PCMA Foundation Celebrates the Event Industry’s Brightest Stars At the 2021 Visionary Awards

September 14, 2021
TSNN News

On Aug. 26, the PCMA Foundation recognized more than 20 business events industry leaders at the 2021 PCMA Visionary Awards, which honors exceptional industry professionals for their significant contributions to their organizations and the business events community.  

Held at the Hilton Washington in Washington, D.C., the vibrant event hosted more than 500 guests, who celebrated with a red carpet experience, an awards show and an after party featuring Austin-based band, The Nightowls. 

“The Visionary Awards is an opportunity to celebrate our amazing colleagues, while also supporting the PCMA Foundation,” said Angie Ranalli, chairwoman of the PCMA Foundation, which funds educational scholarships and critical event industry projects to empower the career advancement of students and professionals while supporting the future of the business events industry.

She continued, “To the innovators, the game-changers, the risk-takers and above all the visionaries that provide the power behind business events, thank you for your hard work, dedication and passion. Congratulations to all of our honorees and finalists.”  

This year, the Professional Excellence Awards honored six recipients, who were selected by an awards committee that reviewed all the nominations, chose the finalists, reviewed the finalists again and then selected the winners based on a blind online vote. They included: 

  • Supplier of the Year: WeeMin Ong, Vice President of Conventions and Exhibitions, Marina Bay Sands 
  • Business Event Strategist of the Year: Bob Bejan, CVP, Global Events, Studios and Marketing Community, Microsoft 
  • Digital Experience Strategist of the Year: Victoria Fanning, CMP, DES, Sr. Manager, Digital Events, Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) 
  • Event Designer of the Year: Amy Ledoux, retired as Chief Learning and Meetings Officer, ASAE
  • Community Advocate of the Year: José Quan, Founder and Owner, Eventia 
  • Outstanding Service to a Chapter: Kim Allison, Senior Director of Sales, Georgia World Congress Center—Capital Chapter 

In recognition of leaders who made a significant impact during such a challenging year filled with so much uncertainty, the PCMA Foundation added three new awards to its roster: the Wayfinder Award for an individual and an organization and the Groundbreakers Award. 

Created to honor an individual and an organization for their innovation, courage, leadership and solution-focused approach in the face of a significant external challenge, this year’s Wayfind Award was scooped up by IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer as the individual award winner, while Hyatt Hotels Corporation received the organizational award.  

Carol Wallace, former president and CEO of the San Diego Convention Center Corporation, received the inaugural PCMA Groundbreakers Award, which honors industry trailblazers who represent diverse sectors of the business events community, recognizing those who have made a significant contribution to their organizations and to programs advancing inclusion and equity.  

Also recognized during the awards ceremony were the Lifetime Achievement Honorees: Bill Grusich, senior vice president at Associated Luxury Hotels International, and Lisa Delpy Neirotti, Ph.D., professor and director of sports management programs at The George Washington University. 

Due to current travel restrictions and border closures, the PCMA Foundation will honor Ben Goedegebuure, vice president and global general manager at Maritz Global Events, with his Lifetime Achievement during the 2022 Visionary Awards.  

Other finalists for the Professional Excellence and Wayfinder Awards who were honored included: 

  • Karen Watson, Cultivate Event Design and Consulting
  • Camille White-Stern, Splash 
  • Rose Horcher, Choose Chicago 
  • Lora Stanley, Visit Anaheim 
  • Carly Silberstein, Redstone Agency Inc. 
  • Ben Elliott, Live Productions Australia Pty Ltd
  • John Woo, GES Events 
  • Megan Finnell, CMP, Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) 
  • Toni Zoblotsky, Hilton Corp. 
  • Michelle Guelbart, MSW, a recognized voice in the movement to eradicate human trafficking and child exploitation 
  • Allen Anderson, Anderson Hospitality Services, Greater Philadelphia Chapter 
  • Andrew Horsfield, Hyatt Place Ottawa West, PCMA Canada East Chapter 
  • Michael Clarke, Marriott International 
  • Patrizia Semprebene Buongiorno, AIM Group International 
  • Events DC; PCMA Rocky Mountain Chapter 

“We are all in the business of bringing people together—convening with purpose to deliver the human connections that help enrich our communities and our quality of life,” said PCMA President and CEO Sherrif Karamat. “We advance industries and social change. We are resilient. We are innovative and we passionately believe in our ability to change the world. The world is a better place when we are together.” 

To attend the 2021 Visionary Awards, PCMA required proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for all guests. Check out a video recap of the event here.

  

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!

Add new comment

About text formats

Related Articles

This is the first article in a two-part series. Trade shows continue to be good places to build buzz and impress decision-makers. But do all trade show appearances generate…
While things are starting to cool off in some areas of North America, that doesn’t seem to be the case with the trade show industry. This fall is a busy one — check out all…
Technology, diversity, the economy and customer expectations (among other factors) are pushing members of the trade show industry to be more proficient, creative and open-…
A conference with several thousand people sounds like an unlikely place to zen out. Yet the organizers of IMEX America and one major hotel company, understanding the immense…
Trade show prep is exhausting as you scramble to get swag ordered, booth materials packed and meetings set. One task you don’t want to forget about in the midst of all that…
Venue management companies AEG Facilities and SMG have completed their merger to create ASM Global, a new, stand-alone global facility management and venue services company…
Partner Voices
Partner Voices
MANDALAY BAY: HERE, CONFERENCES ARE INVITING AND INNOVATIVE
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.
Learn More