PCMA Education Foundation announces the 2017 lifetime achievement honorees

Carol Krugman, Martin Balogh and Barry Smith will be honoured at the 2017 Visionary Awards on 3 May 2017 at the Marriott Marquis, Washington DC. Over 1,000 industry professionals will gather this spring at the 2017 Visionary Awards to honor these luminaries’ extraordinary contributions. The reimagined format which debuted in 2016 will continue in 2017. Attendees will experience an Oscars-like evening with red carpet arrival, awards show, and after party, hosted by the PCMA Education Foundation and presented in partnership with the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau and Austin Convention Center. “The event last year was an incredible success,” said chair of the board of trustees, Tina Wehmeir. “We are thrilled we have the opportunity to celebrate these three extraordinary individuals who have given so much to the industry,” she added. Carol Krugman is chair of the department of hospitality, tourism & events at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Krugman has 36 years’ experience within the industry, starting her career as corporate meeting manager and now serving as an educator. Krugman, who has been a PCMA member since her transition to academia, is active within the association and has contributed extensively to the professional community both in Denver and nationally. Martin Balogh, associate executive director – Meetings and Travel Group at the American Bar Association (ABA), has served on both the PCMA board of directors and the PCMA Foundation Board of Trustees. Balogh has served on countless committees and led many throughout the years. Barry Smith, president and CEO of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre has been a pioneer in the industry through his roles on the PCMA Board, PCMA Education Foundation Board of Trustees and as the President and CEO of one of the leading convention centres in North America. Smith was instrumental in corralling other suppliers to understand the value of PCMA; engaging them to support the Foundation and the importance of education within our industry. Smith was also integral in assisting PCMA to balance and expand the role of suppliers on the board and within the organisation.