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.
If applying for a Convening Leaders scholarship, please do not register to attend until AFTER scholarship selections have been made. If you apply during the Early Bird registration period, this rate will be honored for you if you are not selected as a recipient.
All Access Pass Student
This scholarship will provide five (5) PCMA Students with roundtrip airfare (up to $400), complimentary registration and up to four (4) nights of housing for Convening Leaders 2023 in Columbus, OH.
PCMA Student Chapter Grant
Awarded to up to five (5) PCMA student chapters to be used for educational programming. The winning chapters will receive a $1,000 financial award.
Roy B. Evans Student Scholarship
Tuition-based scholarship awarded to up to two (2) undergraduate students.
Legacy Society 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.
The Legacy Society Student Scholarship is intended for those in their last year of undergraduate education. Each recipient will receive:
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.
The Foundation Scholars Program is intended for anyone currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. At least one semester of an undergraduate program must be completed at the time of application. Each recipient will receive:
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.
The Continuing Education Scholarship is intended for those who have completed their undergraduate education and are pursuing a graduate degree. Each recipient will receive:
Convening Leaders University Engagement Scholarship (for local Columbus area universities)
This scholarship supports one (1) local university seeking to engage with PCMA. Scholarship will provide benefits to 2 Faculty members and up to 20 Students. Benefits include complimentary registration for Convening Leaders 2023 in Columbus, OH.
Convening Leaders Faculty Scholarship
This scholarship supports up to ten (10) university faculty to attend Convening Leaders 2023. 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: roundtrip airfare (up to $400), complimentary registration and up to four (4) nights of housing for Convening Leaders 2023 in Columbus, OH.
PCMA Student Chapter Grant
Awarded to up to five (5) PCMA student chapters to be used for educational programming. The winning chapters will receive a $1,000 financial award.
The Chris Wehking Scholarship
“Mentorship and career development were core values for Chris. When an individual was struck by a life challenge, an illness, loss of a loved one, or damage from a disaster, he was the first to reach out with an offer of support and would enlist others in this effort as well.” – Paul Pomerantz, American Society of Anesthesiologists Chief Executive Officer
Chris Wehking, Business Events Executive, wanted to provide opportunities and experiences for those around him. He wanted to touch the lives of others. This scholarship is in honor of Chris and his commitment and service to fellow members of the events industry. This scholarship is available for up to one (1) student and two (2) business event professionals who have shown how they have excelled at being leaders in their school and/or work life.
Benefits Include:
Required Commitment
If applying for a Convening Leaders scholarship, please do not register to attend until AFTER scholarship selections have been made. If you apply during the Early Bird registration period, this rate will be honored for you if you are not selected as a recipient.
EduCon All Access Pass
The All-Access Pass Scholarship is hosted by the PCMA Foundation and awarded to five (5) business event professionals. This opportunity includes:
Fall Scholarship Application Deadline: September 30, 2022
Convening Leaders All Access Pass (Next Gen)
This scholarship will provide five (5) Next Gen individuals with roundtrip airfare (up to $400), complimentary registration and up to four (4) nights of housing for Convening Leaders 2023 in Columbus, OH.
Convening Leaders All Access Pass (Supplier)
This scholarship will provide five (5) Suppliers with roundtrip airfare (up to $400), complimentary registration and up to four (4) nights of housing for Convening Leaders 2023 in Columbus, OH.
Convening Leaders All Access Pass (Planner)
This scholarship will provide twenty (20) business event planners with roundtrip airfare (up to $400), complimentary registration and up to four (4) nights of housing for Convening Leaders 2023 in Columbus, OH.
PCMA Chapter Leaders Scholarship
This scholarship will provide up to seventeen (17) Chapter members with roundtrip airfare (up to $400), complimentary registration and up to four (4) nights of housing for Convening Leaders 2023 in Columbus, OH.
Humanitarian Scholarship, in Partnership with Louisville Tourism
PCMA and Louisville Tourism believe in the power of the humanitarian and instilling compassion throughout the world. In recognition of Louisville officially being declared a “Compassionate City”, this scholarship is focused on recognizing humanitarian and social impact efforts. The PCMA Foundation Humanitarian Scholarship is more than just an event-based scholarship, it is an all-encompassing program looking to foster and promote those who are doing good in the business events industry. Qualified applicants will be individuals who lead, or develop, programs and initiatives in at least one of the following sectors: Inclusion, Empowerment, Social Innovation and/or Cause Awareness. There will be three recipients annually.
