William H. Just Memorial Conference Scholarship Award

Application Deadline: December 5

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.

About the Award

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.

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* 1. Applicant's Information

Name:

Company:

Title:

Address:

City/Town:

State:

ZIP/Postal Code:

Email Address:

Phone Number:

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* 2. Number of years in this position:

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* 3. Please describe earlier roles you have held in the hospitality field, if any:

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* 4. Status with the ESPC Certification:

Already achieved ESPC.

My application for ESPC is submitted (and paid) and my journey is in progress.

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* 5. I confirm I complete my capstone project by December 31, 2026.

Yes

I am already ESPC Certified

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* 6. Have you attended an ESPA Conference in the past 2 years?

I have been to one ESPA Conference in the past 2 years

I have been to both ESPA Conferences in the past 2 years

I have been unable to attend the Conference (please provide reason in comments field)

Additional information:

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* 7. Have you done volunteer work for ESPA or any other professional association (ex. committee, task force, speaking, submitted articles)? If yes, please describe.

Yes

Please describe the roles you have held:

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* 8. Is there any other information you would like us to know when considering you for the Award (i.e. Awards/Recognition, community involvement)?

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* 9. Do you have management approval to apply for this award, and, if selected, to travel to the conference?

Yes

I have not approached management for approval at this time

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* 10. Please draft a short essay touching on the following points:

Your commitment and enthusiasm for achieving ESPC as a part of your professional and career development and how this scholarship will support you in your goals.

How has your ESPA membership been beneficial to you as part of your Event Services career.

Anything else you'd like to share with the review committee which supports your interest in this program.

If you need additional room to complete your essay please send the full essay to info@espaonline.org as a word document