WHEN: Tuesday, April 6, 2027
WHERE: Walter E. Washington Convention Center | Washington, DC
TICKETS: On sale January 2027

Living in Color

The PCMA Foundation Fashion Show — Living in Color! — promises an evening that bursts with creativity and style. Experience the bold world of fashion as we showcase the latest trends while honoring the power of creativity, innovation, and artistry. Join industry leaders, influencers, and fashion enthusiasts for an unforgettable night of runway magic, exclusive looks, and inspiring moments.

Our 2027 models will be announced soon. Check back after tickets go on sale in January 2027!

Each year, the PCMA Foundation Fashion Show features an inspiring group of industry professionals who bring Living in Color to life on the runway. Our models reflect the creativity, confidence, and leadership that define the global business events community.

Brought to you by The Palm Beaches

How do you live in color?

To me, living in color means showing up as wholly myself. I want to approach each day with joy and find a vibrant life in small, everyday moments. I love that I have the opportunity to share this with others and am excited to be a part of this experience that celebrates color and light.

Rebecca Blessing

George Washington University

How do you live in color?

Living in color is more than what I wear – it’s who I am. Drawn to bright colors and high energy, I aim to live fully, feel deeply, and move through life boldly.

Kira Elliott, CMP

Cypress Planning Group

How do you live in color?

Living in color is the courage to be high-definition in a world that often asks you to disappear. I believe in leaning into your specific “hue”—your quirks, your specific brand of humor, and your unique perspective—rather than blending into the beige background of expectations.

Loreal Lance, CAE, CMP

Community Transportation Association of America

How do you live in color?

Coming Soon!.

Clare Mulligan

Smithbucklin

How do you live in color?

“Living in Color” means letting your genuine colors shine and sharing the light within. It’s about being honest, unapologetically yourself, and lifting others to do the same.

Tina Schneider, CMP

National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC)

Brought to you by Choose Chicago

How do you live in color?

Coming Soon!

Ashley Alexander

National WIC Association

How do you live in color?

To me, living in color means being fully myself and refusing to be boxed in by conventional limits. It’s understanding that a vivid life includes both highs and lows—and owning every lesson that comes with them. It means continuing to try new things at every stage, while staying grounded, paying attention, and lifting others up along the way.

Jamie Simpson, CMP

Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine

Brought to you by Visit Cincy

How do you live in color?

Living in color means showing up fully — with curiosity, purpose, and the boldness to design experiences that don’t just inform, they ignite. With over 30 years in this industry, I’ve found that true vibrancy comes from blending precision with creative energy, turning every gathering into something unforgettable. It means cherishing old friendships while embracing new connections that keep this industry alive.

Lin Guba, CED, CMM, CMP

American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

How do you live in color?

Living life in color means striving to honor who I am in every room I walk into, without shrinking and always with intention. It’s about leading with empathy, staying grounded in self-awareness, making space for the person standing quietly at the edge and, when needed, having the courage to challenge the status quo with both honesty and care.

Megan Van Dam, CMP

American Trucking Associations

Brought to you by Destination Cleveland

How do you live in color?

Coming Soon!

Chandra Champion, MSSA, CNM

NAACP

How do you live in color?

Living in color means, to me, living life like every day is a celebration. The outfit. The trip. The career. The dream. Why wait when life is already full of color?

Kadejah Omokaro, MBA, CMP

NAACP

Brought to you by Events DC

How do you live in color?

Living in color means showing up as my authentic self—fully, honestly, and without shrinking to fit someone else’s expectations. It’s embracing joy, taking risks, and making space for growth, change, and vulnerability. I’m especially excited to be part of this year’s event because it’s pushing me out of my comfort zone while celebrating all of those things—and, of course, giving me the perfect excuse to strut my stuff down the runway.

Karissa Bingham

Transportation Research Board (TRB):
National Academies of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medicine

Brought to you by Visit Detroit

How do you live in color?

For me, ‘Living in Color’ means existing authentically and leading with love and light in every moment. It’s a beautiful reminder that our personal ‘light’ is what creates the color and connectivity in our lives and the lives of those around us.

Teresa Myers, CMP, DES

U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council

How do you live in color?

Coming Soon!

Jodi VanWoerkom, CMP, VIEP

Association for Talent Development

Brought to you by Visit Indy

How do you live in color?

