Conference Scholarship for Hospitality Students

ESPA is committed to building awareness of ESPA as a dynamic career path to those studying in a hospitality program. Through partnership with hospitality programs in universities where our Annual Conference is held each year, 5 students are selected to receive a Conference Scholarship.

The students are selected based on merit through collaboration with program professors and educators.

This program gives students a valuable opportunity to not only attend educational sessions, but to build a network of new contacts in the Events field.

For more information, contact info@espaonline.org.

ESPA Conference Scholarship – William H. Just Memorial Award for ESPC Designates or Candidates

ESPA gives opportunities for deserving individuals to earn a scholarship to attend its Annual Conference – a great educational and networking opportunity.

The Annual William H. Just Memorial Award is awarded to an ESPA member who is actively enrolled in the ESPC – the Event Service Professional Certification program or who has achieved the certification. The scholarship provides a full conference registration to attend the 2026 ESPA Annual Conference in Arlington, TX, January 25-27, 2026 (excluding travel) – the premier ESPA event dedicated to education, networking, and advancing the profession of event services.

This award honors the late William H. Just, CAE, CMP, who founded ACOM (now ESPA) in 1988. Bill Just was a true visionary whose professionalism and leadership left a lasting mark on our industry. This award recognizes an ESPA member who demonstrates a willingness to grow and thrive as a leader in this industry.

ESPA members can submit an application which includes an essay on how the ESPC designation is of value to them, why they decided to strive to achieve the certification and details association, industry and community involvement. The winner will receive a complimentary registration to the next ESPA Annual Conference which helps to support their ESPC continuing education requirements.

Apply now for the 2026 Conference Scholarship. Applications are due December 5, 2025.

Travel and hotel costs are not included as part of the scholarship.

Eligibility
Applicants must be:

• A current ESPC designate or
• An ESPC candidate who has submitted (and paid for) their ESPC application, demonstrating commitment to achieving certification and who commits to completing their capstone project by December 31, 2026.

Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:

• An essay describing the value of the ESPC designation, their motivation for pursuing it, and how it supports their professional goals.
• Details on involvement with ESPA, the events industry, and the community.

Applications will be evaluated based on the candidate’s engagement in ESPA, as well as industry and community involvement and their commitment and enthusiasm for achieving the ESPC. One Award is given each year.