Scholarships & Awards
MPI Southern California is very proud to offer our members three outstanding Scholarship and Award opportunities, named in honor of three of our most dedicated members.
Please follow the links below to learn more about these opportunities and applications for each.
You Belong Diversity Scholarship Program
Purpose:
- To create an inclusive membership that more accurately reflects our diverse Southern California community.
- To recognizes event industry professionals/students who seek to advance the cause of diversity through continuing education.
2025 Winner: Jennifer Minzey
The Arlene Sheff - Beverly Laing Student Scholarship Fund
Purpose: To mentor students studying to work in the meetings industry and to support students in their journey to become a meeting professional.
2025 Winner: Alyssa Yamaguchi
Gary J. Rosenberg Scholarship
MPI Southern California has a long and rich history of educational excellence. The Gary J. Rosenberg Scholarship is one way that MPISCC promotes education and opportunity to its members.
2025 Winner: Serena Armstrong
Lois K. Hauser Award
The Lois K. Hauser Service Award is presented annually during the MPISCC Installation Gala to a member of the chapter who has exhibited extraordinary commitment, dedication
2025 Winner: Tricia Yamaguchi
Chapter Awards and Criteria
Deadline to nominate for all chapter awards is October 20, 2025.
Volunteer Impact Award - Chapter volunteers who are nominated throughout the year. Board members are not eligible for this award. This is a board nominated award.
2025 Winner: Maureen Sloan
Quarterly Volunteer Impact Awards - 2025
| Name | Company | Quarter |
| Kenny Harlow | Innovative Entertainment | Q1 - Jan-March |
| Laine Thelian | POP Experiential | Q2 - Apr-June |
| Deanna Zercher | Independent | Q3 - Jul-Sept |
| Maureen Sloan | HelmsBriscoe | Q4 - Oct-Dec |
Emerging Leader of the Year - Awarded to a new member (with less than two years membership) who has made a significant contribution to the chapter during their short time as a member. Board members are not eligible for this award.
2025 Winner: Kathie Giles
Member of the Year - Awarded to a member (with more than two years membership) who has made significant contributions to the chapter, is active in the industry as a whole, and shows commitment to professional development. Board members are not eligible for this award.
2025 Winner: Rachel Panczenko
Chapter Leader of the Year - Awarded to a member of MPISCC who has influenced the chapter based on their ability to motivate others, stimulate volunteer action, provide a sense of direction and serves as a catalyst to produce exceptional results. Board members are eligible for this award.
2025 Winner: Mai Lim
Meeting Planner of the Year - Recognizes a planner-member who consistently demonstrates excellence, vision, and service within our chapter and across the meetings industry. These individual advances the profession, supports peer growth, and elevate the reputation of both our local chapter and the broader community.
Eligibility & Criteria
- Must be a member in good standing for at least 3 consecutive years
- May not be a current board member or officer
- Currently employed as a meeting, event, or conference planner (or in a role principally responsible for planning and executing meetings)
- Exhibits creativity, strategic thinking, and adaptability in meeting design and execution
- Serves actively in chapter committees, task forces, or industry initiatives (volunteerism and leadership)
- Mentors or supports professional growth of other members (formal or informal mentorship, training, speaking, resource sharing)
- Demonstrates measurable impact in recent projects, such as:
• Strong attendee feedback or satisfaction
• Cost efficiencies or budget management
• Innovative use of technology, sustainability, diversity & inclusion, or community engagement
- Upholds professional ethics, integrity, and industry best practices
- Has not been a recipient of this award (or equivalent “planner of year”) within the past 5 years
2025 Winner - Robb Thornsberry
Supplier of the Year - Honors a non-planner member (supplier, vendor, or partner) who delivers outstanding service, partnership, and innovation in support of the chapter and its members. This award celebrates a supplier who goes above and beyond, advancing both our chapter’s goals and the professionalism of the meetings industry.
Eligibility & Criteria
- Must be a supplier or vendor partner (not in a planner role)
- Must have been a member or active partner of the chapter for at least 3 years (or equivalent level of partnership)
- May not be a current board member or officer
- Demonstrates excellence in quality, reliability, and responsiveness of service
- Shows true partnership: collaborates proactively with planners, offers flexible solutions, and adapts to evolving needs
- Innovates: introduces new ideas, technologies, processes, or best practices that improve efficiency or attendee experience
- Supports chapter initiatives (sponsorships, education programs, volunteer work, pro bono contributions)
- Delivers measurable impact: e.g. cost savings, increased satisfaction, improved outcomes for events
- Upholds ethical standards, transparency, and compliance with industry and contractual obligations
- Has not received this award (or similar supplier recognition) in the past 5 years (or other specified interval)
2025 Winner: Las Vegas Convention Visitors Authority
Past Presidents’ Award - Selected by the Council of Past Presidents for outstanding contributions to the Southern California meetings industry.
2025 Winner: Suzy Kay
President’s Award - Selected by the current President for outstanding contributions to the Chapter.
2025 Winner: Braidy Lee