Living in color means showing up as my true self and giving myself grace along the way. I bring that mindset to everything I do — supporting my team so they feel confident bringing their own colors to the table, and carrying that joy into my family and community. To me, living in color means choosing positivity and purpose, even when life gets a little gray.

Krista LeZotte, CMP, CSEP, DES

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

How do you live in color?

Living in Color means showing up as my favorite and boldest shade of purple possible—radiating joy, presence, and a little bit of sparkle. It’s my way of turning everyday moments into experiences where people feel seen, valued, and celebrated. To me, it’s choosing joy on purpose and sprinkling it everywhere I go.

Kanisha Williams

The American Institute of Architects

Brought to you by Visit KC

How do you live in color?

Living life in color isn’t subtle – it’s intentional. Choosing to live with joy and purpose. Carving out time to serve others, learn with curiosity, and travel with meaning. It’s empowering others to see their potential, uplifting communities, and taking thoughtful risks in pursuit of impact. Above all, it’s choosing a vibrant life that glows brighter by helping others shine.

Hannah Buchholz, CEM, DES

Paralyzed Veterans of America

How do you live in color?

When I think of in living color I think of the saying “leave a little sparkle wherever you go.” I hope that every event I touch leaves that little something extra with the guests and attendees , that little sparkle

Ashley Canody, CMP

National Community Pharmacists Association

Brought to you by Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority

How do you live in color?

Living in color means bringing passion and purpose into everything I do. In the hospitality industry, it’s not just a career – it’s part of who I am – and that love naturally turns into energy, connection, and joy. When you truly love what you do, it shows up in how you live.

Joy Cmiel

ConferenceDirect

How do you live in color?

To live in color is to refuse a smaller life—to laugh louder, care deeper, and leave every place a little brighter than you found it.

Elaine Howard

Mortgage Bankers Association

How do you live in color?

Living in color means being authentic in who you are in all aspects of life. The ability to live, work, play, and love as your true self enables creativity to flourish and to live brightly in your full colors. Don’t let anything dim your light!

John Rubsamen

Out & Equal

Brought to you by Louisville Tourism

How do you live in color?

Living in color means saying yes to bold ideas and the spark that happens when creativity and community collide. Life should be vibrant, joyful, and a little bit sparkly, whether that shows up in personal style and self-expression or in the experiences we create to bring people together.

Leah Lewis, CMP, CEM, DES

Motion + Power Manufacturers Alliance

How do you live in color?

Coming Soon!

Trey Weaver, CMP, HMCC

National Association of Community Health Centers

Brought to you by Visit Greater Palm Springs

How do you live in color?

Coming Soon!

Carlos Pelham, CMP

American Gas Association

How do you live in color?

Living in color is an idea I take to heart both literally and figuratively every day. Color, pattern and texture in both my wardrobe and home keep me inspired and creative. It also means to me embracing any change and opportunity, big or small, thrown our way and making the most of life!

Mary-Kathleen Todd

ConferenceDirect

Brought to you by PCMA Foundation

How do you live in color?

Living in color means bringing my A-game to every part of my life. I lead with purpose in a mission-driven space by day and pour that same energy into the family and friends I love by night, usually over a great meal and good wine. All of it matters. I want the full spectrum!

Kelly Ricker

Global Technology Industry Association

Brought to you by Philadelphia CVB

How do you live in color?

Coming Soon!

Andrias White Murdaugh, MBA, CMP, CSEP, CVP

American Clean Power Association

How do you live in color?

It means being authentic with myself and with others, showing up honestly and fully in every interaction. It also means making choices that reflect who I am at my core. Above all, it means living my truth openly, with pride, confidence, and without worry.

Courtney Guy, DES

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

Brought to you by Visit Salt Lake

How do you live in color?

Living in color represents the vibrancy and individuality that make our industry so special. In a world that can feel structured and transactional, creativity and self-expression remind us that events are ultimately about human connection and emotion. I’m excited to celebrate the artistry and bold ideas that bring our community together.

Matt Murnane

SLATE Event Management

How do you live in color?

Living in color? It means not letting a setback write your story. Turns out, losing a job is just the universe’s dramatic way of saying ‘think bigger.’ So I went shopping. Life is too short for bad fits — in clothes or in life — I think bigger, I know my value, and showing up in full color is the only way to live.

Jennifer Haire, CMP, CAE

SearchWide Global

Brought to you by Visit Seattle

How do you live in color?

