, President, Alex Plaxen Media
• Claire Repass, CMP, Manager, Communications. Social Tables
• Lauren Santarone, CMP, Senior Meetings Manager, American Association for Cancer Research
• Peter Simonelli, Event Services Coordinator, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority
• Jenny Stanfield, Director, Operations, Engagement Unlimited
• Havovie Suraliwalla, Conference Coordinator, SeaCourses Cruises
• Erin Sweeney, National Sales Associate, Global Experience Specialists (GES)
• Julia Yong, Senior Sales Executive – Association, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau

"Our 20 in their twenties program continues to engage the brightest rising stars in our industry," said Deborah Sexton, PCMA President and CEO. "This class group views our industry through their own unique lens; our goal is to tap into their vision and insights and bring those to life in both PCMA’s face-to-face and digital channels."

Criteria for applicants was to be employed full time in the meetings industry, be 29-years-old or younger at the time of recognition and to demonstrate ways they consider themselves to be industry leaders. Applicants were not required to be PCMA members. A committee made up of 20 in their twenties alumni and veteran meeting professionals reviewed nearly 70 of applications in detail before deciding on the inaugural class.

The individuals selected will receive complimentary 2016 Convening Leaders and Education Conference registration, funds to cover travel expenses to attend Convening Leaders, as well as discounted registration to attend Convening Leaders and Education Conference until they reach the age of 30. Recipients will also receive complimentary membership for 2016 and discounted membership until they reach age 30. They will have the opportunity to be paired with an industry leader for three face-to-face or virtual mentoring sessions to assist in further development of their innovation and career.

Article credited to www.pcma.org.