Scholarships & Opportunities

The PCMA Foundation supports professional success and continued education at every stage in the career journey through awarding scholarships each year.

Questions? Contact [email protected].

The PCMA Chapter Leaders Scholarship recognizes and supports dedicated chapter volunteers whose leadership strengthens the PCMA community. This scholarship enables chapter leaders to experience Convening Leaders while bringing valuable insights and inspiration back to their local chapters.

Award Details

• Seventeen scholarships awarded
• Complimentary registration to Convening Leaders
• Roundtrip domestic airfare reimbursement up to $500 (additional reimbursement available for international flights)
• Up to four (4) nights of hotel accommodations

Eligibility & Requirements

• Open to current PCMA chapter board members and active chapter volunteers.

Applications open alongside Convening Leaders registration – est mid-to-late August.

The Convening Leaders All Access Pass – Next Gen Scholarship helps emerging professionals accelerate their careers by providing access to the business events industry’s most influential annual gathering. Recipients will build valuable connections, discover industry innovations, and gain insights that support long-term career success.

Award Details

• Five (5) scholarships awarded
• Complimentary registration to Convening Leaders
• Roundtrip domestic airfare reimbursement up to $500 (additional reimbursement available for international flights)
• Up to four (4) nights of hotel accommodations

Eligibility & Requirements

• Open to emerging business events professionals who are 30 years of age or younger as of Convening Leaders and currently working in the industry.

Applications open alongside Convening Leaders registration – est mid-to-late August.

The Convening Leaders All Access Pass – Planner Scholarship provides business event planners with an opportunity to experience Convening Leaders and engage with industry experts, peers, and innovative solutions that can elevate their professional growth and event strategies.

Award Details

• Ten (10) scholarships awarded
• Complimentary registration to Convening Leaders
• Roundtrip domestic airfare reimbursement up to $500 (additional reimbursement available for international flights)
• Up to four (4) nights of hotel accommodations

Eligibility & Requirements

• Open to professionals whose primary role is planning or organizing business events – including association, corporate, independent, and in-house planners.

Applications open alongside Convening Leaders registration – est mid-to-late August.

The Convening Leaders Faculty Scholarship supports educators who are preparing the next generation of business events professionals. By attending Convening Leaders, recipients gain access to cutting-edge industry insights, emerging trends, and valuable networking opportunities that can be brought back into the classroom.

Award Details

• Ten (10) scholarships awarded
• Complimentary registration to Convening Leaders
• Roundtrip domestic airfare reimbursement up to $500 (additional reimbursement available for international flights)
• Up to four (4) nights of hotel accommodations

Eligibility & Requirements

• Applicants must currently teach at an accredited college or university in hospitality, tourism, events, business, or a related field, with a teaching load of at least:
  • Two (2) classes per semester; OR
  • One (1) class per quarter; OR
  • Four (4) classes during the previous academic year

Applications open alongside Convening Leaders registration – est mid-to-late August.

The Convening Leaders All Access Pass – Student Scholarship introduces the next generation of talent to the business events industry at its most influential annual gathering. Recipients build early-career connections, discover industry innovations, and gain insights that support long-term career success.

Award Details

• Five (5) scholarships awarded
• Complimentary registration to Convening Leaders
• Roundtrip domestic airfare reimbursement up to $500 (additional reimbursement available for international flights)
• Up to four (4) nights of hotel accommodations

Eligibility & Requirements

• Open to currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a career in business events.

Applications open alongside Convening Leaders registration – est mid-to-late August.

The Ascent Rising Star Scholarship expands access to the business events industry for promising students, opening the door to attend Convening Leaders. With a focus on reaching students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other institutions, the scholarship helps emerging talent gain early exposure to industry leaders, meaningful networking, and professional development that supports long-term career success.

Award Details

• Four (4) scholarships awarded
• Complimentary registration to Convening Leaders
• Roundtrip domestic airfare reimbursement up to $500 (additional reimbursement available for international flights)
• Up to four (4) nights of hotel accommodations

Eligibility & Requirements

• Open to currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a career in business events. Students attending HBCUs are especially encouraged to apply.

Applications open alongside Convening Leaders registration – est mid-to-late August.

The Convening Leaders University Engagement Scholarship provides a unique opportunity for one local university to connect students and faculty with the global business events community. Through participation in PCMA’s premier annual event, recipients gain valuable industry exposure, networking opportunities, and access to thought leadership shaping the future of business events.

