Research Request for Proposal

I. Objective

The Education Foundation of the Professional Convention Management Association (Foundation) is seeking grant proposals from meetings industry research organizations and university faculty.

The PCMA Education Foundation supports PCMA by driving innovation and learning for the global meetings community through grants that fund research for innovation, education, and scholarships. These projects align with the Foundation’s Strategic Plan, have a broad impact, and have the potential to advance the meetings and conventions industry. We are committed to our member’s professional development and shaping tomorrow’s meeting and convention leaders.

Main principles of PCMA Education Foundation Strategic Plan:

  • Industry Transformation: The Foundation will serve as a catalyst for fostering fundamental change for the advancement of the industry
  • Leading Edge Research and Education: The Foundation will foster industry innovation through funding research and education initiatives
  • Organization, Optimization and Alignment: The Foundation’s resources (human, financial, time) will be fully aligned to allow optimal support of PCMA’s and the Foundation’s strategic priorities

II. Areas of Focus

Areas of focus for 2016 were driven by industry-wide research conducted by the PCMA Education Foundation in 2015 specifically related to emerging issues and opportunities.

The Foundation is specifically looking to partner with research organizations and faculty on projects focused in the following areas:

  • Trends
    Meetings Industry Disruptors and Emerging Platforms

Tech startup disruptors are changing business as usual. Attendees are increasingly driving their own experiences and choices; planners need to understand those behaviors more than ever as it impacts their events. What are the major disruptors emerging and how will business models change as a result? What is on the horizon? How can meeting planners be prepared to actively address these disruptors and emerging platforms?

  • Event Innovation
    Meetings that Give Back

Meeting Professionals are looking for ways to create good out of their meetings and events. They do this by organizing food donation or donation drives, community service projects, and cash contributions to local charities. How can organizations go about creating good out of a meeting or event and leave a lasting legacy in the host community? How can meeting professionals partner with destinations and charitable organizations to create maximum impact, and align with their organizational values? How can the impact of such projects be quantified to determine the social impact that comes from a meeting? Are there scalable metrics that can be applied to address the industry’s collective impact?

  • Customized Food & Beverage

There is a growing percentage of attendees that have special dietary restrictions and preferences. This is impacting the planning process and food & beverage budgets substantially. Meeting professionals are being asked to customize an increasing number of meals while trying to manage overall food costs to budget. What are the industry standards, best practices, and financial impact for meeting planners related to dietary requests? How can planners proactively address these considerations with minimal impact to their budgets?

  • Research/Analysis
    Demonstrating Meeting/Travel ROI to Retain and Acquire Attendees

The Meetings Industry must continue to demonstrate how meetings result in relationship-building and positive business outcomes for attendees in order to maximize attendee retention and acquisition. At meetings, ideas are shared among scholars, new business deals are made, and professional connections are forged. Return on investment is crucial as attendees determine where to spend their time, both in person and online. What specific elements do attendees value the most and how does that impact their decision to participate in the future? How can meeting attendees quantify and measure the value of face to face interaction to their organizations? How can a meeting planner best showcase the case for participation to retain and attract new attendees?

III. Response Requirements

  • Step One: Letter of Intent (LOI)
    • Submit brief LOI via email with short overview of project concept: description, output and funds requested
    • Foundation staff and Volunteer leadership to review LOI and send Grant Application if project aligns with strategic plan and research focus areas identified above
  • Step Two: Grant Application
    • By request of the PCMA Education Foundation, based on the Letter of Inquiry (above), submit Grant Application to include: cover letter, project overview, phases and timeline, funding request, submitter background information and qualifications, references, any multimedia components
      • For Grant requests over $25,000, a 10 minute presentation (via Skype or other) and 5 minute Q&A with Foundation Grants Committee may be scheduled

IV. Deadlines

Grant LOI and Application deadlines and approval timeline posted on PCMA Education Foundation website

V. PCMA Education Foundation Contact

Questions, intentions to bid and proposals should be sent to: Stacey Shafer Senior Director, Operations, PCMA Education Foundation +1 312.423.7215 / [email protected]

Thank you for considering a research project with the Education Foundation of the Professional Convention Management Association.

Become a member of the Legacy Society

Mary ReynoldsResearch Request for Proposal