The PCMA Heartland Chapter recognizes an exceptional young professional from the business events industry residing within the boundaries of the chapter. In 2025, the inaugural year for this award, we are introducing the Belinda “B” Waldo Memorial Scholarship for Service Award. The scholarship awards the winner with a one-year membership to PCMA and all Heartland Chapter events in 2025. In exchange, the winner agrees to volunteer their time on one committee during the 2025 calendar year and be present at a minimum of two chapter events to further their involvement in PCMA. Nominees must have 5 years or less professional years in the industry.

B Waldo was a service warrior for the Heartland Chapter for over 20 years serving in many volunteer roles including Program Chair, Community Service Chair, Board Member and eventually Chapter President in 2006. For many years, she spearheaded the planning of the annual Awards, Auction and Board Installation Banquet and led the Past-Presidents’ Task Force when needed. She served the chapter with a passion for our industry, a loyalty to PCMA and a love for mentoring young professionals. We honor her memory with this scholarship.

Self-nominations are accepted but also encourage colleagues, peers and supervisors to nominate qualified (5 years or less in the industry) and deserving individuals. The award is open to individual business event organizers or business events suppliers.

The nominee should:

· Demonstrate professional excellence in all business interactions

· Seek and execute opportunities to serve

· Demonstrate adaptability, leadership and heart

· Value and respect vendor/supplier relationships

Nominations should provide a summary that includes:

· Describe your professional relationship with the nominee or if self-nominating, describe your professional journey to this point.

· Describe the attributes and achievements that make the nominee an ideal candidate for this award.

· Describe the nominee’s spirit for volunteerism and zeal for the meetings industry.

· Please provide any additional information you would like to share with the committee.

Nominations are evaluated by a sub-committee of the chapter Past-Presidents’ Task Force. Email nominations to [email protected] by January 31, 2025.

The winner will be announced at the annual Awards, Auction & Board Installation event on February 20, 2025 in Kansas City.