The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) has honored Donald S. Freeman Jr., chairman of event production company Freeman, with the PCMA Lifetime Achievement Award, it announced yesterday.
Freeman, who accepted the award at the 2012 PCMA annual meeting in San Diego, was honored in recognition of his "outstanding contributions" to PCMA and the meetings and convention industry.
"Leading by example, Don Freeman has supported the commitment of countless Freeman employees and clients, each of whom dedicated their time and energy to allowing PCMA to offer the very best in education, research and industry innovation," said PCMA Chairman Susan Katz. "Not only has he donated his time and that of his organization for the betterment of PCMA, he has also provided significant financial support enabling us to provide resources to our members. PCMA would not be where it is today without Don Freeman's personal support and dedication, and for that we are extremely grateful."
Freeman joined the family business founded by his father, Buck Freeman — also a PCMA member — in 1964. He was named executive vice president of the company in 1968 and worked in several branch locations before moving to Dallas, where the company's headquarters was relocated in 1974. He became president of Freeman in 1972 and was named chairman and CEO in 1977.
"One of Don Freeman's greatest gifts to PCMA has been his active volunteer participation on both committees and boards — sharing his strategic insights to make us a smarter and stronger organization," said PCMA President and CEO Deborah Sexton. "As a PCMA member for 51 years and a regular attendee at our annual meetings, he's steadfastly demonstrated he values PCMA as the organization that best connects him to his customers and helps to further nurture and strengthen his relationships."
The PCMA Lifetime Achievement Award is only the latest honor for Freeman, who also has been inducted into the Convention Industry Council's (CIC) Hall of Leaders and received the IAEM Distinguished Service Award, the PCMA President's Award and the Trade Show Exhibitors Association (TSEA) Distinguished Service Award. In 2007, he received PCMA's Distinguished Member Award, and the Spirit of Hospitality Award from Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI), as well as the Distinguished Life Member Award from the Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE).
Active in the local community, Freeman currently serves on the boards of the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he is an avid supporter of the Dallas Museum of Art, the Chief Executives Roundtable and the National Center for Policy Analysis.