History of Chapter

History of the Greater Midwest Chapter

Founding Board of Directors
Past Presidents of the Chapter

The Greater Midwest Chapter was founded in 1993. GMC offers a variety of educational meetings as well as networking opportunities. Our interaction with other hospitality industry professionals through events such as our Membership Connections, Spring Service Projects, and our Annual Bowl-A-Thon fundraiser also serve to provide our members and other industry colleagues with excellent events at which to network while serving the community.

1992
The Greater Midwest Chapter was chartered into the Professional Convention Management Association. There were 150 members within the first six months - making it the largest chapter at that time. The Chapter structure was identified and committees were assigned.

1993
Key areas of concentration included: creating a profile of our members, establishing a 'think tank', considering a local level membership directory, and looking at how involved we should be with our charity of choice.

1994
Looking toward the future, the Greater Midwest Chapter is committed to adding more value to member benefits. Our members are important to us as we develop our long-range plans for our Chapter's continued success.

1995
Our membership is always acknowledged as having the most committed civic oriented, creative, and enthusiastic volunteers of any PCMA Chapter. Our educational programs have consistently responded to the needs of our members as the feedback on our topic selection and interactive forums have stimulated strong attendance and participation.

1996
Our goals will be to facilitate the learning process, stimulate new ideas, maintain contact with the PCMA Board, monitor progress, adjust actions, and network.

1997
Since the beginning of our chapter it has become a tradition of excellence for GMC PCMA to do things right. We pledge to continue the tradition with our best efforts and with increased involvement of every Chapter member.

1998
Our goals reflect a true commitment to continue the traditions of excellence. All the committees will be looking at ways to 'reach out' in 1998 and more fully involve all members of the Chapter. The GMC PCMA Chapter is known for its education. We do an excellent job of providing continuous learning opportunities for meetings and hospitality professionals at all levels.

1999
In conjunction with Association Forum, Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau, Rosemont Convention Bureau, and the Chicago Chamber of Commerce representatives, the GMC members rallied in support to have Chicago selected as the headquarters location for the international Professional Convention Management Association.

2000
Our goal for the year 2000 was to reflect the PCMA mission statement and provide additional educational/networking opportunities for our members. An additional educational/membership outreach activity was produced in Minneapolis that served to foster networking among new colleagues and enhance membership recruitment activities. Our committees were also challenged to think 'outside of the box' and develop innovative programs, products, and services for the GMC membership at large.

2001
We have worked closely with the Board to review financial strategies set by the Chapter that could provide more educational opportunities in the future; reviewed and aligned administrative management fees and services to market value; and continued to provide great education to our members, including an outreach program to bring two non-Chicago location Planner members to Quarterly Meetings.

2002
Our goal is to maintain the high standards set previously in offering excellent educational programs as well as networking events. We will strive to increase the number of educational programs GMC offers annually as well as establish well-rounded educational opportunities for our student members.

2003
2003 is a year of celebration! We are going to recreate passion for our industry while celebrating the 10th Anniversary of our Greater Midwest Chapter. We are planning to do everything a little different. Please join us! All passionate people are invited!

2004