The Arlene Sheff - Beverly Laing Student Scholarship

MPISCC recognizes that it is important for the future of the organization to mentor, train and recruit younger members currently studying toward an ultimate goal of a career in the meetings industry.

The scholarship recipients will be awarded a one-year student membership to MPISCC and complimentary registration to all MPISCC regular monthly educational programs and events for one year (not to exceed $500). Must be used within 12 months of being awarded. There will be two scholarships awarded. 

Beverly’s career in the meeting, planning and events world began over three decades ago working with the U.S Golf Association. With the USGA, she was responsible for arranging meetings and events throughout the United States. It wasn’t until she began working for the International Council of Shopping Centers when she took over the responsibility of hiring speakers at various engagements and venues.

Beverly stated that she always preferred to speak directly with the speaker or their office as opposed going through a speaker’s bureau. With her affable and approachable personality, Beverly successfully acquired a myriad of speakers. Always on top of her field, she once mentioned that her biggest pet peeve is when people didn’t get back to her in a timely manner, as she took pride in her preparedness and quick response times.

Beverly’s career continued with several other companies as well as joining the Southern California chapter of MPI in 2007. Through the years, she has managed and directed programs for non-profits, sports and entertainment companies, as well as health, insurance, technology and automotive companies. Beverly was highly accomplished as both a CMP and a CTC. In addition, Beverly has won and been nominated for several industry leadership awards including: "Planner of the Year" in 2008 and "Chapter Leader of the Year" in 2010. Both of these awards were garnered through Meeting Professionals International SCC. Throughout the years, she served on various committees and boards including: MPI SCC Executive Board, SITE SoCal Education Advisory Committee (2009-2010) and finally achieving the position of President for MPI SCC between July 2014 and June 2015. MPISCC even honored Beverly in 2017 with the Beverly Laing Golf Tournament and Education Day.

With her stellar acumen, achievements within the meeting and event planner industry, engaging personality and innumerable number of hours dedicated to her profession and MPISCC, we are honored to recognize her with the annual awarding of the Arlene Sheff-Beverly Laing Student Scholarship. May Beverly’s professional life forever influence the next generation of meeting planners.

Criteria and Eligibility Requirements:

• New or current MPISCC student member at an MPI International qualified $40 student membership rate. “Students in Transition” memberships are not eligible.
• Currently enrolled in a college/university, trade school or certificate program with focus on meeting and event planning or hospitality management based on student qualifications of MPI International.
• Complete and submit scholarship application, a professional resume and at least one letter of recommendation.
• Submit with application a 500-word statement about why the scholarship would benefit them as well as explain their future plans for employment in the meetings and events or hospitality management field.
• Must be used within 12 months of receiving the scholarship. Must attend a minimum of three MPISCC programs or events in one year.
• Actively participate on the [WE]Con committee for the duration of the year.
• Recipients will make a presentation at the Future Leaders Forum.

Deadline to apply is October 31, 2025

The Arlene Sheff - Beverly Laing Student Scholarship Honorees