PCMA’s Visionary Awards Honors Leaders in Business Events
May 16, 2017
The PCMA Education Foundation recently honored the 2017 Lifetime Achievement of three industry luminaries as well as the winners of the 2017 Professional Excellence Awards at the Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C.
More than 1,000 leaders in the business events were in attendance at the awards event.
“Our 2017 honorees and award winners’ accomplishments serve as inspiration to both industry veterans and novices alike,” said PCMA President and CEO, Deborah Sexton. “Each an expert in their profession—always endeavoring to lead the advancement of their organizations and the business events industry.”
Here are the honorees:
2017 Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees (announced in 2016)
Martin (Marty) Balogh, Associate Executive Director, Meetings and Travel Group, American Bar Association - 2017 Meeting Professional Honoree
Carol Krugman, MEd, CMP, CMM, Chair of the Department of Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Metropolitan State University of Denver - 2017 Educator Honoree
Barry Smith, President & CEO, Metro Toronto Convention Centre - 2017 Supplier Honoree
2017 Professional Excellence Award Winners (announced live)
Meeting Professional of the Year
This award honors a PCMA professional member who exemplifies professional excellence in their contributions to their organization, PCMA and the business events community.
Danielle L. Urbina, CMP, Director of Meetings and Exhibits with the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Danielle is an outstanding meeting professional who is dedicated to her work and her industry. An active member of PCMA she is passionate about medical meetings and always seeking ways to expand her knowledge and contribute to the future of the meetings industry. She is a mentor to many, serving as adjunct faculty at Roosevelt University and taking the time to truly connect with her industry colleagues – to help them grow and improve in any way she can. Not only did she lead ASA’s national meetings and headquarters conference center to another level of success, she also took on the management of ASA’s growing international meeting initiatives.
Event Designer of the Year
This award honors a PCMA member for innovative event design.
Megan D. Tate, CMM, Vice President, Meeting & Event Planning Manager with Wells Fargo.
Between the general sessions, breakouts and the fun night, Megan’s strategy to make the Petco Leadership Summit all about the people rather than the company. The partners returned back to their stores with a renewed passion for who they are and what they do.
Supplier of the Year
This award honors a PCMA supplier member who exemplifies professional excellence in their contributions to their organization, PCMA and the business events community.
Jennifer L. Erney, CMP, CASE, Accor Hotels and most recently with ALHI. A true advocate in the industry, Jennifer is known for her consummate professionalism and strong client relationships. From increasing a client’s share by 500 percent to earning her CHSE, CASE, CMP and soon-to-be CMM certification – Jennifer continues to grow and shine as a leader in this industry.
Community Advocate of the Year
This award honors one PCMA member in the business events industry who has developed and managed a unique and impactful program benefiting the community in which their meeting was held.
Peter C. O’Brien, CASE, Global Account Executive with Marriott Global Sales Organization. Peter has an impressive tenure as a community advocate. He is a catalyst leader who implemented Service in Sync at the Greater DC Food Bank and reinstated the popular USO Care Package assembly. This year Peter adopted DC Greens as the Capital Chapters Charity of the Year.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
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