PCMA Visionary Awards Close Out Business Events Industry Week

An emotional Butch Spyridon reflected on his rewarding career in destination marketing as he accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award on April 11. The annual Professional Convention Management Association Foundation Visionary Awards capped off a full and fruitful Business Events Industry Week in Washington, D.C.

Related events included Destination International’s Convention Sales and Services Summit; The Future of Association Meetings and Societal Transformation, presented by ICCA; and 2024 Showcase, produced by PCMA and DI.

A fond farewell to Butch Spyridon

After a rousing introduction/roast by Visit Indy CEO Leonard Hoops and Visit Baltimore CEO Al Hutchinson, Spyridon joked that he was “speechless” — and then proceeded to speak with humor and passion about his long and “lucky” career, thanking those who supported him along with way.

Spyridon retired last summer from a remarkable 44-year career in destination marketing, including 32 years leading the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. His initial job aspirations were pretty straightforward, he said: “Don’t get fired, and get out of the business while I still have hair on my head. Mission accomplished.”

Following are excerpts from his remarks: 

“When I think about my career, my lifetime, what comes to mind is how freakin’ lucky I’ve been. I’ve had so much support. Without that support, there’s no achievement, there’s no lifetime, there’s nothing. So tonight, I’d like to recognize that support.

First, support from my wife, Sunny, and my family. Thank God the perks were good, because Lord knows they put up with a ton of shit.

Second — and I mean this and will argue it to the end — support from the greatest DMO staff in the entire country. They called working for me 'Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride,' and they didn’t question the craziness. Thank you, guys. This award is really for you all.

And, last but not least, support from our clients. You guys became our partners, our friends, our allies, and you even became our best sales team. Hell, I quit selling about 10 years ago! And now you’re complaining about rates? Hell, that’s all because of you!

Thank you to Sherrif Karamat and the entire PCMA organization for all you do for this industry globally. It’s invaluable. Keep it up. Let’s go party.”

Recognizing the events industry’s visionaries

A rich slate of honorees took home awards for their significant contributions to the business events industry. Following are the 2024 Visionary Awards recipients.

2024 Lifetime Achievement Award Winners

Educator

Stuart Levy, Associate Teaching Professor of Management, The George Washington University

Business Event Strategist

Elizabeth Tovar, President, Turenlaces

Suppliers

Greg O’Dell, President, Venue Management, OVG360

Butch Spyridon, Former CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.

Professional Excellence Awards

Event Designer(s) of the Year

Tyra Dyson and Jasmine O. Dyson, Founders, The Brand Xperience Lounge, Boss Up Girl Co.

Business Event Strategist of the Year

Stuart Ruff-Lyon, Chief Events and Sales Officer, RIMS

Community Advocate of the Year

Dana Johnston, Vice President, Client Partnerships, EMC Outdoors

Digital Experience Strategist of the Year

Shawn Cheng, Event Strategist at Curious Bear Management and Co-Founder, #EventProfsBreakShit

Supplier of the Year

Doug Bennett Executive Vice President, Louisville Tourism

Outstanding Service to a Chapter or Region

Marcus Eng, CMP Fellow, DES, Director, Meeting Operations & Technology, American Public Transportation Association (Capital Chapter)

Groundbreaker of the Year

Beth Surmont, FASAE, CMP Fellow, CAE, Vice President of Business Event Strategy & Design, 360 Live Me

All photos courtesy of PCMA and Event Photography of North America Corp.