More than 1,000 industry professionals will gather this spring at the 2017 Visionary Awards to honor these luminaries’ extraordinary contributions.

Attendees will experience an Oscars-like evening with red carpet arrival, awards show, and after party, hosted by the PCMA Education Foundation and presented in partnership with the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau and Austin Convention Center.

“The event last year was an incredible success.” said Chair of the Board of Trustees, Tina Wehmeir. “We are thrilled we have the opportunity to celebrate these three extraordinary individuals who have given so much to the industry.”

2017 Educator Honoree: Carol Krugman, MEd, CMP, CMM

Carol Krugman is Chair of the Department of Hospitality, Tourism & Events at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Carol has 36 years’ experience within the industry, starting her career as corporate meeting manager and now serving as an educator.

Krugman, who has been a PCMA member since her transition to academia, is very active within the association and has contributed extensively to the professional community both in Denver and nationally.  She shows her love of the industry and PCMA passion by accompanying both MSU Denver faculty colleagues and student chapter members to Convening Leaders annually. Krugman has been a key contributor to the Faculty Task Force and to the development of the textbook, Professional Meeting Management, 6th Edition, on which she served as a member of the editorial team.  She has received several awards recently, including PCMA’s Educator of the Year award in 2013 and induction into the CIC Hall of Leaders in 2016. Carol’s passion for raising the level of professionalism in the industry and her ability to mentor students coming into the workplace is legendary.

2017 Meeting Professional Honoree: Martin Balogh

Martin Balogh, Associate Executive Director - Meetings and Travel Group at the American Bar Association (ABA), has served on both the PCMA Board of Directors and the PCMA Foundation Board of Trustees. Balogh has served on countless committees and led many throughout the years.   He was instrumental in reviewing and improving governance practices on both Boards. Balogh has helped define what the industry comes to expect from a true professional having served the ABA for decades rising through the ranks to hold one of the top positions. 

Balogh is a role model to many outside of his organization. He exemplifies the importance of building balanced relationships between meeting organizers and the supplier community, he is consistent in holding his organization and staff to a high-level of ethical behavior while supporting them in being engaged in PCMA and give back to the industry.

2017 Supplier Honoree: Barry Smith

Barry Smith, President and CEO of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre has been a pioneer in the industry through his roles on the PCMA Board, PCMA Education Foundation Board of Trustees and as the President and CEO of one of the leading convention centers in North America. Smith was instrumental in corralling other suppliers to understand the value of PCMA; engaging them to support the Foundation and the importance of education within our industry. Smith was also integral in assisting PCMA to balance and expand the role of suppliers on the board and within the organization.

Smith is the gold standard for excellence as a supplier in the convention and meetings industry. His work in Toronto was ground-breaking for attracting international business to North America; his willingness to take risks, explore new markets and employ new technology has garnered a well-deserved reputation throughout the industry, all of which has been carried out with grace and humility second to none.