Scholarship Recipient Benefits:
Leadership Coaching with Kati Quigley
Exclusive leadership coaching sessions with business events industry leader, Kati Quigley, are available for mid-career professionals looking for professional and/or personal development. Up to three (3) individuals will be selected to reactive ten (10) hours of coaching tailored to the individual’s unique career and personal goals.
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 2023 registration, housing, and airfare, one-on-one coaching with Deborah Sexton, and a complimentary membership for 3 years.
The Chris Wehking Scholarship
“Mentorship and career development were core values for Chris. When an individual was struck by a life challenge, an illness, loss of a loved one, or damage from a disaster, he was the first to reach out with an offer of support and would enlist others in this effort as well.” – Paul Pomerantz, American Society of Anesthesiologists Chief Executive Officer
Chris Wehking, Business Events Executive, wanted to provide opportunities and experiences for those around him. He wanted to touch the lives of others. This scholarship is in honor of Chris and his commitment and service to fellow members of the events industry. This scholarship is available for up to one (1) student and two (2) business event professionals who have shown how they have excelled at being leaders in their school and/or work life.
Benefits Include:
Required Commitment
If applying for a Convening Leaders scholarship, please do not register to attend until AFTER scholarship selections have been made. If you apply during the Early Bird registration period, this rate will be honored for you if you are not selected as a recipient.
A special invitation for event organizers who are responsible for contracting destinations and services for their organizations: Apply for the opportunity to receive a VIP experience during Convening Leaders 2023, which includes: complimentary registration, 4 nights of housing*, and a $400 flight stipend. Buyers are required to participate in all of their scheduled appointments and the Hosted Buyer luncheon held on Sunday, January 8.
*Hotel selection is on a first come, first serve, basis.
The PCMA Foundation annually recognizes exceptional individuals across the business events industry and their significant contributions to the industry in 2022. Up to three finalists from each category will be honored at the Visionary Awards; categories and criteria are included below. Nominations are now open. Self-nominations are accepted. Nominee cannot be a current member of the PCMA of Directors and Trustees. Nominations cannot be submitted for individuals working at the same organization.
Please be prepared to answer the following questions for your nomination:
The PCMA Foundation annually recognizes exceptional individuals across the business events industry and their significant contributions to their chapter or region from 2021 through 2022. Up to three finalists will be honored at the Visionary Awards. This award is not open to public nominations.
Business Events Strategist of the Year
Nominee should
*Formerly the Meeting Professional of the Year Award
Supplier of the Year
Nominee should:
Community Advocate of the Year
This award recognizes an individual’s activism through one specific program/project. This award is open to organization and event-based programs.
Nominee should:
Event Designer of the Year
This award is aimed to differentiate from Business Event Strategist of the Year by recognizing unique and innovative ideas implemented through Event Design. This award is open to business event strategists, business event strategists and suppliers.
Nominee should:
Digital Experience Strategist of the Year
This award recognizes change-makers and trendsetters of digital events. These are the professionals who transcend geographical borders, balancing event integration with engagement in either face-to-face extensions or standalone digital events.
Nominee should:
PCMA Groundbreakers Award
The PCMA Groundbreakers Award is dedicated to honoring industry trailblazers who represent diverse sectors of the business events community. The award will serve to recognize those who have made a significant contribution to their organizations and programs that advance inclusion and equity.
Nominee should::
Lifetime Achievement Honorees:
The PCMA Foundation annually recognizes our colleagues with distinguished lifetime career accomplishments and significant contributions to the business events industry. As few as one honoree, or as many as three will be celebrated annually; individuals must be or have been a business event strategist, supplier or educator. Individuals do not need to be current members of PCMA.
Please be prepared to answer the following questions for your nomination:
Honoree should:
To nominate an individual:
Application Deadline: September 26, 2022
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:
Areas of Evaluation:
Open 2024 PCMA Board Positions and Terms
To Nominate:
Nomination Deadline: 5:00 pm (CDT) on Thursday, July 6, 2023
Application Deadline: 5:00 pm (CDT) on Thursday, July 13, 2023
For detailed overview on qualifications & commitments click here: https://www.pcma.org/board-nomination/
Application Deadline: April 30, 2023
Digital Event Strategist Scholarship supported by Encore
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 $695 USD. This scholarship is sponsored by Encore and includes the following:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:Award Criteria: