On October 26, the Northern California Chapter of PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association) held its annual Bay Area Meeting Excellence Awards (BAMIES) at the Hotel Nikko in San Francisco.

One of the several awards was the "Care Award." The Care award recognizes a member or non-member who through their involvement in our industry has made a significant contribution to the community either through direct or indirect involvement in a local charitable organization or cause. This person fights the good fight on behalf of others and cares about making our community a better place. The other awards included: Hero, Rising Star, Legend & Environmentality.

“I was honored to receive the Care Award! I knew I was nominated primarily for my on-going work with the NorCal African American Young Male Conference, but honestly didn't think I would actually win it,” explains Sears, a California-based independent meeting planner. “The MC read the backgrounds of the three nominees, but I was shocked when he announced me as the winner! I thank and give all the glory to God.”