Gary J. Rosenberg Scholarship

MPISCC has a long and rich history of educational excellence. The Gary J. Rosenberg Scholarship is another way that MPI Southern California promotes education and opportunity to its members.

MPISCC awards scholarships up to $1,500.

Gary J. Rosenberg Scholarship funds can be used towards any of the following educational programs:

• Attendance at MPI educational conferences including WEC
• Attendance at MPISCC educational programs including WeCon, Monthly Programs
• Pursuit of a CMP or CMM designation including MPISCC CMP study courses
• University/College courses relating to the meetings industry

Those seeking funding for the CMP or CMM should first review work experience and/or academic qualifications. The Events Industry Council provides guidelines for the CMP exam at www.eventscouncil.org.  Information on the CMM is available at www.gbta.org/cmm.

Scholarship funds reimburse expenses incurred to participate at an MPI educational conference, course or certification.  The funds may not be used to pay fees for MPI membership.  Scholarship funds must be used within 12 months from its award.

By the time Gary J Rosenberg passed away August, 9th, 2019 at the age of 78, he had many accomplishments in both his professional and personal life. He was survived by his wife of 58 years, Geri, their two daughters, Michelle and Cheri, and four grandchildren.

He was revered by many for his loyalty, honesty, integrity and commitment to family.

Gary's personal life consisted of being with family as often as possible, a fondness for music (including singing), being an active member of his local synagogue, and appreciating the outdoors. It was noted that he was a man of simple pleasures but appreciated the fine arts.

Before his time with MPI, Rosenberg served in the Navy. Upon retiring from the Navy, he pursued work in the music industry in several capacities. At one point, he took on the role of being responsible for the planning and producing of events and meetings while working for Billboard magazine. After honing his passion and skills for several years at Billboard, Gary decided to branch off and co-founded Rosenberg and Risinger.

Gary initially joined MPI in 1980. His term as the president lasted from 1984-1985.

Aside from being a past president of the Southern California Chapter, Gary served on the International Board of Directors, served as chapter manager and was president of the PCMA Southwest & Pacific Chapter. His former partner, Marjorie Risinger, says he was the “go-to person for all things MPI-related.”

Rosenberg received almost every accolade the Southern California Chapter can bestow and was responsible for creating the Past President’s Award for commitment to the industry. Due to his long-term commitment and outstanding service with MPI, the Southern California Chapter created a scholarship in his honor, which is awarded twice a year.

To qualify for a Gary J. Rosenberg Scholarship, you must:

• Be a member of the meetings industry for at least one (1) full year;
• Be a member of MPI and the Southern California Chapter, in good standing for at least one (1) year;
• Attend at least three (3) MPISCC Chapter programs/events in the last 12 months;
• Extra consideration will be given to candidates who “actively” participate in one (1) or more MPISCC Chapter Committees as defined by the Committee Chair;
• Submit receipts for all reasonable expenses to be reimbursed up to the amount awarded, along with proof of attendance & a brief review of the educational experience to promote the scholarship program; and
• Submit the completed scholarship application, a professional resume and one letter of recommendation by the due date.
• Scholarships funds may not be awarded to the same individual more than once in three years or twice in a lifetime.

Deadline to apply is October 20, 2025

Gary J. Rosenberg Scholarship Honorees