The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) has announced the honorees and finalists for the 2025 Visionary Awards, a prestigious event celebrating exceptional contributions in the global business events community. Scheduled to take place on April 10 during Business Events Industry Week (BEIW) at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., the ceremony promises to shine a spotlight on those who have significantly impacted the industry. The Visionary Awards not only recognize personal achievements but also underscore contributions towards the growth of the meetings and events industry.
The 2025 Visionary Awards will honor individuals and teams that have demonstrated thought leadership and made significant contributions across various categories, including Lifetime Achievement and Professional Excellence. This year’s honorees and finalists are distinguished professionals whose work exemplifies excellence in the business events sector. The awards acknowledge their leadership, innovation, and dedication, providing an inspiring benchmark for peers and successors alike.
Lifetime Achievement Honorees
Elliott Ferguson
Elliott Ferguson, President & CEO of Destination DC, stands out for his groundbreaking leadership in the travel and hospitality sectors, spanning over 35 years. His advocacy and initiatives have particularly focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, which have significantly advanced the global business events and hospitality community. Under Ferguson’s dynamic leadership, Destination DC has reached new heights, setting a standard that other industry leaders aspire to match. His relentless efforts in advocating for inclusive practices have not only impacted his organization but have also rippled through the entire industry.
In addition to his accomplishments with Destination DC, Ferguson has played a pivotal role in various national and international forums, advocating for policies that promote equal opportunities within the travel and events sectors. His innovative strategies have fostered meaningful connections and collaborations, which have been instrumental in addressing and overcoming industry-wide challenges. Ferguson’s legacy is built on a foundation of building bridges across diverse communities, thereby enhancing the cultural richness and inclusiveness of the global business events landscape.
Donald Getz, PhD
Donald Getz, Professor Emeritus at the University of Calgary, has been at the forefront of formalizing event management as a professional field of study. His groundbreaking research and comprehensive textbooks have educated thousands of students worldwide, making a notable impact on the academic landscape of event management. Getz’s contributions have been pivotal in shaping the curriculum and professional standards in this domain, influencing educators and students alike to approach event management with a scholarly perspective.
Getz’s work extends beyond the classroom, as his publications and lectures have become essential resources for both aspiring and seasoned event professionals globally. His academic rigor and dedication to exploring new trends and methodologies have positioned him as a thought leader in the field. Through his extensive body of work, Getz has elevated the status of event management, providing a structured framework that underpins its professional practice and academic study. His enduring influence continues to inspire and educate the next generation of event managers and researchers.
Lyn Lewis-Smith
Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO of Business Events Sydney (BESydney), is celebrated for her unwavering advocacy in diversity and inclusion, with a particular emphasis on empowering women in leadership roles within the business events community. She played a crucial role in the landmark report “Advancing Women in Business Events,” a collaborative effort with PCMA and PwC UK. Lewis-Smith’s initiatives have paved the way for more inclusive practices, setting a benchmark for other organizations to follow.
Her work at BESydney has not only enhanced the reputation of Sydney as a premier destination for business events but has also fostered a culture of inclusivity and empowerment within the organization and the broader industry. Under her leadership, BESydney has adopted numerous policies and practices aimed at promoting gender equality and supporting career advancement for women. Lewis-Smith’s commitment to these principles has spearheaded significant changes, driving forward the dialogue on diversity and inclusion within the business events sector.
Carol McGury
Carol McGury, Retired Executive VP of Event & Education Services at Smithbucklin, made significant strides in advancing scholarship programs and developing comprehensive event portfolios across various sectors during her impressive 35-year career. Her dedication to investing in and nurturing future generations of professionals has left an indelible mark on the industry. McGury’s innovative approaches in professional development and education initiatives have empowered countless individuals to excel in their careers.
Throughout her tenure at Smithbucklin, McGury championed numerous initiatives that have provided essential support and growth opportunities for emerging professionals in the events industry. Her work has been instrumental in creating a robust pipeline of talent, ensuring the ongoing evolution and sustainability of the industry. McGury’s vision and commitment have set new standards for professional education and development, and her legacy continues to inspire excellence and innovation among industry peers and successors.
David Peckinpaugh
David Peckinpaugh, President & CEO of Maritz, has a career marked by over 30 years of leadership in the events industry, emphasizing the power of events in fostering meaningful connections. His dedication to initiatives such as the “Unleashing Human Potential” at Maritz and his contributions to PCMA’s Board and Foundation have driven significant advancements in event strategy and execution. Peckinpaugh’s innovative vision has reshaped the way events are designed and experienced, highlighting the vital role of personal and professional growth.
Peckinpaugh’s work at Maritz has been characterized by a steadfast focus on creating events that not only meet organizational goals but also deliver profound, lasting impacts on participants. By prioritizing human potential and connection, he has steered Maritz toward becoming a leader in event strategy innovation. His contributions to industry boards and foundations further underscore his commitment to advancing the field, ensuring that the events industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing needs and trends. Peckinpaugh’s legacy is one of inspiration, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the transformative power of events.
Professional Excellence Finalists
Impact Award
The Impact Award recognizes individuals and teams for their outstanding contributions to the industry, and this year’s finalists exemplify this excellence. Christine Cleaver, Associate Professor at Temple University, has made significant strides in academic and community engagement, influencing the next generation of industry professionals. Her innovative teaching methods and dedication to student success have left a lasting impact on both the academic and professional communities, driving forward the standards of excellence in event management education.
