Your college or university may already have a PCMA Student Chapter. If not, starting your own is easy - all you need is 10 student members and a desire to learn more about the meetings and hospitality industry.

What Can I Get from a Student Chapter?

Student chapters are a great way to network with fellow students. You'll gain valuable experience organizing events and community service projects and working closely with the local hospitality industry. Plus, you can participate with your local PCMA chapter, which provides you with opportunities to meet professional PCMA members and learn about different jobs and network with potential employers!

How Do I Start a Student Chapter at My School?

Once you have at least 10 official PCMA Student members and a faculty advisor, the next step is to develop your chapter bylaws. A link to sample chapter bylaws is available in the Student Chapters Leadership Resources. To formally apply for your chapter, send the following items to PCMA Headquarters:

1. The completed Section I and Section II of the Bylaws
2. College or University catalog
3. List of proposed programs for the school year
4. Proposed budget
5. Campus approval (written document)

You will receive a letter initiating your new PCMA Student Chapter within a month from when your application has been received.

Questions? Contact students@pcma.org.

We've Started Our Chapter…Now What?

Once you've chartered a Student Chapter at your school, check out the Chapter Leader Resources section for a special section dedicated to Student Chapter Leadership. There you'll find descriptions of procedures and responsibilities, guides to financial management, ideas for student chapters and more. In addition to the online resources, Student Chapters also have access to PCMA Headquarters staff free of charge. If you have a question about your chapters, please contact students@pcma.org.

Also available is PCMA On Campus. Developed by the PCMA Education Foundation, PCMA On Campus develops and supports educational programs, college curricula, and reference books that have been implemented by thousands of students, faculty, and meeting professionals. In fact, PCMA maintains a presence on more than 50 colleges and universities worldwide!

Did Someone Mention Awards?

We did! In addition to scholarships proved by the PCMA Education Foundation, the Student Chapter of the Year is also recognized.

Student Chapter of the Year (SCOTY) Award

Win a $500 scholarship for your student chapter event! Click here for more info!