In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Professional
Convention Management Association (PCMA) and the meetings and convention
industry, PCMA honored Donald S. (Don) Freeman, Jr., chairman of
Freeman, with the PCMA Lifetime Achievement Award.
Freeman accepted the honor during the general session at the 2012 PCMA annual meeting, Convening Leaders, in San Diego.
“Leading
by example, Don Freeman has supported the commitment of countless
Freeman employees and clients, each of whom dedicated their time and
energy to allowing PCMA to offer the very best in education, research
and industry innovation,” said PCMA Chairman Susan Katz.
“Not
only has he donated his time and that of his organization for the
betterment of PCMA, he has also provided significant financial support
enabling us to provide resources to our members. PCMA would not be where
it is today without Don Freeman’s personal support and dedication, and
for that we are extremely grateful.”
Freeman graduated from
the U.S. Naval Academy in 1964 to join the family business founded by
his father, Buck Freeman (an avid PCMA member himself). Named executive
vice president in 1968, Freeman served in several branch locations
before moving to Dallas, where the company's headquarters was relocated
in 1974. He became president of Freeman in 1972, and was named chairman
and CEO in 1977.