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Everyone in attendance will be on the edge of their seats with anticipation of who will take home the big Visionary Awards this year. Honorees have already been announced, but the Professional Excellence awards are saved until onsite – Learn more about the fabulous lineup of Finalists and be there in person to witness who will take home the honors!
Meeting Professional of the Year Finalists
Hunter Clemens, CMP, CAE/ Vice President/Association Management Group
Hunter has been contributing to our industry for well over 25 years. In that time, he has tirelessly dedicated thousands of hours of service to PCMA. He keeps an open mind and stays abreast of the latest developments in learning styles, presentation methods, and technology. He believes that honesty and integrity are two of the most important attributes of any successful individual and are the hallmarks of excellence.
Desirée A. Knight, CMP/ Director, Education & Meetings /American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association
A natural born leader, Desiree thoughtfully shares meaningful examples and direction to people at all levels of organizations. She is also a champion for underrepresented groups including ethnic minorities and the LGBT community. Desiree utilized her organizational and communication skills to align the vision of four individual associations and garner the necessary buy in to lay the roadmap for ultimate success of a unified event, which awarded them the Meet Minneapolis “Excellence in Meetings, Events & Conventions Award”
Danielle L. Urbina, CMP/ Director of Meetings and Exhibits/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 is always seeking ways to expand her knowledge and contribute to the future of the meetings industry. She is a mentor to many, and takes the time to truly connect with her industry colleagues – and help them grow and improve in any way she can. Not only did she lead ASA’s national meetings, conference center to another level of success, she also took on the management of ASA’s growing international meeting initiatives.
Supplier of the Year Finalists
Jennifer L. Erney, CMP, CASE/ Director, Global Accounts/AccorHotels
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%, to earning her CHSE, CASE, CMP and soon to be CMM certification – Jennifer continues to grow and shine as a leader in this industry.
Carrie Ferenac/ President/Convention News Television (CNTV)
Carrie has cemented herself as the pulse of the industry, highlighting the buzz of conventions all around the world. Carrie is not only a remarkable leader, but a powerful voice for the industry – developing a new successful marketplace with the business events industry.
Julie Mullins/ Vice President, Convention Sales /Choose Chicago
Her passion for her city and her colleagues, have helped push Julie to the success she finds today. A valuable member of our community, Julie continues to be engaged with all aspects of the business events industry. She is a natural leader with a desire to influence positive change and cast a vision for the future.
Community Advocate of the Year Finalists
Adam Andersen/Managing Director/Penton Media
Through the Natural Products Expo East in Baltimore, Adam connected with local organizations in Baltimore to help give back to the community. The event partnered with Real Food Farms and secured a $5,000 donation and over 17,000 signatures to create more awareness for the need for access to healthier foods. Through the effort, over 60,000 pounds of food was donated to Maryland Food Bank and jobs were provided to economically disadvantaged individuals through collaboration with Goodwill.
Jessica L. Levin, MBA, CMP, CAE/ Chief Connector/Seven Degrees Communications
Throughout the year the New York Area Chapter holds various programs to support two select charities, Operation BBQ Relief and The Bowery Mission. In 2016, with the help of Jessica’s efforts, the New York Area Chapter raised $2200 for Operation BBQ Relief. She also helped organize a Bowery Mission event complete with networking, casual cocktails and pizza – all while giving back through assembling care packages for the Bowery Mission Shelter.
Peter C. O’Brien, CASE/Global Account Executive/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.
Event Designer of the Year Finalists
Greg Bogue/Experience Architect/Maritz Global Events
Greg is dedicated to creating messages and experiences that move people. Greg completed over 30 Innovation Labs for Experient Clients and spoke at major industry events all over the world on the topic of Experiential Design.
Peggy Marilley/President/Precision Meetings & Events, Inc
Peggy is the quintessential event designer. She and her team create events from small, intimate groups to large-scale events – all with the attendee experience in mind. Her events are a constant trigger for new ideas. Most of Peggy’s conceptions have turned into annual events, including CVB Reps holiday event, individual CVB annual events, foundation events, etc.
Megan D. Tate, CMM/Vice President, Meeting & Event Planning Manager/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, had the result that everyone had hoped for. The Partners returned back to their stores with a renewed passion for who they are and what they do.