The Global Board of Directors of The International Association of Conference Centers has established a Global Scholarship for emerging young leaders in the conference center industry. The scholarship will recognize and reward an emerging leader who is age 26 or younger, currently employed at an IACC conference center as a full-time employee for more than two years, and has demonstrated an interest in pursuing a career in conference centers.  The Board will consider nominations from a candidate’s General Manager or Managing Director.  The candidate must demonstrate initiative and commitment to the industry through self-development or participation in an employer-assisted development program. The winner of the scholarship will receive travel expenses and registration for their choice of either the North American Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia in May 2009 or the European Annual Conference in Denmark in August 2009. The award also includes the Study Tour preceding either conference and is valued at $5,000. This scholarship is intended to continue to recognize the valuable contributions of younger up-and-coming hospitality professionals with a demonstrated devotion to promoting the conference center difference and the association as well as providing a vehicle for professional development within the global conference center industry.  According to Neil Pompan, IACC Global President, “this scholarship honors the expanding role of emerging generations in the conference center community and further positions IACC as the voice of the industry.” Click here for an application. In addition to the application, nominations must also include: a letter of recommendation from the General Manager or Managing Director and the Current Resume of nominee.  The deadline for applications is January 30, 2009. Send them to: Michele Schurk, Director of Administration, IACC, 243 North Lindbergh Boulevard #315, St. Louis, MO 63141. You may also email nominations to mschurk@iacconline.org, or Fax to (314) 993-8919.