World’s Largest Business Events Community Selects Sydney Lowe for 2026 “20 in Their Twenties” Program
Bentonville, Ark. — The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA)—the world’s largest community for business event strategists—has selected Sydney Lowe, senior manager of events at Heartland Forward, as one of 20 emerging leaders for its annual “20 in Their Twenties” program. This highly competitive program, now in its 12th year, honors young professionals who demonstrate leadership, innovation and a clear commitment to advancing the global business events community.
“I am honored to join PMCA’s 2026 class of emerging leaders,” said Sydney Lowe. “At Heartland Forward, we know the most powerful change happens when we bring the right people together in the right rooms. Every Heartland Forward convening works to spark connections and drive real progress for the communities we serve, showcasing the true heart of the heartland—its people.”
Lowe has played a central role in planning and executing Heartland Forward’s flagship event the Heartland Summit, as well as numerous other events such as AI salon dinners and Heartland Health Caucus convenings and more. Each of these high-impact gatherings brings together policymakers, business leaders and community stakeholders to advance the organization’s mission of accelerating economic growth in the heartland.
“Sydney understands that strategic convenings are far more than logistics—they are drivers of transformation,” said Angie Cooper, president of Heartland Forward. “She approaches event planning as a true strategist, all while executing her work with dedication and joy. We are proud to see her recognized among the industry’s brightest emerging leaders.”
The PMCA class of 2026 represents organizers and suppliers from several countries, including Australia, Austria, France, Germany, Malaysia, Scotland and the United States.
“These young professionals are already shaping how our global business events community learns, connects, and creates economic and social progress,” said Meredith Rollins, PCMA chief community officer and executive director, PCMA Foundation. “When we invest in future leaders, we invest in a stronger future for our community.”
Supported by the PCMA Foundation and Experience Columbus, the 2026 class will be introduced during Convening Leaders 2026 (CL26) January 11-14 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
About Heartland Forward
Heartland Forward is a non-profit, policy think-and-do tank that turns ideas into action for states and local communities. Our mission is to accelerate economic growth, change the narrative about the middle of the country and generate $500 million of economic impact to the heartland by 2030. We do this through applied research, community-driven programs, policy and convenings—focusing on regional competitiveness, talent pipeline and health and wellness.
About PCMA
PCMA, PCMA Foundation and CEMA educate, inspire, and listen, creating meaningful experiences where passion, purpose and commerce come together. We are the world’s largest community for Business Events Strategists, providing senior-level education, networking, and market intelligence for the global business events industry. Our mission is to drive social and economic progress through business events. Headquartered in Chicago, IL, PCMA has 17 North American Chapters, regional communities in APAC, EMEA and LATAM, and members in 72 countries and communities. The Corporate Event Marketing Association (CEMA), a PCMA subsidiary, advances strategic event marketing and marketing communications for senior-level event marketers and industry professionals. Visit pcma.org.