This October, something unprecedented will happen in the meetings and events industry: ASAE, MPI, PCMA, Destination International, and IMEX will come together as one to honor a single leader.

The occasion is a gala dinner on Sunday, October 11, on the eve of IMEX America at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas — a celebration of the life and career of ConferenceDirect Executive Chairman Brian Stevens, widely recognized as one of the most influential figures the industry has ever produced. But the evening is more than a tribute. Every dollar spent on tickets and tables goes directly to the newly established Brian D. Stevens Hospitality Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) scholarship foundation created to bridge the gap between aspiring students and careers in hospitality.

The idea came from a lunch conversation between Mike Gamble (CEO, Searchwide) and Michelle Mason (CEO, ASAE). “No one had ever really recognized Brian professionally for everything he’s done for this industry,” Gamble recalled. Mason agreed: “Let’s give Brian his flowers while he’s living — and let’s support the future impact that he will have on the industry.”

Built around scholarships, mentorship, and expanded educational access, the fund addresses a talent pipeline problem Stevens has been sounding the alarm about for years. The COVID-19 pandemic gutted a generation of hospitality talent; tightening immigration policy and the erosion of campus DEI programs have only compounded the gap. “I would call this effort a bridge,” Stevens said. “A bridge to a career, a bridge to a lifestyle that we all either had parents do for us, or we figured out on our own — and it wasn’t easy.”

The dinner is fully underwritten, so every ticket and table purchased converts entirely into scholarship dollars. Roger Dow will serve as emcee, and the evening will include live entertainment and dancing.

Visit bdshef.org to learn more about the foundation. Click here for event details and reservations — tables and individual tickets are now available.