PCMA Awards Program

Scholarships, Grants, Awards


PCMA and the PCMA Foundation are focused on accelerating the business events industry. We believe research, scholarships, recognition, and engaging leaders are integral to continuing the growth and impact on our community. This site serves as the stepping stone for these programs. View the individual tabs to learn more about our available scholarships, Visionary Awards nominations, grants, and 20 in their Twenties program.



   

2020 Fall Scholarships

Professional Scholarships

Open | Application Deadline: 9 November 2020

Convening Leaders All Access Pass (Supplier)
This scholarship supports up to one hundred (100) PCMA member supplier partners participate in Convening Leaders 2021. Applicants do not need to be currently employed, but must have a history of business events employment. Recipients receive: Complimentary registration to Convening Leaders 2021 and a one-year PCMA supplier membership.

Convening Leaders All Access Pass (Business Event Organizers)
This scholarship supports up to one hundred (100) business event organizers to participate in Convening Leaders 2021. Applicants do not need to be currently employed, but must have a history of business events employment. Recipients receive: Complimentary registration to Convening Leaders 2021 and a one-year PCMA professional membership.

Convening Leaders Independent Event Organizer or Small Business Owner Scholarship
This scholarship supports up to twenty (20) independent business event professionals or small business owners to participate in Convening Leaders 2021. Recipients receive: Complimentary registration to Convening Leaders 2021 and a one-year PCMA professional membership.

Deborah Sexton Education Scholarship
This scholarship supports four (4) individuals each year with at least 3 years of career experience in the business events industry. Recipients receive: a continuing education stipend of $7500, Convening Leaders 2021 registration, one-on-one coaching with Deborah Sexton, registration, housing and airfare for EduCon 2021, and complimentary membership for 3 years. 

CMP Online Prep Course Scholarship 
PCMA Foundation will provide twenty-five (25) CMP Online Prep Course Scholarships. The CMP Online Course Prep consists of 9 study modules, with practice exams and printable outlines to help individuals study for the Certified Meeting Professional Exam administered by the Events Industry Council. Recipients receive: Access to the CMP Online Prep Course and EIC recommended text books, valued at $611. Recipients will also receive a one-year complimentary membership to PCMA.

Leadership Coaching with Kati Quigley
Exclusive leadership coaching sessions with business events industry leader, Kati Quigley, are available for mid-career professionals looking to repurpose their skills for a new career opportunity. Up to three (3) individuals will be selected to receive ten (10) hours of coaching tailored to the individual’s unique career goals.


Digital Event Strategist

Open | Application Deadline: 23 October 2020

Digital Event Strategist Scholarship
PCMA Foundation will provide one hundred (100) Digital Event Strategist scholarships for the November 3 – December 11 course. The Digital Event Strategist certification is designed to help individuals and organizations develop, plan, produce, and measure the results of their digital engagement practices. Recipients receive: Access Digital Event Strategist Course, supplemented with office hours where participants can ask questions of experts, and the exam, valued at $895. Recipients will also receive a one-year complimentary membership to PCMA.


Hosted Buyer Program

Open | Application Deadline: 13 November 2020

Hosted Buyer Program Scholarship
A special invitation for event organizers who are responsible for contracting destinations and services for their organizations: Apply for the opportunity to receive complimentary registration and a VIP experience during Convening Leaders 2021. Buyers are required to participate in a minimum of five (5) one-on-one appointments to be held on Tuesday, January 19.


Student and Faculty Scholarships

Open | Application Deadline: 9 November 2020

University Engagement Scholarship
This scholarship supports up to five (5) universities seeking to engage with PCMA. Scholarship will provide benefits to 1 Faculty member and 20 Students per university program. Students receive: Complimentary registration to Convening Leaders 2021. Faculty members receive: Complimentary registration to Convening Leaders 2021, and a one year PCMA faculty membership.

Convening Leaders Faculty Scholarship
This scholarship supports up to ten (10) university faculty to attend Convening Leaders 2021. Must be currently teaching at least 2 classes per semester; currently teaching at least 1 class per quarter; OR currently teaching at least 4 classes in the past academic year. Recipients receive: Complimentary registration to Convening Leaders 2021 and a one-year PCMA faculty membership.

PCMA Student Chapter of the Year
Awarded to up to two (2) PCMA student chapters to be used for educational programming. The winning chapters will receive a $1,000 financial award.

