NATIONAL HARBOR, Maryland — The PCMA Foundation recognized 25 business events industry leaders, including trade show executives, at a reception held at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, in conjunction with the inaugural Business Events Industry Week.
The 2022 Lifetime Achievement honorees included Mary Pat Heftman, vice president of exhibitions, Winsight Media for Business Events Strategist.
Heftman attributed the award to the power of teamwork and collaboration. “I have been fortunate to work and partner with hundreds of industry professionals from all sectors and at all levels who have contributed to my career. It is a humbling experience and I am extremely grateful to all of my business event colleagues across the industry,” said Heftman.
Other honorees at the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Awards ceremony included Dr. Eric D. Olson, chair of the Rita & Navin Dimond School of Hospitality at Metropolitan State University of Denver, and Kitty Ratcliffe, president of Explore St. Louis. Ben Goedegebuure, corporate vice president, global and industry presence at Maritz Global Events, was honored as the 2021 Business Events Strategist at the ceremony.
The annual celebration also recognized 20 Professional Excellence finalists in six categories for their extraordinary contributions to their organizations and their impact on the professional development of others.
• Kai Hattendorf, CEO of UFI — The World Exhibition Industry Association has been named Business Event Strategist of the Year.
“I am beyond honored, especially since this recognition comes from our peers across the events industry. It is also a recognition of the extraordinary work of our entire team at UFI,” said Hattendorf.
Related. Professional Events Industry Week: Leading Collaboration Comes to Washington in March
• Melissa Cherry, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer and Senior Vice President of Miles Partnershipreceived the PCMA Groundbreakers Award, which honors industry pioneers who represent diverse sectors of the business events community, recognizing those who have made significant contributions to their organizations and programs that advance inclusion and equity.
“This event raises critical funds for the Foundation to provide scholarships and implement impactful research and business events,” said Meredith Rollins, PCMA Community Director and Executive Director of the PCMA Foundation.
The Foundation funds more than 500 scholarships annually, benefiting emerging leaders, students, faculty and other professionals.
The 2022 Visionary Awards were hosted by Visit Austin and the Austin Convention Center. Proceeds from the Visionary Awards benefit the PCMA Foundation, which supports the industry and, through its scholarships and programs, enables students and professionals to advance in their professions. All winners and finalists can be found here.
Contact Mary Pat Heftman at [email protected]; Kai Hattendorf at [email protected] or (33) 1 46 39 75 00