Living in color to me means embracing the spectrum of the human experience in yourself and in others, shining warmly and brightly to inspire others to find their own inner light and color.

Josh Henry

SPIE

How do you live in color?

Living a life in color means filling every day with the moments that make life vibrant—sunlit adventures, muddy paws, open-road freedom in my Jeep, laughter with friends on the golf course, and joy in the simple things.

Mary Piper Waters, CMP

American Educational Research Association

Brought to you by Visit Tampa Bay

How do you live in color?

To me, Living in Color means being vibrant, energetic, and fully alive. I’m of Dominican descent, and that heritage has shaped how I was raised and how I live my life. In the DR, color represents the people, culture, nature, joy, and celebration of life — shaping the world around me, the core of who I am, and the richness of who we all are.

Lisa Cox, CMP

Premium Cigar Association

How do you live in color?

Coming Soon!

Becky Fowkes

American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers

Each year, the PCMA Foundation Fashion Show features an inspiring group of industry professionals who bring Living in Color to life on the runway. Our models reflect the creativity, confidence, and leadership that define the global business events community.

– Meet the Models –

Ashley Alexander
National WIC Association

Hannah Buchholz, CEM, DES
Paralyzed Veterans of America

Ashley Canody, CMP
National Community Pharmacists Association

Chandra Champion, MSSA, CNM
NAACP

Joy Cmiel
ConferenceDirect

Kira Elliott, CMP
Cypress Planning Group

Becky Fowkes
American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers

Courtney Guy, DES
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

Jennifer Haire, CMP, CAE
Business Event Strategist

Loreal Lance, CAE, CMP
Community Transportation Association of America

Krista LeZotte, CMP, CSEP, DES
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Leah Lewis, CMP, CEM, DES
Motion + Power Manufacturers Alliance

Matt Murnane
SLATE Event Management

Andrias White Murdaugh, MBA, CMP, CSEP, CVP
American Clean Power Association

Kadejah Omokaro, MBA, CMP
NAACP

Carlos Pelham, CMP
American Gas Association

John Rubsamen
Out & Equal

Tina Schneider, CMP
National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC)

Jamie Simpson, CMP
Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine

Robert Smith, CMP Fellow, CMM, DES
American Educational Research Association

Mary-Kathleen Todd
ConferenceDirect

Megan Van Dam, CMP
American Trucking Associations

Mary Piper Waters, CMP
American Educational Research Association

Trey Weaver, CMP, HMCC
National Association of Community Health Centers

Kanisha Williams
The American Institute of Architects

Join us for the PCMA Foundation Fashion Show on Tuesday, April 6, 2027, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The full 2027 schedule will be posted when tickets go on sale in January.

From the pink carpet arrivals to the final runway walk and celebratory after party, the evening is designed to be high-energy, colorful, and unforgettable

Where is the PCMA Foundation Fashion Show taking place?
The event will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., during Business Events Industry Week.

What is the dress code?
Colorful, bold, and expressive! Attendees are encouraged to embrace the Living in Color theme — think vibrant hues, statement pieces, and runway-worthy style.

Are tickets refundable?
Ticket policies will be shared when registration opens.

Can I sponsor the event?
Yes! Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact the PCMA Foundation team for more information.

How are proceeds used?
All proceeds from the PCMA Foundation Fashion Show benefit the PCMA Foundation and support scholarships, education, and access initiatives that strengthen the global business events community.

Will there be pop-up shops?
Yes! Select vendors and designers will be featured during the Pink Carpet Reception.

Scenes from BEIW 2025

Click the button above to watch more videos in the 2025 playlist.

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VIDEO PRODUCTION BY

Thank you to our 2026 Presenting Sponsor:

Thank you to our 2026 Host:

Thank you to our 2026 Event Sponsors:

Choose Chicago

Visit Seattle

2026 Champagne Bar Sponsor:

2026 Signature Bar Sponsor:

2026 Style Lounge Sponsor:

Thank you to our 2026 Event Service Providers:

Business Events Industry Week (BEIW) is not just another industry event; you’re becoming part of a global movement that celebrates our industry’s purpose—bringing people together to make a difference for our businesses, our communities and our audiences.

Embrace the power, the camaraderie, and the inspiration firsthand in our nation’s capital, Washington D.C. with us all. Because, what we do matters. Collectively, we can make a difference.