As part of its ongoing commitment to advancing the practice of convention services management in the meetings industry, the Association for Convention Operations Management (ACOM) has launched its fourth annual student scholarship program and its second annual William H. Just CAE, CMP Memorial Award, it announced last week.
The scholarship, the Donald S. Freeman, Jr. ACOM Conference Scholarship, will enable one student to attend the ACOM Annual Conference, taking place Jan. 7-9, 2011, in Las Vegas. According to ACOM, the winning student will "gain a real-world perspective on the issues currently affecting convention services managers." The student also will be mentored by a representative from convention production company Freeman — the chairman of which is the scholarship's namesake — before, during and after the conference.
"Students continue to walk away from this experience with a better understanding of the meetings industry and the skills and knowledge that will help them excel in their future careers," said Eric Blanc, senior sales manager at Freeman and first vice president of ACOM.
Like its scholarship winner, the recipient of ACOM's second annual William H. Just CAE, CMP Memorial Award will receive a complimentary registration to ACOM's annual meeting. Named for the late William H. Just, CAE, CMP — who founded ACOM in 1988 — the award is given annually to an ACOM member who has received their CMP certification within the last three years and remains in good standing with the association.
"Continuing these award programs over the years showcases ACOM's continued dedication to advancing the practice of convention services and our commitment to recognizing deserving individuals for their drive and dedication," said ACOM President Marilyn Healey.
For both the Freeman scholarship and the Just award, the deadline for applications is Nov. 5. For more information, visit www.acomonline.org.