Dave Lutz Honored With the Lifetime Achievement Educator Award

2026 Lifetime Achievement Honoree

On May 7, the PCMA Foundation will recognize industry excellence with its annual Visionary Awards.  We are proud to share that Dave Lutz will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement – Educator award.

This recognition reflects the impact Dave has had on the meetings and events industry for decades—and it’s one he richly deserves.

Dave’s career spans leadership roles at Conferon, ExpoExchange, the founding of Velvet Chainsaw Consulting, and long-standing advisory relationships with associations, destinations, and corporate leaders across the industry. He’s a trusted voice through his long running Convene column, a frequent and sought-after speaker, and a steady guide to boards and executive teams navigating change. His work has helped shape how organizations think about conferences—not just as events, but as strategic business platforms.

What truly defines Dave’s leadership, though, is how he shows up: thoughtful, generous, curious, and grounded. He challenges assumptions, translates complexity into action, and brings a deep belief in the power of face-to-face experiences to drive results.

We look forward to celebrating Dave on May 7 at the Washington DC Convention Center. Tickets will be available soon on the PCMA website.

The Velvet Chainsaw Team,

 Lisa, Sarah, David and Michele