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Honorable Mention

Kate Lastinger

Two names came up repeatedly for their outstanding contributions to the industry, but they didn’t quite fit the categories or description of Changemakers we had established: Kate Lastinger, CMM, CMP, founding partner of the strategic meetings management consultancy The Metaphrasis Group, Atlanta, and Dan Parks, president/creative director, Corporate Planners Unlimited Inc., Dana Point, Calif. Said one nominator of Lastinger: “Kate has been involved in SMMP since the late nineties. Beginning in 1999 through 2006, she worked the corporate side of implementing SMMP. From purchasing software for managing meeting flow to creating full-blown systems and programs within corporate planning divisions, Kate had a front-row seat to the emerging SMMP. In 2007, in response to the confusion she witnessed, she started her own consulting firm specifically working to help bring the buyer and supplier sides together to create successful and understandable SMMP solutions.”

Dan Parks

Parks is known for his groundbreaking work in Second Life, most recently as the creator of the Virtualis Convention & Learning Center, a virtual exhibition facility located there. “He is a true visionary, utilizing the power of social media,” said one member of our nominating panel. Congratulations to both for their outstanding contributions to our industry.

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