Leading professional services firm KPMG and the world’s largest meetings and events association, Meeting Professionals International, have partnered to launch the Emerging Professional Scholarship, recognizing students who have demonstrated significant promise for a career in the meeting and event industry.

“As developing and inspiring the industry’s future talent pipeline is important to the success of events of all types and sizes, we joined forces with MPI to launch this new Emerging Professional Scholarship,” said Danielle Purfey, executive director of KPMG’s Events and Meetings team. “We want to leave the ladder down for these aspiring professionals by helping them to make key industry connections and by serving as a valuable resource for them as they finish their degree and pursue industry roles.”

Eligible students must be entering their second year of course work at a four-year degree program and show a passion for career opportunities in the meeting and event industry. Applicants will submit a brief essay response to an industry-themed question.

Scholarships will be awarded to three recipients: $2,000 to first place, $1,000 to second place and $500 to third place. The awardees will also receive a complimentary MPI student membership and the opportunity to network or have exploratory career discussions with KPMG Events & Meetings team members and MPI members.

“We’re delighted to join with KPMG to recognize these future industry leaders,” said Kevin Kirby, executive director of the MPI Foundation. “We’ve been collaborating for a while on how to bring this scholarship to life as a way to honor students showing significant promise and to spark conversations about the industry’s future. It’s truly special that we all stayed on course to launch this scholarship even when COVID-19 cast a temporary dark shadow on live events.”

Although the current health crisis may have temporarily paused live events and ultimately will change the future of events, Purfey shared that KPMG feels strongly about showing these exceptional students that their career aspirations are backed by a network of professionals who have had meaningful and dynamic events and meetings careers.

“It’s our wish that the scholarship will open doors for these students by way of broader networks, resume builders, professional shadowing opportunities and sparking engaging conversations about the new age of events,” she said.

To learn more about the scholarship and to apply, go to mpi.org/foundation. Submissions are open through May 22. Awardees will be announced in June.

Learn more about KPMG’s team of 100-plus skilled events and business professionals dedicated to helping the firm’s leaders create exceptional live and virtual experiences across the United States.