LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (April 10, 2014) — IACC
At IACC we strive to shape and develop the conference centre industry in many ways. Since 1999 we’ve granted scholarships to 43 deserving students in hospitality programmes at twenty three colleges and universities in the Americas. This year we added three more scholars to that number. One consideration in selecting scholars is the likelihood that they will work at a conference centre after they graduate. After their experiences at the conference, this year’s scholars show particular interest in doing so. As IACC Industry Award recipient Marta Gianetti puts it, “This conference has inspired me like no other text book, or lecture at my university could. I have been amongst the most influential and passionate leaders of the conference industry, and I am blessed to have been able to have this networking and learning opportunity.”
IACC-Americas Industry Award
Marta Gianetti received the Industry Award for 2014. Marta is currently working on her Bachelor of Science at the Isenberg School of Management, taking a Double Major in Hospitality & Tourism Management and Communication.
Marta had been a part of the MPI Future Leaders Forum at IMEX Americas in 2013 and was accepted into a three day forum which recognised upcoming leaders in the Meeting and Conference industry. Marta has completed work experience at Central MA CVB, as a marketing and communications intern in 2013 and in the same year completed an internship at Oak Hill Country Club.
She is an active member and a volunteer for PCMA Boston Convening Leaders, working with Speakers and scanning attendees for CEU’s.
The IACC-Americas Industry Award provides a 5,000 USD scholarship. It was established by the Board of Directors as part of a broad initiative to introduce future industry leaders to the advantage of choosing a career in conference centres. The award helps offset the growing cost of education and includes registration fees, transportation and accommodation for the annual conference.
IACC-Americas and New York University Doris Sklar Scholarship
Chloe Hsia accepted the Doris Sklar Scholarship from Sandra Dove-Lowther, Director of Academic Services at New York University’s Preston Robert Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management. NYU administers this grant from a fund jointly begun by IACC and the University over 14 years ago. Each year, in memory of longtime meeting professional Doris Sklar—who taught meeting planning at NYU, was active in IACC and strongly promoted conference centres—one student from the Tisch Center receives 5,000 USD in scholarship, plus registration fees and all expenses at the Annual Conference.
IACC-Americas Future Leaders Award
Kara Edwards attended this year’s conference as recipient of the Future Leaders Award. Kara is now working on her Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Administration at Missouri State University. Kara has completed work experience at the Hilton Garden Inn Springfield, learning the trade in the Guest Services department. She is an active member in the C.A.R.E committee for the Hilton Garden Inn.
Because students gain valuable insight about conference centres when they meet and network with industry professionals, IACC-Americas funds one Future Leaders Award package each year. The award (valued at 2,500 USD) provides conference registration, transportation to and from the conference and full accommodation at the host property.
Scholarship Fund
2014 saw another increase in donations from those who voluntarily approve a supplement to their annual dues. We want to express our deep appreciation for all members who have contributed to the Scholarship Fund over the years. Without these contributions we couldn’t have built our Scholarship Fund to its current level or provided so many worthy scholars with access to our industry and assistance in their pursuit of hospitality degrees.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Contact: Mark Cooper
Company: IACC
e-mail: mcooper@iacconline.org