Award Details

• Twenty (20) student scholarships awarded
• Two (2) faculty scholarships awarded
• Complimentary registration to Convening Leaders for all twenty-two (22) recipients
• Opportunity to engage directly with industry professionals, innovators, and thought leaders

Eligibility & Requirements

• Open to students and faculty at a Miami-area university that offers a hospitality program.
• Students or faculty members may apply on behalf of their university

Applications open alongside Convening Leaders registration – est mid-to-late August.

The PCMA Student Chapter Grant supports the growth and development of future business events leaders by providing funding for innovative educational programming. Designed to empower PCMA student chapters, this grant helps create meaningful learning experiences, networking opportunities, and professional development initiatives that enrich student engagement.

Award Details

• Five (5) student chapters selected
• $1,000 grant awarded to each selected chapter
• Funds must be used toward educational programming and chapter development activities

Eligibility & Requirements

• Open to students whose PCMA student chapter is active and in good standing.

Applications open alongside Convening Leaders registration – est mid-to-late August.

Created in honor of Chris Wehking’s enduring commitment to mentorship, leadership, and service, this prestigious scholarship recognizes individuals who positively impact others through their dedication to personal and professional growth. The scholarship supports both emerging and established leaders who embody Chris’s passion for helping others succeed.

Award Details

• One (1) student scholarship awarded
• Two (2) business events professional scholarships awarded
• $5,000 education or continuing education stipend
• Complimentary registration to Convening Leaders
• Roundtrip domestic airfare reimbursement up to $500 (additional reimbursement available for international flights)
• Up to four (4) nights of hotel accommodations
• One (1) year of complimentary PCMA membership
• Exclusive engagement opportunities with industry leaders

Eligibility & Requirements

• Open to students and business events professionals who demonstrate a commitment to mentorship, leadership, and service, and who have made a positive impact on those around them.

Applications open alongside Convening Leaders registration – est mid-to-late August.

PCMA’s Hosted Buyer Program connects qualified business events professionals with destinations, venues, and service providers through pre-scheduled appointments at Convening Leaders. Selected participants receive travel and accommodation support in exchange for attending all scheduled meetings and program activities.

Award Details

• Fifty (50) scholarships awarded
• Complimentary registration to Convening Leaders
• Roundtrip domestic airfare reimbursement up to $500 (additional reimbursement available for international flights)
• Up to four (4) nights of hotel accommodations

Eligibility & Requirements

• Open to professionals whose primary role is planning or organizing business events. Selected participants must commit to attending all of their scheduled hosted buyer appointments on Sunday, January 10, during Convening Leaders.

Applications open alongside Convening Leaders registration – est mid-to-late August.

The PCMA Convening Leaders Host City Scholarship, supported by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, is designed to help qualified meeting professionals attend Convening Leaders by removing key financial barriers to participation.

Award Details

• Fifty (50) scholarships awarded
• Complimentary registration to Convening Leaders
• Up to three (3) nights of hotel accommodations
• Please note: Airfare and incidental expenses are the responsibility of the recipient.

Eligibility & Requirements

• Open to professionals whose primary role is planning or organizing business events.

Applications open alongside Convening Leaders registration – est mid-to-late August.

The Humanitarian Scholarship recognizes individuals making a meaningful difference through inclusion, empowerment, social innovation, and cause awareness initiatives. More than a scholarship, this program celebrates leaders whose work creates positive change within the business events industry and their communities.

Award Details

• Three (3) scholarships awarded
• $1,000 contribution to the recipient’s charity of choice
• Complimentary registration to Convening Leaders
• Up to three (3) nights of hotel accommodations
• One (1) year of complimentary PCMA membership
• Ticket to the PCMA Foundation’s Party with a Purpose
• Ticket to the PCMA Foundation Visionary Awards
• Hosted engagement opportunities with Louisville Tourism
• Invitation to attend the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards
• Each recipient’s application will automatically be considered for the Impact Award or the Groundbreaker Award at the PCMA Visionary Awards.

Eligibility & Requirements

• Open to business events professionals whose work creates meaningful, positive change – by advancing inclusion and empowerment, driving social innovation, and championing causes that matter to their communities.

Applications open alongside Convening Leaders registration – est mid-to-late August.