With so many meeting professionals being affected by COVID-19, these meeting industry scholarships can help them land on their feet.
Here’s a rundown of meeting industry scholarships for experienced meeting planners who have been impacted by COVID-19.
PCMA
The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Education Foundation funds more than 150 scholarships each year, including for experienced professionals in the industry. One example, The Deborah Sexton Education Scholarship, is available to four individuals with at least three years of experience in the event industry. Recipients get continuing education and travel funds of $7,500, a free ride at the Convening Leaders conference, three years of PCMA membership, one-on-one coaching with Sexton and more.
MPI
Meeting Professionals International disburses hundreds of scholarships and grants through the MPI Foundation, including some for professional development that are awarded to experienced planners. The Membership Scholarship covers the cost of a new Preferred MPI membership (up to a $489 value) and the Professional Development Scholarship, only available to MPI members, covers the full or partial cost of any MPI Academy courses, including the Certificate in Meeting Management (CMM), the Healthcare Meeting Compliance Certificate (HMCC) and others.
Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation
The Timothy S. Y. Lam Foundation awards $2,000 exam-related scholarships to help professionals attain certifications (CMP, CPCE, CSEP). The foundation also provides travel (up to $2,000) and research grants (up to $10,000).
Patti J. Schock Scholarship
The Patti J. Shock Scholarship, offered through a partnership between The International School of Hospitality and The Foundation of NACE (National Association for Catering and Events), grants catering and meeting professionals the cost of tuition and fees for the Meeting and Event Catering Certificate Program ($1,800).