Mackenzie Loy, Founder & CEO of Homemade in DC, has demonstrated remarkable leadership and entrepreneurial spirit, creating events that celebrate local artisans and foster community connection. Loy’s events have become a staple in the community, providing a platform for local talent to shine and offering unique, engaging experiences for attendees. The Visit Detroit Team, led by Claude Molinari, has shown exceptional initiative in promoting Detroit as a premier destination for business events. Their innovative marketing strategies and commitment to excellence have significantly elevated the city’s profile, driving economic growth and enhancing its reputation on the global stage.
Outstanding Service to a Chapter or Region
Finalists for Outstanding Service to a Chapter or Region include Krista Cameron, VP of Industry Relations at Encore Canada, who has demonstrated unwavering dedication to fostering relationships and promoting industry growth within her region. Cameron’s efforts have strengthened the local business events community, providing valuable resources and support to industry professionals. Her commitment to service and excellence has set a high standard for industry engagement and collaboration.
Sara McWilliams, Senior Director of Global Accounts at HelmsBriscoe, has made significant contributions through her work in global account management, providing exceptional service and support to her clients and colleagues. McWilliams’ expertise and dedication have driven success not only for her organization but also for the broader business events industry. Annette Suriani, Principal at AMS Meeting Solutions, has shown outstanding leadership in her role, providing strategic guidance and support to her clients and partners. Suriani’s commitment to excellence and her proactive approach to problem-solving have made her an invaluable asset to the business events community.
Business Events Strategist of the Year
The Business Events Strategist of the Year category highlights individuals who have excelled in event strategy and execution. Lisa Astorga, CMP, Director of Meetings at the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH), has implemented innovative strategies that have set new standards for meetings and events. Astorga’s focus on attendee engagement and program excellence has resulted in highly successful and impactful events that align with ISTH’s mission and goals.
Jennifer Ragan-Fore, Chief Experience Officer at the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), has spearheaded initiatives that have transformed the experience of attendees and participants. Ragan-Fore’s approach integrates cutting-edge technology and creative engagement strategies, resulting in highly immersive and impactful events. Nneka St. Gerard, CMP, Chief Strategy Officer at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, has excelled in her role, developing and executing strategies that have advanced the organization’s mission and elevated the quality of its events.
Digital Experience Strategist of the Year
Recognizing excellence in digital event strategy, the finalists for Digital Experience Strategist of the Year have leveraged digital platforms to create engaging and impactful event experiences. Sina Bünte, CMP, DES, Founder of DigitalMind.events, has been at the forefront of digital event innovation, integrating advanced technologies and creative approaches to deliver exceptional virtual and hybrid events. Bünte’s expertise in digital engagement has positioned her as a leader in the evolving landscape of digital events.
Mahoganey Jones, CMP, DES, HMCC, Founder & CEO of Event Specialists Inc., has established herself as a pioneer in digital event strategy, developing unique and effective solutions that enhance attendee experience and engagement. Jones’ work has demonstrated the potential of digital platforms to create meaningful connections and drive successful outcomes for clients and organizations. Brian Zambotti, VP of Business Development at Conexiant, has led efforts to develop and implement cutting-edge digital strategies, resulting in highly successful and engaging virtual events. Zambotti’s innovative approach has positioned Conexiant as a leader in the digital events space.
Experience Design of the Year
The Experience Design of the Year category honors teams that have excelled in creating memorable event experiences, and this year’s finalists have set new standards in this domain. The American Association of Physician Assistants (AAPA) team, led by Anthony Maggiore and Katie McCormick, has implemented innovative design strategies that have significantly enhanced attendee engagement and satisfaction. Their work has resulted in highly successful events that not only meet organizational goals but also deliver exceptional experiences for participants.
The Risk Management Society (RIMS) team, led by Stuart Ruff-Lyon, has excelled in creating immersive and impactful event experiences that resonate with attendees. Their innovative approach to experience design has elevated the quality of their events, providing valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and professional development. The team’s commitment to excellence and creativity has set a benchmark for other organizations to aspire to, demonstrating the potential of well-designed event experiences to drive success and engagement.
Groundbreaker
The Groundbreaker category recognizes individuals who have introduced groundbreaking ideas and practices to the industry, and this year’s finalists have made significant contributions in this regard. Jeffrey Fehr, Client Engagement Manager at Destination Canada, has been a trailblazer in developing innovative engagement strategies that have transformed the way clients and attendees experience events. Fehr’s work has demonstrated the potential of creative thinking and innovation to drive industry success.
Lori Jenaire, VP of Global Accounts at ConferenceDirect, has introduced new practices and strategies that have advanced the business events industry, setting new standards for client engagement and service excellence. Jenaire’s leadership and innovative thinking have positioned her as a thought leader in the field. Laurie Nelson-Choice, Director of Diversity & National Sales at Visit Baltimore, has been instrumental in championing diversity and inclusion within the events industry, introducing initiatives that promote equal opportunities and drive growth. Nelson-Choice’s work has set a benchmark for inclusive practices and has had a profound impact on the industry.
Conclusion
The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) has unveiled the honorees and finalists for the 2025 Visionary Awards, a distinguished event recognizing extraordinary contributions to the global business events sector. Set for April 10 during Business Events Industry Week (BEIW) at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., the ceremony highlights those who have notably influenced the industry. The Visionary Awards not only celebrate individual accomplishments but also emphasize contributions to the meetings and events sector’s growth.
This year, the 2025 Visionary Awards will salute individuals and teams exhibiting thought leadership and significant contributions in various categories, such as Lifetime Achievement and Professional Excellence. The selected honorees and finalists are esteemed professionals whose efforts showcase excellence in the business events domain. These awards commend their leadership, creativity, and commitment, setting an inspiring standard for their colleagues and future leaders in the industry.