Convening Leaders All Access Pass (Student)
This scholarship supports up to thirty (30) PCMA student members to participate in Convening Leaders 2021. Applicants must be PCMA student members and enrolled in a university program. Recipients receive: Complimentary registration to Convening Leaders 2021.

Spring Scholarships


Application Deadline: April 30, 2020

Roy B. Evans Student Scholarship
Tuition-based scholarship awarded to up to two (2) undergraduate students.
  • $7,500 tuition award.
Legacy Society Student Scholarship
The Legacy Society Student Scholarship supports up to three (3) students entering the dynamic field of business events planning by providing a unique opportunity for support and engagement as they enter the workforce.
  • $3,500 tuition award.
  • PCMA membership for three years after graduation.
  • Complimentary registration, round-trip airfare and three nights housing at 2021 PCMA Convening Leaders in Houston.
  • Complimentary registration to 2020 PCMA Education Conference.
Continuing Education Scholarship
Tuition and year-round engagement scholarship for up to three (3) graduate students in the business events industry or those furthering their business events career.
  • $3,500 tuition award.
  • PCMA membership for one year.
  • Complimentary registration, round-trip airfare and three nights housing at 2021 PCMA Convening Leaders in Houston.
  • Complimentary registration to 2020 PCMA Education Conference.
Foundation Scholars Program
This scholarship program, supported by NYC & Company and PCMA Foundation, provides five (5) undergraduate students with numerous benefits and year-round engagement within the business events industry.
  • $3,500 tuition award.
  • PCMA membership for one year.
  • Complimentary registration, round-trip airfare and three nights housing at 2021 PCMA Convening Leaders in Houston.
  • Complimentary registration to 2020 PCMA Education Conference.
Education Conference All Access Pass
The All-Access Pass Scholarship is hosted by the PCMA Foundation and awarded to five (5) buisness event professionals. This opportunity includes:
  • Registration to 2020 PCMA EduCon
  • Three (3) nights accommodation
  • One (1) ticket to the Give Back Bash evening fundraising event
  • Special seating for Main Stage sessions and lunches
Greater Midwest Chapter Student Scholarship
The Greater Midwest Chapter of PCMA is pleased to offer One (1) tuition-based scholarship exclusively for student leaders within the GMC community. Applicants are considered based on academic record, written essay, meetings industry experience, letters of recommendation, and GMC PCMA involvement. Included in this opportunity is:
  • $5,000 tuition donation for the 2020-2021 academic year, distributed directly to the college or university

20 In Their Twenties


Application Deadline: August 24, 2020

20 in Their Twenties
20 in Their Twenties recognizes the best and brightest young professionals in the business events industry. Applicants must submit a full application, short video and references. Benefits include:
  • Complimentary registration, three (3) nights of housing and round-trip airfare for Convening Leaders
  • Exclusive opportunities to participate in PCMA events and programs
  • Discounted registration to attend Convening Leaders for the two years following your award
  • Complimentary registration for EduCon
  • Complimentary PCMA membership for one year
  • Recognition in a Convene magazine feature article and through a PCMA-issued press release to other industry publications
  • Crystal award to display
Criteria:
  • PCMA membership not required
  • Must be 29 years old or younger at the time the award is presented (January 10-13, 2021)
  • Open to Event Organizers and Suppliers meeting age requirements
  • Must be employed full-time in the Meetings, Conventions and Business Events industry
  • Demonstration of leadership (application must address at least 3 of these):
    • Creative thinking and problem solving
    • Challenges the status quo
    • Leading a team or project to achieve a common goal
    • Elevating an industry network into business relationships
    • Effective communicator
    • A positive role model for PCMA’s Code of Ethics
    • Leadership in organizations (inside or outside the industry)
Areas of Evaluation:
  • Content and Quality of Video (30%)
  • Overall Written Application Quality (30%)
  • Demonstration of Leadership (15%)
  • Career Goal (15%)
  • References (10%)

DES Spring Scholarship


Application Deadline: February 24, 2020

 DES Spring Scholarship
The Digital Event Strategist certification is designed to help individuals and organizations develop, plan, produce, and measure the results of their digital engagement practices. There are a limited number of opportunities, each valued at over $1,000 USD. This scholarship is sponsored by Meetings and Conventions Calgary and includes the following:
  • DES Application fee
  • DES Exam fee
  • DES 7-week online course fee, 11 March - 24 April 2020 (required)

VIP Group Opportunity at PCMA EduCon

PCMA

Application Deadline: 30 April 2020

 VIP Group Opportunity at PCMA EduCon
As a member of a VIP Group at EduCon you will have the opportunity to network with a small (10-15) group of business event professionals while building a relationship with a PCMA partner.

