CONTENTS November 2012 Volume 30, Issue 11

COVER STORY 40

‘Political conventions truly are a part of our democratic way of government and how our country is run.’

When Elephants and Donkeys Meet

The Republicans built the political show of the future. The Democrats welcomed everyone to the party. Convene was on site for both of their national conventions — and came away ready to vote for the meeting professionals who helped launch the country toward this month’s big election.

‘A Better Future’ — Republican National Convention Molly Brennan

‘Americans Coming Together’ — Democratic National Convention Christopher Durso

Features 55 69

Cover illustration by Tom Gauld

2 PCMA CONVENE NOVEMBER 2012 PCMA.ORG

12th Annual Meetings Industry Forecast What’s the outlook for travel, lodging, and exhibitions in 2013? How will technology continue to transform the meetings industry? Come peek around the corner with us. Michelle Russell

CMP SERIES

Minding Mother Nature The 2011 Indiana State Fair and the 2012 Lollapalooza music festival offer valuable lessons in creating an effective crisis-management plan — and implementing it when the weather gets deadly. Sarah Beauchamp