DMAI Donates $8,8000 to HIRF, Bringing Total Donations to More Than $140,000

During the Destination Showcase luncheon on Feb. 16 in Washington, D.C., Michael Gehrisch, president and CEO of Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI), thanked PCMA Secretary-Treasurer Nancy Elder for PCMA's role in the hurricane relief efforts. He announced that Convene magazine had presented DMAI with a check for $8,800 as a result of the advertising that their members bought for the Meetings Industry Almanac. In return, DMAI donated those funds to the Hurricane Industry Relief Fund (HIRF).

Contributions to HIRF now total more than $140,000. A HIRF Advisory Committee composed of industry leaders primarily based in the Gulf Coast region was established in January 2006. The committee is currently researching different organizations that have developed funds to benefit tourism workers affected by the 2005 hurricanes. Research efforts will focus on addressing fundamental needs such as transportation, affordable housing, and social services. Distributions are expected to be made in the next few months. Donations are still being accepted at www.pcma.org. Thank you to all who have given so generously!

Three Industry Leaders to be Honored at 2006 Education Foundation Dinner

Since 1987, the PCMA Education Foundation has honored professionals for their extraordinary achievements within the meetings industry and PCMA. At the 2006 Education Foundation Dinner Celebrating Professional Achievement on May 24, 2006 in Washington D.C., the accomplishments of the following three individuals will be recognized:

2006 Meeting Professional Honoree
J. D. Andrews RMP, CEP, CMC
Founder and Chairman, The Council for Professional Recognition

A distinguished leader in the hospitality industry, J.D. Andrews has shared his unique and visionary insights through his involvement on numerous national and international boards, including serving on the PCMA and Education Foundation Boards. He has also brought his 40 years of industry experience to the field of education, where he directed educational films and co-authored books.

2006 Supplier Partner Honoree
Reint Reinders President & CEO
San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau

Reint Reinder is highly regarded as one of the most influential people in the meetings industry. He plans to retire this year from the San Diego CVB, where he has spent the last 15 years. During his tenure there, the city hosted PCMA's 1996 Annual Meeting. Prior to that, he spent 21 years with Marriott Corporation.

2006 Educator Honoree
Peter Shure
Director of Strategic Marketing
Conferon Global Services Inc.

Peter Shure was the founding editor-in-chief of Meeting News and the program chairman of the Meeting World Conference and Exposition. Following 13 years at PCMA, including serving as editor-in-chief of Convene, Shure joined Conferon in 2004. Reservations for this black-tie event are being accepted online at www. pcma.org.