UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Professional Convention Management Association Education Foundation named the Penn State student chapter of the organization as 2016 Chapter of the Year.
With the honor, the student group received a $1,000 scholarship to fund educational, community service or membership programs in 2017.
“The PCMA Education Foundation was impressed by this chapter’s passion and their initiatives that relate to the industry. Their chapter aligns with our mission of shaping tomorrows leaders and we hope they continue to grow,” said Cleary Williams, coordinator of PCMA Education Foundation.
Nine event management-focused students from the student chapter attended the Convening Leaders conference in January in Austin, Texas. During the conference, students participated in its educational sessions, met and networked with meetings industry leaders, and learned about the latest trends in the growing hospitality segment of meeting and event management.
“As current president of the PCMA club at Penn State, I am very excited to have received the Student Chapter of the Year Award,” said Angela Yockey. “Our club has worked very hard to build it to its current level. It is so rewarding to see our work and dedication to the club has paid off and been seen by such a wonderful organization and all of its members.”
Student chapter vice president Emily Sweigart appreciates opportunities to learn more about the industry she is studying while at Penn State.
“I have learned that it is important to take advantage of any and every opportunity possible when advancing your career,” Sweigart said. “I learned that people within this organization do not consider their career ‘work,’ but rather something they simply love to do every single day. Attending the Convening Leaders conference in Austin this year and in Vancouver, Canada, last year, allowed me to gain so much knowledge about the events industry and meet so many inspirational professionals.”
Jackie Golas, hospitality management instructor, serves as the student chapter’s adviser.
The PCMA Education Foundation is committed to professional development and shaping tomorrow’s meeting and convention leaders by providing grants for scholarships, educational programming and research for innovation.
Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) is a national professional organization with more than 6,500 members that focuses on education, business networking and community engagement for leaders in the global meetings, convention and business events industry.