Each VIP Group member receives the following:

  • Complimentary registration to EduCon
  • Complimentary Give Back Bash ticket
  • VIP Seating at Mainstage sessions
  • A customized event itinerary which may include invitations to hosted dinners, cocktail receptions and other off-site events

Please note that travel and housing are the responsibility of the individual.

GMC AWARDS

Richard A. ``Dick`` Daignault Award:

This award was created by the Chapter in 1994 in honor of Dick Daignault, a long time Hilton Sales Representative, a career long member of PCMA, and a dear friend and mentor to his peers, his clients, and his competitors. Dick passed away in June 1994 at the age of 64. This award is presented to a gracious and generous supplier partner GMC member who provides leadership through mentoring, demonstrates integrity, and shows consistent respect for colleagues.

Award Criteria:

  • Nomination by GMC PCMA member in good standing or self-nomination
  • Minimum 10 years total membership in PCMA and 5 years membership in GMC PCMA
  • Minimum of 15 years employment in the hospitality industry recommended
  • Not a current member of the GMC PCMA Board of Directors, GMC Awards Committee nor previous recipient of this award
  • Established supplier in the industry and represents exceptional service
  • Has history of active volunteerism in the Greater Midwest chapter level the past 5 years and is an active industry volunteer overall

Robert J. ``Bob`` Donovan Award

This award was created by the Chapter in 2001 in honor of Bob Donovan, Vice President, Meetings & Travel Services, American Hospital Association. Bob is a career long member of PCMA, and a person who is committed to the continuity and growth of the industry by mentoring new industry professionals, while always maintaining an open door policy. This award is presented to an outstanding meeting professional who leads by example, inspires volunteerism, and is committed to the growth of the industry.

Award Criteria:

  • Nomination by GMC PCMA member in good standing or self-nomination
  • Minimum 10 years total membership in PCMA and five years membership in GMC PCMA
  • Minimum of 15 years employment in the hospitality industry recommended
  • Not a current member of the GMC PCMA Board of Directors, GMC Awards Committee nor a previous recipient of this award
  • Established event professional in the industry
  • Has history of active volunteerism in the Greater Midwest chapter level the past five years and is an active industry volunteer overall

Pillar Award

This award was created by the Greater Midwest Chapter in 2003 to honor a professional or supplier who is recognized as an unyielding supporter of the Chapter through dedicated participation, enthusiastic committee involvement, and leadership.

Award Criteria:

  • Nomination by a GMC PCMA Chapter committee member in good standing or self-nomination
  • A minimum of 10 years of professional experience – at least 5 years of which being in GMC
  • Current, active member of a GMC PCMA committee
  • Not a current member of the GMC PCMA Board of Directors, Awards Committee nor a previous recipient of this award

The GEM Award

The Gem Award is presented to a professional or supplier who is both a newer member of the Greater Midwest Chapter and is currently serving on a Chapter committee. Nominated by committee Chairs and Vice Chairs, this volunteer demonstrates passion, and has taken an active role in the achievements of that committee by consistently Going the Extra Mile.

Award Criteria:

  • Nomination by GMC PCMA Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs
  • GMC PCMA committee member who has actively served on a committee(s) for 5 years or less
  • Not a current member of the GMC PCMA Board of Directors, GMC Awards Committee nor a previous recipient of this award
  • GMC PCMA Committee member in good standing

Spirit Award

This award was created by the Greater Midwest Chapter in 2019 to recognize an active chapter member (professional or supplier) who does not reside and/or have a physical office in the greater Chicago area.

Greater Chicago area is defined as the following:
  • Cook, Will, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Kankakee & Lake counties in Illinois
  • Lake, Porter & LaPorte counties in Indiana

Award Criteria:

  • Awarded at the discretion of the GMC Awards Committee based upon direct nomination by a GMC PCMA member in good standing or by nominations received in one of the chapters other annual awards categories
  • Minimum of 5 years membership in GMC PCMA and 7 years professional experience
  • Not a current member of the GMC PCMA Board of Directors nor GMC Awards Committee
  • Has actively been engaged on one GMC committee during the current calendar year
  • Is a GMC PCMA member in good standing

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PCMA Foundation
35 East Wacker Drive, Suite 500
Chicago, IL, 60601
Phone: +1 877.827.7262
Email:   foundation@pcma.org