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 ScholarshipThis 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 ScholarshipThis 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 ScholarshipThis 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 ScholarshipThis 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 YearAwarded to up to two (2) PCMA student chapters to be used for educational programming. The winning chapters will receive a $1,000 financial award.Spring Scholarships
Application Deadline: April 30, 2020 Roy B. Evans Student Scholarship Tuition-based scholarship awarded to up to two (2) undergraduate students.
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 ScholarshipTuition 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 ProgramThis 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 PassThe 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 ScholarshipThe 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 ScholarshipThe 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
Application Deadline: 30 April 2020
VIP Group Opportunity at PCMA EduConAs 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.
