The PCMA Education Foundation annually recognizes exceptional individuals across the business events industry and their significant contributions to the industry from 2017 through 2018. Up to three finalists from each category will be honored at the Visionary Awards; categories and criteria are included below. Nominations will close September 16, 2018. Self-nominations are accepted.

Please be prepared to answer the following questions for your nomination:

• Describe the qualities and attributes that make the nominee an ideal candidate for this award
• Example of work from June 2017 – December 2018 that makes the nominee an ideal candidate for this award (we recommend contacting the nominee for additional reference information)
• Describe your professional relationship with the nominee
• Provide any additional information you would like to share with the committee

Business Event Strategist of the Year

Nominee should:

• Demonstrate professional excellence in all business interactions
• Seek and execute solutions to event challenges
• Change and improve meetings year over year
• Successfully market the meeting to attendees/participants
• Value and respect vendor/supplier relationships

*Formerly the Meeting Professional of the Year Award

Supplier of the Year

Nominee should:

• Demonstrate professional excellence by anticipating and exceeding clients’ needs
• Balance client/employer needs and costs effectively
• Partner with clients to create solutions to event challenges
• Adapt to industry changes and expectations

Community Advocate of the Year

This award recognizes an individual’s activism through one specific program/project. This award is open to organization and event-based programs.

Nominee should:

• Create and execute a program through an event that gives-back to the community
• Gain participation and support from attendees/participants
• Obtain statistics on impact of project and outcomes
• Plan unique and creative project

Event Designer of the Year

This award is aimed to differentiate from Business Event Strategist of the Year by recognizing unique and innovative ideas implemented through Event Design. This award is open to business event strategists, business event strategists and suppliers. 

Nominee should:

• Develop and showcase new trends in event design with a focus on attendee experience
• Work within event budget to create innovative and experiential designs
• Create events of the future through event design
• Share knowledge with others

Digital Experience Strategist of the Year

This award recognizes change-makers and trendsetters of digital events. These are the professionals who transcend geographical borders, balancing event integration with engagement in either face-to-face extensions or standalone digital events. 

Nominee should:

• Demonstrate creativity and excellence in providing custom solutions to better serve their audience
• Commit to making a difference for their organization
• Contribute to the advancement of the digital experience
• Push the adoption of digital events forward