Preston is vice president of meetings and exhibits for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and has more than 25 years of experience managing events for various associations across the USA, including the National School Boards Association, the American Chemical Society and the American Institute of Architects.
Alongside Preston, Deborah Caldwell, Bank of America’s senior vice president and Asia Pacific head of events, has been approved as the chair-elect, locking her in to lead the PCMA board in 2028. Meanwhile, Marina Bay Sands’ vice president of sales and MICE, Ong Wee Min, has been approved as secretary-treasurer for the board in 2027.
Caldwell and Min make PCMA history as the first members of the board’s executive to be based in Asia Pacific.
“The incoming board of directors and trustees steps in at a defining moment for PCMA and the global business events industry,” said PCMA’s president and CEO, Sherrif Karamat.
“As we continue to advance towards PCMA’s 2030 vision and the future of the business events community, their support and guidance are essential.
“These leaders will help PCMA turn that vision into results.”
Another eight event professionals are new to the PCMA board in 2027, including Vanessa Claspill from Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Aleta Harris from the American Medical Association, Vicki Hawarden from the American Geophysical Union, Kit Lykketoft from Wonderful Copenhagen, Paul Mockler from Fáilte Ireland, Ben Nazario from MC², Joey Nevin from the San Francisco Giants and John Rubsamen from Out & Equal.
The 2027 board was approved by PCMA members, with the new board to take up their roles next January.
