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
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.
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