For Sherrif Karamat, success is rooted in transparency, especially with the proliferation of social media and the spread of misinformation. “I truly believe that in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, transparency and effective communication have become the cornerstones of success,” he said. “Transparency has become even more important, and communication with your teams and audiences has become invaluable.”
As the president and chief executive officer of PCMA and CEMA, leading a global organization that has been at the forefront of the business events industry since its founding in 1958 demands transparency while staying true to the company’s mission to educate, inspire and create meaningful experiences. Headquartered in Chicago, the organization has 17 North American chapters, regional communities in APAC, EMEA, and LATAM, and members in 59 countries.
Under Karamat’s leadership, PCMA has experienced remarkable growth, with revenues doubling over the last three years and a 125% increase in gross revenue. The launch of Spark, the industry’s first generative AI tool designed by event professionals, exemplifies PCMA’s commitment to transforming the business events landscape. Spark, with over 9,000 users across 132 countries, has revolutionized event planning by providing enhanced tools for collaboration, data insights, and inclusivity, breaking language barriers with access to 25 languages.
In 2024, Karamat and his team marked a significant milestone by launching Convene4Climate in Barcelona, a sustainability conference addressing climate change’s impact on the $1.2 trillion global business events sector.
Karamat’s dedication to fostering the next generation of leaders is evident through initiatives like the 20 in Their Twenties program, which celebrates emerging talent in the industry. Since its inception, this program has recognized 200 individuals, providing professional development opportunities and building lasting networks. Additionally, PCMA’s fundraising efforts have allocated over $1 million annually for scholarships and grants, supporting workforce readiness in a rapidly changing industry shaped by AI, sustainability and evolving generational demographics.
Equity and inclusion remain core values under Karamat’s stewardship. Through PCMA’s ASCENT brand, the organization has championed diversity by launching accessible event certifications and partnering with associations like LGBT-MPA and the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals.
Karamat credits his achievements to the collaborative efforts of his team and a supportive board of directors. “No one individual can achieve success without a great team of supporters,” he said.
His recognition as a two-time Titan 100 underscores this collective success and highlights his commitment to leveraging the platform for mutual growth and idea-sharing among fellow industry leaders. “I feel a tremendous support system as each one of the titans has experiences that allow me to learn and grow, and I hope in some small part I am also able to give to the community as well,” said Karamat.