2020 Fall Scholarships

Professional Scholarships

Digital Event Strategist

Hosted Buyer Program

Student and Faculty Scholarships

Spring Scholarships

• $7,500 tuition award.

• $3,500 tuition award.
• PCMA membership for three years after graduation.
• Complimentary registration, round-trip airfare and three nights housing at 2022 PCMA Convening Leaders in Las Vegas.
• Complimentary registration to 2021 PCMA Education Conference.

• $3,500 tuition award.
• PCMA membership for one year.
• Complimentary registration, round-trip airfare and three nights housing at 2022 PCMA Convening Leaders in Las Vegas.
• Complimentary registration to 2021 PCMA Education Conference.

• $3,500 tuition award.
• PCMA membership for one year.
• Complimentary registration, round-trip airfare and three nights housing at 2022 PCMA Convening Leaders in Las Vegas.
• Complimentary registration to 2021 PCMA Education Conference.

• Registration to 2021 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

20 In Their Twenties

• 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

• 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)

• Content and Quality of Video (30%)
• Overall Written Application Quality (30%)
• Demonstration of Leadership (15%)
• Career Goal (15%)
• References (10%)

Digital Event Strategist Scholarship

• DES 7-week online course and exam to be used during the April or May course offerings

VIP Group Opportunity at PCMA EduCon

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.

• 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

PCMA Changemakers Award

The PCMA Foundation will honor an individual and an organization for their innovation, courage, leadership, and solution-focused approach when impacted by a significant external challenge. The awards will be given to those who have made an impact on the business events community, their organization and customers.

Nomination criteria:

Nominations must be related to how the individual or organization has made an impact on the business events industry during the pandemic (in the year 2020). Nominations must showcase examples of innovation, courage and leaders, in creating a better environment for those around them.

One individual and one organization will be selected to receive the award. Award will be presented at the Visionary Awards on August 26.