2004 PCMA Annual Meeting:
A Student Perspective

The following article contains questions posed by Tim Walker, Sales Manager, at the Kalamazoo County Convention & Visitors Bureau to Jennifer Buckwalter, the 2004 PCMA Student Scholarship Winner.

Tim: As a Student Scholarship Winner, how would you encourage future participants to get more involved in student programs and what can they expect in regard to how it has helped you in working toward your career goals?

Jennifer: Students need to understand the importance of professional association programming, how it appears on a resume, and how it can help students in establishing future networks and industry contacts. This year at the PCMA event I was able to meet numerous domestic and international meeting planners and suppliers, as well as students from around the country. My career goal is to one day work as an event planner and PCMA has provided an avenue for knowledge building, as well as professional growth.

Tim: Please tell us what your experience was like at the PCMA Annual Meeting and was it a valuable asset for you in working toward your career goals?

Jennifer: The PCMA Conference experience itself was incredible! It introduced me to many areas of conference management with which I was unfamiliar. I believe the student program was a great kick-off to the conference, proving to students their worth to the association. I appreciated the extensive effort on the Sunday program by Joan Eisenstodt and Kate Keating. Additionally, the Mega-Mentor program allowed me to meet and ask questions of individuals working in positions I aspire.

Tim: With student membership of greater than 200 people how would you, from a student perspective, recommend that PCMA, it's Chapters, and Committees further promote the student programs in order to gain and retain membership.

Jennifer: IUPUI recently formed a student chapter. Because of my experience at the Annual Meeting, I intend to be a leader for our TCEM students in my local group. My goals include introducing IUPUI students to the numerous PCMA membership benefits and actively recruiting new members. Additionally, I hope to assist in planning student-driven activities, in an attempt to retain our current membership. I really believe we have a great opportunity to “shine” as a student chapter.

For this goal to become reality, a partnership between student chapters, local/regional chapters and the headquarter office must exist. Continued support from a PCMA staff member is critical. For a chapter to be successful, this individual needs to provide guidance on starting the chapter, provide resources for professional speakers and activities, promote student scholarships, and assist with funding opportunities.

Tim: By attending the 2004 Annual Meeting in Indianapolis as a Scholarship Winner, you were able to experience a different perspective of how meetings are run and were able to network and work with various professional individuals in the industry. Please tell us what that was like.

Jennifer: In my three years of academic training, I have learned about many aspects of the meeting-planning world. However, viewing this meeting as an attendee I quickly recognized meeting planning is anything but “textbook.” The general sessions, breakout sessions, special events and workshops allowed me to view meetings from a practical perspective and see how a conference comes together. Attending educational sessions, such as Crisis Management and International Travel, has given me an opportunity to understand how these current topics are presently affecting meeting planners and suppliers. By simply attending this conference, I have been able to apply my learning in the classroom and add to my ongoing training.

Tim: PCMA truly values their Student Members and has a vested interest in each one being successful in this industry as ALL Student Members are our future. Overall, how has your membership with PCMA been valuable to you as a student and to your career goals?

Jennifer: PCMA has proven their interest in providing services and opportunities to students. Therefore, I feel it is the responsibility of the students to actively seek out the opportunities and resources offered by PCMA. This association provides avenues to student members to stay current in the industry and network with various professionals. The goal of all college students is to secure a job in the industry. Simply stated, students, as with all members, benefit from PCMA as much or as little as they are willing to become involved and participate in association activities. Students should not miss this opportunity to join and get involved!

Tim: From your experience at the 2004 Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, has your impression of the industry and what is involved in planning/implementing a meeting or an event changed? If so, how?

Jennifer: My experience at the 2004 Annual Meeting left two major impressions on me. First, I changed my student major and career path to Tourism and Hospitality post 9/11. Needless to say, I was concerned that this was a risky move. This conference showed me that the hospitality industry is recovering and growing and has great potential! I have been given renewed confidence in my decision to enter the meeting and event planning industry. Leaving the meeting I was re-energized and excited about the career paths that are ahead of me. Second, the 2004 PCMA Annual Meeting allowed me to see the various Indianapolis attractions and facilities from a different point of view. It was personally rewarding to see my hometown in the “spotlight” of planners and suppliers from around the world.

Jennifer Buckwalter
Indiana University
Department of Tourism, Conventions and Event Management

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